Scleroplasty of the eyes in children: pros and cons

The problem of myopia in our days is more urgent than ever. A huge number of children come to specialists with complaints about visual impairment. Especially dangerous is the condition that changes in the structure of the eye are possible. In children aged 8 to 15 years, the disease is actively progressing. If time does not stop its flow, complications can lead even to blindness. Scleroplasty of the eyes in children is one way to stop myopia. However, visual acuity can not be restored with the help of this operation.

How to develop eye problems

Myopia is a disease of the eye, in which objects close to one another are clearly visible. If they are further away, the image becomes blurred. This is due to the lengthening of the eyeball. The rays of light that go from the objects, in a normal state, converge on the retina. With short-sightedness, they unite in front of it. On the retina arises a blurred image of this object. Another name for the disease is myopia. Among the causes that affect the development of myopia, the hereditary factor, weakening of the sclera tissues, muscles, overexertion of the eyes from unfavorable living conditions.

Scleroplasty of the eyes in children. Indications

The indication for this type of surgical intervention is actively progressive myopia (vision falls more than 1 diopter per year). Myopia is a fairly serious disease. It causes disability in more than 40% of patients. In addition, the complications that may arise are quite dangerous. This is both a retinal detachment and a hemorrhage. Also, nearsightedness can lead to dystrophic changes in the retina or choroid. Similar problems cause a change in the size of the eyeball, namely, its increase. All these factors are an indication for the operation, such as scleroplasty of the eyes, in children. Reviews of ophthalmologists suggest that the development of myopia stops at the same time.

Are there any contraindications?

Like all procedures that involve surgical intervention, scleroplasty has some contraindications. First of all, specialists do not recommend this procedure to children under 8 years old. If the body is in an inflammatory process, there is a chronic infection, then the operation is impossible. Diseases of the eyes, thinning of the sclera also provide for the refusal of the procedure. Scleroplasty of the eyes in children is not performed if there are scar changes in the tissues of the organs of vision.

Techniques for conducting

The essence of this surgery is to strengthen the sclera of the eye. This is a very important operation. It is performed under local anesthesia or under general anesthesia. The choice of the means of anesthesia depends on the age of the child and his temperament. Older children have enough drops that anesthetize. Scleroplasty of the eyes in children occurs as follows: the surgeon inserts into the eyeball a special strengthening substance. It is the skeleton for sclera. This is how the growth of the eyeball stops. Micronutrices are produced. This operation also improves blood circulation. The main positive points include mechanical strengthening of the sclera, and stimulation of metabolic processes in the organs of vision.

Types of scleroplasty

There are several subspecies of this procedure. Simplified scleroplasty of the eyes in children is as follows: through the notches, a syringe is injected with a composition that freezes after a while. It can be either a synthetic polymer or a natural material based on blood or cartilage. The next type is simple scleroplasty. The back of the eyeball is injected with a strip of special material. They are silicone, metal-plastic, natural (from the shell of the brain, donor sclera). These strips, like a bandage, support the eyeball. The third type is a complex scleroplasty of the eyes in children. It involves the dissection of the muscles in order to hold the strips. Also, this method uses a large number of binders.

Possible complications

This procedure is of low trauma. However, scleroplasty of the eyes in children can still cause complications. First of all, this is due to the introduction of foreign material. It can be torn away by the body, despite its inertia. If this happens, then most experts remove this component and replace it with another. Due to insufficient fixation on the back wall, the binder material can be displaced. There is a swelling. In this case, a second operation is performed. Allergic reactions to the composite are also possible.

Recovery period

Scleroplasty refers to those operations that are not particularly painful and traumatic. Therefore, the recovery period is rather short. Of course, it will be different depending on the age of the child, the stage of the illness and the type of surgery performed. After about 2 weeks, you can return to normal life and even play sports. After a month, classes are allowed in the pool. And yet, doctors strongly recommend not to expose the eyes after the operation to heavy loads for two years.

Is scleroplasty effective in children? Pros and cons

The main argument used by the fans of this procedure is the stopping of progressive myopia. After all, everyone knows the serious consequences that myopia can lead to. The total loss of vision is the factor that scares the children and their parents. However, not everyone has this point of view. Many people oppose any surgical interventions, to which the scleroplasty of the eyes belongs in children. Hardware treatment, glasses, contact lenses - most parents choose this kind of conservative therapy. As an argument, the fact that in Europe this intervention is left in the past is used, as there is no reliable data on its effectiveness. In any case it is important to observe the development of myopia. If the drop in visual acuity is within -0.5 diopters, then this is entirely acceptable. If the deterioration is greater than 1 diopter, then it is worthwhile to listen to the recommendations of the doctors and choose the appropriate method for stopping the progression of the disease.

Prevention of eye problems

In order to avoid having to choose between surgical intervention and conservative treatment in the future, it is worthwhile now to instill in the child rules that will help preserve his vision. First of all, the time spent in front of the computer must be strictly controlled. Every half hour the eyes need a break. The duration should be at least 5 minutes. It is good at this time to do some exercises for the eyes, for example, alternately look at the distant objects, then at those that are close. This gymnastics perfectly strengthens the muscles of the eyes. The distance to the monitor should be at least 50 cm. The books should be kept at a distance of 30 cm. Under no circumstances can you read lying down or in moving vehicles. It is important to remember the correct posture and sufficient lighting of the workplace. You should watch the TV when the light is on. A full rest is also important for the eyes. Sleep for at least 8 hours will give them a chance to have a good rest. Proper balanced nutrition, fresh air, active games instead of a computer monitor will also help maintain visual acuity.