Corneal Cross Linking also known as C3R or CXL is a procedure done to treat Keratoconus (a condition wherein the cornea of the eye has become thin and bulges outward in a cone like shape).
In this procedure the collagen fibres of the cornea are cross linked and strengthened by using riboflavin eye drops and uv light rays.
Before doing this procedure, at Jehan Eye Clinic, the doctor will advise you to do certain eye scans such as the corneal topography scan and pachymetry to measure the thickness of the cornea and to check your entire eye from front to back including the retina respectively.
In this minimally invasive procedure, the Vitamin B eye drops- Riboflavin are applied to the eye for 20 to 30 minutes continuously and the eye is then treated with ultra violet light rays for 30 minutes or less depending on the intensity of the uv light rays used.
Post the procedure, the patient will feel slight heaviness in the eye, slightly blurred vision, sensation of foreign body in the eye, sensitivity to light around them. All these symptoms will reduce as each day passes and are normal after any eye procedure.
To achieve the best results with C3R or CXL procedure, it must be done in the early stages of keratoconus that is before your cornea has become too thin or too disfigured.
Post the procedure the doctor will advise painkillers accordingly.
Post the procedure a bandage contact lens is placed in the eye to reduce the discomfort and pain.
it will be kept in the eye for 3 to 4 days after which the doctor will remove it based on your healing.
Certain guidelines must be followed post the cross-linking procedure such as:
- Do not rub your eyes
- Avoid places with a lot of dust or smoke
- Do not let water enter your eyes
- Do not wear any make up or get any beauty treatments done (such as eyebrow threading or waxing)
- Avoid heavy exercises for at least 1 month.
- Most importantly, continue your follow up doctors visit and the medication prescribed by the doctor on a timely schedule.
