Keratoconus, frequently known as ‘KC,’ is a non-inflammatory eye condition in which the spherical dome-shaped cornea gradually thins and weakens until it bulges outward into a cone-like shape. This causes many optical abnormalities such as blurred vision, sensitivity to light, sudden vision deterioration or clouding, or vision impairment that cannot be rectified with eyeglasses.
Corneal cross-linking (CXL) is a minimally invasive procedure that involves using ultraviolet (UV) light and eye drops (i.e., a type of vitamin B) to strengthen the cornea’s collagen fibres and help in stabilizing the cornea.
This treatment can prevent the progression of chronic keratoconus and help you avoid a corneal transplant, which is a major procedure.
If you’re looking for the best Keratoconus or corneal bulging (ectasia) treatment, this guide is for you! We’ll provide you with everything you need to know about the procedure and its results and benefits.
What To Expect During Corneal Cross-Linking Treatment?
Your ophthalmologist will begin by applying eye drops to numb your eyes and ensuring that you won’t feel any discomfort or pain during the treatment. Then, your surgeon will remove the cornea’s outer layer (epithelium) to allow the eye drop solution to go deeper into the cornea.
Afterwards, your surgeon will apply Vitamin B (riboflavin) eye drop to the cornea for at least 30 minutes, followed by a concentrated beam of UV light to activate the riboflavin in the cornea for another 30 minutes. This helps form new bonds between the collagen fibres in your cornea.
Finally, your doctor will place a bandage contact lens over your eyes to help heal the cornea. You may be recommended to use antibiotics and steroid drops depending on the severity of your eye infection.
Who Is a Good Candidate For Corneal Cross-Linking Treatment?
Novomed is known for providing the most cutting-edge technologies and procedures in eye care. Our goal is to help you determine if you are a good candidate for corneal cross-linking during a personal consultation. This procedure is only recommended for people whose corneal condition is worsening, and you’ll make an excellent candidate if the following applies to you:
- If you’re between the ages of 14 – 40
- Have mild corneal thinning
- Show signs of keratoconus
- Have no corneal scarring
- Have a corneal disorder for six months or more
In addition to the above, corneal cross-linking can be a great treatment for other vision impairments, such as:
- Ectasia following Refractive Surgery
- Infective Keratitis – PACK CXL
- Bullous Keratopathy
Corneal Cross-Linking Results and Recovery
Studies have shown that CXL results are long-lasting and can be permanent with proper care. This procedure helps prevent further vision loss in over 95% of patients and improves vision in 60-81% of patients treated.
It’s expected to experience mild symptoms for around five days following surgery, including blurred vision and inflammation light sensitivity. Patients are generally required to take at least three days off work and occasionally up to a week. During this time, you are advised to abstain from most normal daily activities, including driving, staring at a computer, and reading.
Moreover, your ophthalmologist will provide post-operative instructions, oral pain medication, and eye drops to help alleviate discomfort and prevent infection.
We usually recommend waiting approximately three months following a corneal cross-linking treatment before fitting patients for new glasses or contact lens prescriptions.
For more information about corneal cross-linking or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or contact us on 8006686!
