What are key points for comprehensive care in myopia surgery

Author: Dai Lijuan, Head Nurse at the Refractive Surgery Center of Henan Provincial People's Hospital. Reviewer: Li Jin, Chief Physician at the Refractive Surgery Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital. What are key points for comprehensive care in myopia surgery Introduction: Myopia surgery needs patient cooperation; procedures are detailed to ensure eye health and minimize complications. Keywords: ['Ophthalmic health', 'Surgical care'] Main text: To all friends considering myopia surgery, don’t be fooled by short videos claiming '5 minutes to perfect 4K vision!' Myopia surgery has never been a matter of just 'lying down and winning.' It resembles a comprehensive 'eye rejuvenation plan' that requires your full participation. Every step—pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative—must be approached with seriousness. Currently, there are two main categories of myopia surgery: one is corneal refractive surgery, commonly known as laser surgery, which includes all-laser (SMILE), femtosecond (LASIK), and surface ablation surgeries; the other is intraocular refractive surgery, known for the well-known ICL (Implantable Contact Lens) procedure. The key points in care for these two types of surgeries differ significantly!

Preoperative: Don't rush to 'go under the knife'; let your eyes 'go bare' for a few days first. Do you want to have surgery? Take off your contact lenses and set them aside first! Many people ask me why I need to stop wearing them for such a long time. The reason is quite simple: wearing contact lenses for an extended period can deform the cornea. If I don’t allow the cornea to return to its natural state before undergoing an examination, the results will undoubtedly be inaccurate, and consequently, the surgical plan cannot be tailored precisely. Then, you need to go to the hospital for a complete eye examination: refraction test, corneal thickness measurement, corneal topography, intraocular pressure measurement, fundus photography... The doctor needs to confirm through these tests that you do not have keratoconus, glaucoma, severe dry eyes, and other 'danger zones' for surgery, before they can confidently arrange the procedure for you. Here are a few thoughtful tips for everyone: During the procedure: You are not a bystander; you are a 'key player.' The surgery actually doesn't take long, just about 10 minutes, and there's no need for hospitalization; it's completely painless—the anesthetic drops ensure you won’t feel discomfort in your eyes. During the procedure, you will feel your eyelids gently held open, but there's nothing to worry about; that's the eyelid speculum at work. Then, you will see a small green light in front of you. Here, pay special attention! No matter how fuzzy or dim the light becomes, or even if it seems to 'disappear,' you must keep your gaze fixed on that position; your eyes cannot move at all! Don't suddenly cough or sneeze, and even if you feel nervous, do not speak. Don't worry, the doctor and nurses will gently guide you the whole time; all you need to do is lie back, relax, and keep your eyes stable. Post-surgery: Quick recovery does not mean everything is fine; care must be tailored to different types. A few hours after the surgery, you may experience tearing and light sensitivity, and it can feel as if there is sand in your eyes, which is uncomfortable. This is especially true after surface surgery, where you might feel pain for the first two days, so be sure to take painkillers when necessary. You must not rub your eyes after the surgery! Dry eyes are a very common phenomenon post-surgery, and you should continue to use artificial tears for 3 to 6 months, preferably selecting preservative-free options, as they are safer for your eyes. This surgery typically has almost no pain after the procedure, and you can generally see clearly by the next day. However, be vigilant about the issue of 'increased eye pressure!' If you experience symptoms such as eye swelling, headache, nausea, or seeing halos around lights, you must go to the hospital immediately! For a week after the surgery, do not bend down to lift heavy objects, do not strain during bowel movements, and avoid sudden head movements to prevent a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. Attention friends who have undergone ICL surgery: This lens will remain in your eye for life under normal circumstances. You will need to have regular annual check-ups to monitor your eye pressure, corneal endothelial cells, and the lens position! General Guidelines for Two Types of Surgery (Recommended for Reference): 1. Eye drops must be administered on time and in the correct amount; never stop using them without consulting a doctor. One week after the surgery, when washing your face, you should wipe with your eyes closed. When washing your hair, try to lean back to avoid water getting into your eyes. When using your phone or computer, remember to look up at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes, also known as the '20-20-20' eye care rule. Do not swim or soak in hot springs within 6 months post-surgery; avoid high-risk sports such as basketball and boxing that can easily impact the eyes for 6 months. 5. Do not forget the follow-up appointments: On the 1st day, 1st week, 1st month, 3rd month, 6th month, and 1 year after surgery, make sure to go to the hospital for check-ups. If there are any special circumstances, please follow the doctor's advice. Ultimately, laser eye surgery is not some magical miracle, but rather a tacit collaboration between the doctor and the patient. The doctor is responsible for ensuring safety with their professional skills, while the patient must actively cooperate throughout the entire process. If you want to enjoy clear vision, you need to invest more effort at every stage!