Keratoconus And Cross Linking - What Should You Know?

Corneal cross-linking refers to a treatment for an eye problem known as keratoconus. During this condition, the front portion of the eye known as the cornea becomes thin and gradually get weaker over a period of time. This makes it bulge into a cone shape, which could make one's vision totally distorted and make it very hard to see. During corneal cross-linking, doctors or ophthalmologists use special eye drops along with ultraviolet light to make the tissues lying in the cornea stronger. This prevents the bulge from getting worse.

It is known as cross-linking because it adds a special connection between the collagen fibers in one's eye. They work like support beams to help the cornea remain stable. At this point in time, it is the only treatment that can stop this condition from getting worse. It can also help people avoid going for a corneal transplant, which is major surgery.

Treatment Procedure -

An ophthalmologist can carry out this cross-linking procedure in his or her clinic. The procedure is described as follows:

• First, the patient would receive drops that get the eyes numb along with a medicine to calm him or her down.

• Then, the doctor would put in riboflavin eye drops, containing Vitamin B2, which allow the patient's cornea to absorb a light lot better.

• For the remainder of the procedure, patients would simply lie back in a chair and look up at a light. There will be no pain as the eyes remain numb.

Types Of Cross-Linking -

There are two types of cross-linking:

• Epithelium-off

• Epithelium-on

Epithelium-off is when the doctor removes the epithelium before he or she puts the drop. Certain experts feel that this allows one’s eye to absorb the vitamins and light lot better but takes much longer to recover and has more risks as well.

During Epithelium-on, one’s epithelium is left alone. This means that patients will not have any pain and the recovery process will also be short.

Tips From Ophthalmologists - 

Let us look at the valuable tips from Ophthalmologists, with regard to this procedure of Cross-Linking, which patients undergo for Keratoconus. They include:

• Cross-Linking is ideal for all those, who have recently got diagnosed with Keratoconus.

• This procedure does not reverse the changes in the cornea, which have already taken place.

• Patients must not wear contact lenses for a couple of weeks before undergoing this treatment.

• Patients should also ask if there are restrictions with regard to certain foods or medicines during this time.

• It is important not to wear any makeup, perfume or apply after-shave on the day of the procedure. One can have a light meal and take fluids before going for the treatment.

• Once patients have undergone the cross-linking procedure, they might require new glasses or contact lenses.