Keratoconus, a progressive eye disease, has long been a source of concern for those affected by its vision-distorting consequences. The cornea, the eye’s clear, dome-shaped surface, begins to thin and bulge into a cone-like shape, leading to blurred and distorted vision. This condition can significantly impact the quality of life, making even simple tasks challenging. However, a beacon of hope shines for those grappling with this condition: corneal cross-linking. This article delves into the intricacies of corneal cross-linking for keratoconus, offering a ray of hope for improved vision and stability.
Understanding Corneal Cross-Linking
Corneal cross-linking is a medical procedure that aims to halt the progression of keratoconus by strengthening the cornea. The treatment involves the application of riboflavin (vitamin B2) eyedrops and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. This combination promotes the formation of additional chemical bonds between the collagen fibers in the cornea, akin to adding support beams to a structure, thereby enhancing its stability and strength.
The Cross-Linking Procedure: What to Expect
The corneal cross-linking procedure is typically performed in an ophthalmologist’s office. It begins with the application of numbing drops to ensure comfort, followed by the administration of riboflavin eyedrops. These drops are essential for the cornea’s absorption of UV light. After a preparation period, the patient is exposed to UV light, which activates the cross-linking process. The entire procedure takes approximately one to one and a half hours.
Types of Corneal Cross-Linking
Two primary types of corneal cross-linking exist: epi-off and epi-on. The epi-off method involves removing the epithelium, the cornea’s outer layer, to allow the riboflavin drops to penetrate the cornea effectively. The epi-on technique, still considered experimental, does not require the removal of the epithelium, potentially offering a quicker recovery time.
Candidacy for Corneal Cross-Linking
Corneal cross-linking does not reverse existing corneal changes but prevents further deterioration. Therefore, early intervention is crucial. Individuals diagnosed with keratoconus should consult with their ophthalmologist to determine if they are suitable candidates for the procedure.
Preparing for the Procedure
Preparation for corneal cross-linking is straightforward. Patients are advised to avoid wearing eye makeup, perfume, or after-shave on the day of the procedure. Eating a light meal and staying hydrated is generally permitted. Importantly, patients will need someone to drive them home afterward, as vision may be temporarily impaired.
Post-Procedure Care and Recovery
Following the procedure, patients may experience discomfort, light sensitivity, and a sensation of having a foreign body in the eye. It is crucial to follow the ophthalmologist’s post-procedure care instructions, which typically include wearing a protective contact lens and avoiding eye-rubbing.
Vision After Corneal Cross-Linking
Initially, patients will notice blurry vision, which gradually stabilizes over time. While the primary goal of corneal cross-linking is to prevent further vision deterioration, some patients may experience an improvement in their eyesight.
Risks and Considerations
As with any medical procedure, corneal cross-linking carries potential risks, such as infection, corneal damage, and vision problems. Discussing these risks with a healthcare provider is essential to make an informed decision.
The Verdict on Corneal Cross-Linking
Corneal cross-linking represents a significant advancement in the management of keratoconus. By providing a means to strengthen the cornea and halt the progression of the disease, it offers patients a chance to maintain their current level of vision and, in some cases, avoid more invasive procedures like corneal transplants.
Conclusion
Corneal cross-linking for keratoconus is a beacon of hope for those seeking to stabilize their vision and manage the progression of this challenging condition. With its ability to strengthen the cornea and potentially improve visual outcomes, it stands as a testament to the advancements in ophthalmological treatments. As research continues and techniques evolve, corneal cross-linking remains a vital option for those battling the effects of keratoconus.
Can You Fly After LASIK? The Ultimate Guide
POSTED ON SEPTEMBER 21, 2023
LASIK surgery seems like something out of science fiction. A doctor carefully reshapes your cornea using a high-tech laser. Individuals who get the surgery can permanently fix their vision and be back to work shortly after.
The recovery after laser eye surgery is a cakewalk compared to most procedures. As long as you let your eyes relax and keep them lubricated, you can live your everyday life immediately. So if you’re on a busy schedule, can you fly after LASIK?
Before you book that post-procedure trip, know what to expect when caring for your eyes. Read on as we discuss whether it’s a good idea to hop on a flight – and travel tips you may need.
Can You Fly After LASIK?
