Familiarity with Treatment

Corneal cross-linking (CXL) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat keratoconus, a progressive eye disease where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape. This procedure aims to strengthen the cornea by creating new bonds between collagen fibers, thereby halting or slowing the progression of keratoconus.

Procedure Explanation

1. Preparation: The eye is numbed with local anesthesia.
2. Epithelium Removal: The outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is removed to allow better absorption of the riboflavin (vitamin B2) eye drops.
3. Riboflavin Application: Riboflavin eye drops are applied to the cornea for about 30 minutes.
4. UV Light Activation: The cornea is exposed to ultraviolet A (UVA) light for another 30 minutes, which activates the riboflavin and strengthens the collagen fibers.
5. Completion: A bandage contact lens is placed on the eye to aid healing.

Who is it Suitable For?

• Patients with progressive keratoconus.
• Individuals with mild to moderate keratoconus.
• Patients who have not responded well to other treatments.
• Those with corneal ectasia after refractive surgery.

Who is it Not Suitable For?

• Patients with severe keratoconus where corneal thickness is too thin.
• Individuals with active eye infections or severe inflammation.
• Those with a history of poor wound healing.
• Patients with significant corneal scarring.

Advantages

• Slows or halts the progression of keratoconus.
• Reduces astigmatism and irregular astigmatism.
• Improves visual acuity and quality.
• Minimally invasive with a relatively quick procedure time.
• Reduces dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

Complications

• Infection or inflammation.
• Hazy or blurry vision.
• Sensitivity to light.
• Discomfort or mild pain.
• Rarely, worsening of keratoconus or scarring.

Previous Care

• Comprehensive eye examination to determine suitability.
• Discontinuation of contact lenses prior to surgery.
• Detailed discussion of potential risks and benefits with the ophthalmologist.

Aftercare

• Use of prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops.
• Avoid rubbing the eyes.
• Regular follow-up visits to monitor healing.
• Temporary use of protective eyewear.
• Avoiding water in the eyes and heavy exercise for a few weeks.

Stay at Hospital?

• This is typically an outpatient procedure, so an overnight stay at the hospital is not required. Patients can usually go home the same day after a brief observation period.