If you are worried about worsening vision and need help immediately, it is vital that you visit a reliable optician to help you identify the issue. If the results show that you are suffering from keratoconus, which is when the shape of your cornea is wrong, then cross-linking eye surgery could be the solution.
At Laser Vision, we provide cross-linking eye surgery as an advanced treatment option designed to stop keratoconus from progressing and protect your long-term eye health.
Click here or call 0808 304 5174 today so that we can get you in for some tests to check your vision and prevent further damage leading to vision loss.
What is Cross-Linking Eye Surgery?
Corneal cross-linking treatment strengthens the cornea by creating new bonds between collagen fibres.
This process, known as a photochemical reaction, uses riboflavin eye drops and ultraviolet light to reinforce the cornea and improve stability.
Unfortunately, this treatment is not a cure for your condition, as there is no cure, but it is arguably the most sought-after treatment in dealing with keratoconus.
How Does Cross-Linking Work?
Cross-linking treatment is not too complicated on paper. During the treatment, the eye is treated with anaesthetic eye drops to ensure comfort.
Before the eye drops can be applied, the surface layer of the cornea may be gently prepared. Once the riboflavin eye drops are used, a controlled UV light source is then used to activate the solution, forming new bonds within the collagen molecules.
By following the treatment instructions, our specialist at Laser Vision will be able to help you reduce corneal steepness, slow disease progression, and protect against vision loss.
Who Is It For?
Cross-linking for keratoconus is recommended for patients with:
- Progressive keratoconus
- Corneal ectasia following refractive surgery
- Early signs of worsening corneal shape
Cross-linking eye surgery is extremely effective in younger patients, often in their late teens or early adulthood. Usually, when young adults start suffering from issues with their corneal shape, it is easier to help treat with cross-linking treatment. At a later age, it may require something a little more drastic, depending on how bad the patient’s vision is.
Recovery and Aftercare
The recovery and aftercare instructions are quite straightforward, leading to a quick recovery if followed carefully. So, no taking shortcuts, especially when it comes to eye and vision health.
So, the first step is to give you the best chance to heal during the first week after your procedure. We do that with a bandage lens that is placed to protect the eye. Patients are prescribed antibiotic and steroid drops or steroid eye drops to support healing.
- Initial healing takes about a week
- Vision may fluctuate in the first few weeks
- Full recovery continues over a few weeks
Some postoperative pain, light sensitivity, or mild corneal haze may occur, but this usually settles quickly. If these post-procedure things occur, do not panic, and feel free to check with us at Laser Vision regarding the seriousness.
Usually, they are nothing out of the ordinary, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your vision.
Benefits of Cross-Linking Treatment
There are several benefits to speak of when it comes to corneal cross-linking surgery. Some of the key benefits of this procedure, also known as CXL treatment, are:
- Helps stop keratoconus progression
- Reduces the risk of needing a corneal transplant
- Improves long-term vision stability
- Provides a safe treatment for a scary issue
An additional benefit is that many patients start to find that contact lenses become more comfortable after treatment.
At Laser Vision, we only recommend treatments that we truly believe to be of help to a patient’s life. As a result, we feel very comfortable recommending corneal cross-linking.
Is Cross-Linking Safe?
Corneal cross-linking cxl has been widely studied, including in multicenter clinical trial research by groups like the crosslinking study group. The overwhelming feeling is that it is safe and effective when performed by experienced specialists with a strong track record in treating keratoconus corneal cross-linking cases.
We want to stress that it’s impossible to say that something is 100% safe, but cross-linking treatment is as safe as can be.
What to Expect After Surgery
Once your treatment has been completed, you will attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure the treated eyes are recovering well.
You can start normal routines within two weeks, although vision continues to improve over time.
Avoid eye rubbing and follow all aftercare advice for the best results.
Take Control of Your Vision
So, if you are struggling with distorted vision and end up being diagnosed with keratoconus, cross-linking work can help protect your future vision.
Book a consultation today to find out if cross-linking treatment is right for you and take the first step towards long-term eye health.
Click here or call 0808 304 5174 to book a consultation today to find out if cross-linking treatment is right for you, and visit our flagship clinic based at Prema Portsmouth.
Prema
Compass Road
North Harbour Business Park
Portsmouth
PO6 4RP