The short answer is yes. You can do almost anything after LASIK provided there’s no risk of dislodging your corneal flaps. Flying is one such activity.
That said, there are a few items of note before you board your plane. Let’s look at some important considerations prior to your flight.
Delay Your Trip
It’s highly recommended not to fly immediately after your surgery. Most people require at least two or three days of relaxing recovery. Flying necessarily strains your eyes – reading tickets, flight boards, seat numbers, and so on.
Overall, it’s not a good situation for your newly-healing eyes. If at all possible, stay at home for the first three days after LASIK. You will have to return for a follow-up the day and week after, anyway.
Even better, give yourself a full week or two to recover, and then plan your trip. Only fly if you have to. For international trips, it’s highly recommended to wait at least one to two weeks.
Rest assured, flying is completely safe – but it will be more uncomfortable.
Prepare for a Dry Plane Cabin
The first potential issue when on an airplane is that the cabin area is dry. This is simply because the higher you go, the dryer the air gets. Dry air, naturally, dries out your eyes as well.
It’s critical for healthy eyes – especially post-LASIK – to lubricate them well and often. Even after your recovery period, your eyes will naturally be more dry than non-LASIK eyes.
All this means is that you need to pack plenty of doctor-approved artificial tears. Bring your prescribed eyedrops as well.
Avoid Any Eye Strain
Eye strain is the most noticeable symptom post-surgery. Anything that requires prolonged periods of focus – reading, writing, watching something – is not recommended.
It’s highly advised to avoid screen time as much as possible after your operation. Your eyes will let you know when you’ve had too much; they’ll get extremely sore, forcing you to relax.
Obviously, that leaves you with few entertainment options on the plane. You won’t be able to watch any movies or play any phone games. Even reading a paper book will provoke discomfort.
Instead, make sure you bring headphones so you can listen to music or podcasts. Take the time to have a chat with whoever’s in the seat next to you.
Or, simply lay your head back and enjoy a nap. Put on your eye shields just as you would sleeping at night.
Anything you can do that does not require focusing your eyes is ideal.
Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes
Your eyes will be a bit itchy and dry after surgery. Your natural reaction is to rub them to relieve the discomfort. As your doctor will tell you, rubbing your eyes after surgery is a bad idea.
Rubbing them too hard could cause you to re-open the flap on your cornea. If this happens, you would need to rush into your LASIK doctor’s office to fix it. At most, you can lightly rub them to alleviate some of the discomfort.
Using your eyedrops regularly helps to keep them moisturized, making rubbing less necessary.
Be Mindful of Risks
Flying on a plane can sometimes present risks to someone just out of laser eye surgery. For example, a passenger loading their suitcase into the overhead bins. If that suitcase hits you in the face, it could detach your corneal flap and require an emergency return visit.
Simply put, be mindful of your surroundings. Travel is often chaotic. Being wary of these risks ensures you have healthy eyes and a speedy recovery.
Consider Your Destination
Your destination after the surgery may introduce challenges when caring for your eyes. Places that are sunny, windy, and cold in particular.
Beaches and cold, windy areas will dry out your eyes faster. Make sure to bring plenty of eyedrops wherever you go, inside or outside. Wear sunglasses if it’s sunny, and any time indoor lights feel too bright.
Swimming is best avoided for the first few weeks after LASIK. Keep your head above water if you have to. Avoid swimming where there’s a chance that someone could involuntarily splash you in the face.
Other Travel Tips for LASIK
The best way to travel after LASIK is to prepare. Bring everything that your doctor recommends post-operation:
- Sunglasses
- Eye shields for sleeping
- Prescribed healing eye drops
- Artificial tears for dry eyes
Always keep some artificial tears on your person. Those little single-use droppers are great since they fit in your pocket or bag. Bring more than you need; it helps to have extra if you stay out later than anticipated.
Find out if you can get more eyedrops at your end destination. If you are traveling abroad, you may discover your arrival country doesn’t have the artificial tears you need. Bring plenty extra, just in case.
Again, it’s highly recommended to reschedule a vacation that comes shortly after the surgery. You wouldn’t want to pay for a costly trip, only to discover you can’t enjoy it because of eye strain and headaches.
Visit Eye LASIK Austin
Eye LASIK Austin is thrilled to now be able to offer corneal cross linking. Book your free consultation and free yourself from glasses and contacts.
