What is Corneal Cross Linking ?
This relatively new treatment is offered to patients with mild forms of keratoconus . Keratoconus is a condition in which there are weakened bonds in the collagen fibres of the cornea. This causes distortion in the shape of a cone usually in the lower part of the cornea. The treatment is designed to strengthen and tighten these collagen bonds , much like a wide belt supports a sagging stomach. Corneal Cross linking is not designed to improve vision but rather is effective in slowing down the progression of keratoconus and helping some patients avoid corneal graft surgery.
How is Corneal Cross Linking done ?
The treatment itself takes 1 ½ - 2 hours at our centre. There are no injections and it is performed simply using local anaesthetic eye drops. The surface of the eye is prepared by the doctor after surrounding the eye with a sterile drape.. Next , Riboflavin eye drops are put in the eye every few minutes until the collagen has absorbed these. This takes about half an hour. An ultraviolet light , set at the correct frequency is then beamed onto the cornea and the strengthening process starts.
Recovery
The treated eye is glare sensitive, red, sore and gritty for 2-3 days. Prescription pain relief is provided and cold ice packs help with comfort. Normally, it is advisable to have at least a week off work .