The cornea is the clear, transparent dome in front of the "black portion" of the eye. It is also the main focusing surface, which converges light rays as they enter the eye to focus on the retina. It is thus the most important part of the optical apparatus of the Eye. Loss of transparency directly results in loss of vision.
When can the patient resume normal routine ?
After the treatment, patient will be able to resume work within 3 to 4 days.Care should be taken to avoid entry of water into the eyes during this period.The use of contact lenses may be resumed 6 weeks after treatment.
How often must the patient come for follow up ?
The surgeon will examine the patient's eye daily for the first 2 to 3 days until the epithelial healing is complete. Eye drops will be used for 4 months. Patient will have to come for follow up at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years after the procedure.
Can both eyes be treated at the same time?
If both eyes are suitable for Collagen crosslinking, the treatment is performed on one eye at a time .The timing of treatment of the second eye is best decided in consultation with your ophthalmologist.
What are the possible side effects of the procedure?
A foreign body sensation, irritation or watering accompanied by pain is not uncommon on the day of treatment. Analgesics for relief from pain will be prescribed , and the pain usually subsides within 24 hours. Dryness of the eyes frequently follows this treatment and may last for 6 to 8 months. Tear lubricants are therefore recommended for the period.
Concerns using UVA light
UVA light can potentially harm the vital cell layer of the cornea known as the endothelium as also the crystalline lens and the retina. However, the use of riboflavin and the choice of the wavelength of UV light used, substantially reduces the intraocular penetration of UV rays to negligible levels. Potential side effects are therefore avoided. It is mandatory to perform a preoperative measurement of the corneal thickness and to exclude patients with corneal thickness less than 400 microns .
The 3 & 5 year results of the Dresden clinical study on collagen crosslinking in human eyes has shown arrest of progression of keratoconus in all treated eyes Collagen crosslinking has thus emerged as a safe and effective , inexpensive non surgical promising new treatment for Keratoconus to slow the progression of the disease and to delay or avoid corneal graft surgery. With more long term experience in the arena , prophylactic treatment of Keratoconus might become possible with collagen crosslinking. |