How is corneal cross-linking done?
During a corneal cross linking procedure, your doctor will first apply riboflavin (vitamin B2) eye drops, and then shine a specific type of ultraviolet light directly onto your cornea. The eye drops consist of a substance conducive to photo enhancing, which enables cross linking to take place.
Is corneal cross-linking a major surgery?
Corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) is a minimally invasive procedure used to prevent progression of corneal ectasia such as keratoconus and post-LASIK ectasia.
How painful is corneal cross-linking?
You should not experience any pain during the procedure. However, you may have some discomfort or even pain in the immediate recovery period. A bandage contact lens is placed to protect your eye and to reduce pain and discomfort.
How long does corneal cross-linking surgery take?
It takes about 30 minutes for the drops to soak into your cornea. Then, you’ll lie back in a chair and look up at a light. You shouldn’t feel any pain during the procedure because your eyes will be numb. The entire treatment takes about 60-90 minutes.
Can I watch TV after cross-linking?
You should avoid watching TV after corneal cross-linking for at least a few days. Activities that strain the eyes, such as TV, computer work, or reading, can cause pain or discomfort. The pain typically subsides after three to five days.
How long after cross-linking can I wear glasses?
After 1 to 2 months, the cornea has generally stabilized enough to reassess the patient’s vision with glasses and contact lenses. One may consider refracting at 1 and 2 months after CXL to check for stability before having the patient fill a spectacle prescription.
How long is vision blurry after crosslinking?
Is this normal? It is normal for your sight to be blurred for the first few weeks after surgery. Using lots of Hyabak will help smooth the surface of the cornea and improve the focusing. You can use as much Hyabak as you wish – the more you use within the first few weeks, the quicker the vision will recover.
How long after corneal cross-linking can you drive?
After treatment expect to take up to one week off work and for some patients who experience complications this could be longer. You will not be able to drive for at least a week.
How soon can I drive after corneal cross-linking?
What should you not do after cross-linking?
After surgery
You do not need to use the drops during the night. Do not rub your eye(s) after the procedure whilst the contact lens is in place. If you accidentally do so and the contact lens comes out, do not put it back in your eye.
What can you not do after corneal cross-linking?
Will I need glasses after cross-linking?
The aim of corneal cross-linking (CXL) is to stabilize keratoconus. After treatment, you will still need to wear glasses and/or contact lenses for clear vision.
Does vision get worse after cross-linking?
With the traditional CXL procedure, most patients find that immediately after the cross-linking treatment, their vision is actually worse than it was before the procedure. This usually goes on for roughly 3-6 weeks.