I Have Keratoconus: How Can Corneal Cross-linking Help Me?

Keratoconus is a condition that affects the eye cornea, causing the front part of the eye to thin and weaken. The weak cornea bulges out in a cone shape, distorting vision. The condition makes it difficult to wear contacts for vision correction. 

Without treatment, keratoconus can progress rapidly. Patients with the disorder may benefit from treatment that can help prevent the disease's progression. Here are ways to know if corneal cross-linking can help with your keratoconus.  

Understanding Keratoconus
 

Keratoconus is a condition characterized by a weak, improperly-shaped cornea. It usually begins in puberty and continues to worsen into early and mid-adulthood. The condition affects about one in 2,000 people. If not treated, it can continue to worsen. Symptoms of the disorder include:
 

• Distorted or blurred vision.

• Frequent changes in the lens prescription.

• Increased light sensitivity.

• Sudden clouding of eyesight.

Diagnosis will help determine whether you have a chronic condition.

Corneal Cross-linking Treatment
 

Corneal cross-linking (CXL) is an effective keratoconus treatment that helps halt or slow down the condition. It works by strengthening the weak corneal collagen fibers. The treatment bonds or links the corneal fibers and can be performed invasively or noninvasively. 

Without treatment, a corneal transplant may be necessary to correct the issue. The treatment involves using eye drops and ultraviolet light to strengthen the cornea tissues. Strengthening the fibers allows them to support and stabilize the cornea effectively. 

During the CXL Procedure
 

The CXL procedure is usually quick and pain-free. Your ophthalmologist begins by numbing the eye before applying B2 (riboflavin) eye drops. The drops soak into the cornea for around 30 minutes, allowing the cornea to absorb light better. 

The patient will lie back in a chair with the light shining into the eyes. The UV energy and the eye drops work together to trigger the growth of new corneal cross-links. Your eye doctor can complete the entire treatment in about two hours.    

Types of Corneal Cross-linking

There are two types of Corneal Cross Linking, and studies show they are both effective. The difference is they approach the epithelium or outer cornea layer differently. During epi-on corneal cross-linking, your ophthalmologist loosens the epithelium but leaves it on during the procedure. During epi-off corneal cross-linking, your doctor removes the epithelium before applying the eye drops to the eyes. Here at Santa Barbara Eyecare we perform epi-off corneal cross-linking which is now FDA approved, which means that your medical insurance is able to cover it. Epi-on corneal cross-linking is completely out of pocket.

How CXL Can Help You

If you have keratoconus, you should get treatment as soon as possible. The surgery can help slow the progression of the disease. The treatment does not reverse cornea changes that have occurred. Good candidates for CXL are patients with early signs of keratoconus. Your eye doctor can help determine whether you can benefit from the treatment. You may need new eyeglasses or contacts after the treatment. 

Your vision will likely be blurry immediately after surgery, so you need to get someone to drive you home. As the eyes heal, you can expect to experience some vision changes. Avoid rubbing or scratching the eyes in the days after CXL. Your ophthalmologist will insert a contact lens in the eye to enhance healing. 

For more on how corneal cross-linking can help you or determine if you’re a candidate, call Santa Barbara at either (805) 967-9990 or (805) 451-8180 to speak with our team today.