When is the right time for refractive surgery?

Refractive surgery (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism...) is indicated for people aged 18 and over, with stable vision for at least 6 - 12 months. New techniques in the treatment of refractive errors are being applied, but need to be properly indicated.

The Central Eye Hospital ( Hanoi ) has just put into use the new generation "VisuMax 800 refractive surgery and corneal transplant system", laser surgery with advantages of safety and effectiveness in surgery to treat refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism...).

This machine system performs refractive surgery for complex cases: myopia treatment up to -10.00 diopters, astigmatism up to -5.00 diopters (depending on each case), hyperopia up to +6.00 diopters; suitable for patients with thin corneas or not eligible for surgery with other methods.

Doctors need to do a comprehensive assessment before prescribing refractive surgery.

PHOTO: HOANG NGUYEN

Compared to previous generations, the new generation of refractive surgery systems treats nearsightedness and astigmatism with laser without cutting the corneal flap, providing high precision and minimal invasion; helping to shorten the time to create a corneal flap, the laser time is reduced from 23 seconds in the old generation machine to 8 seconds for each eye. At the same time, the automatic energy adjustment system helps to cut uniformly and smoothly, supporting quick vision recovery.

Refractive surgery must be properly indicated.

Associate Professor, Doctor Pham Ngoc Dong, Director of the Central Eye Hospital, said that complex refractive errors can now be treated with more optimal results by applying the latest generation of refractive surgery and corneal transplant techniques. However, comprehensive consultation and assessment before prescribing refractive surgery is extremely important, deciding the success of all surgeries.

Dr. Dong also noted that ophthalmic equipment is increasingly modern, providing the best services for patients, but to achieve treatment results, it requires a team of skilled and experienced surgeons who are proficient in technology and techniques, and have the ability to control and handle well during surgery, especially in cases with complex pathologies before, during and after treatment.

Patients need to be consulted, examined, and evaluated carefully, from which specific indications can be given and the correct refractive surgery treatment method used. Refractive surgery (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, etc.) is indicated for people aged 18 and over, with stable vision for at least 6-12 months, no recent increase in degree; at the same time, have appropriate corneal thickness to ensure safety after surgery; do not have eye diseases such as keratoconus, infection, corneal scarring, severe dry eyes, severe retinal diseases, etc.

The Director of the Central Eye Hospital added that from next September, the Central Eye Hospital and Ho Chi Minh City Eye Hospital will organize training courses and seminars providing the latest knowledge, skills, most modern technology, and optimal treatment methods in the treatment of refractive errors from the world's leading ophthalmologists to ophthalmologists nationwide, contributing to improving the capacity for comprehensive eye care for the people.

Previously, the two hospitals signed a cooperation agreement to improve the knowledge and experience of ophthalmologists in examining, diagnosing and treating refractive errors, especially refractive surgery, helping to further improve the quality of vision for people with refractive errors.

According to the Ministry of Health , a survey on the status of refractive errors in children at a number of primary and secondary schools in Hanoi (2000) and in Ho Chi Minh City (2023) showed that in Hanoi, 51% of children have refractive errors, of which myopia accounts for 37.5%, hyperopia accounts for about 8% and astigmatism is 5%.

In Ho Chi Minh City, the rate of children with refractive errors is up to more than 75%, of which the number of children with myopia accounts for nearly 53%.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thoi-diem-nao-phu-hop-phau-thuat-dieu-tri-tat-khuc-xa-185250811095052524.htm