What is Crosslinking?
Crosslinking is a modern treatment method applied to strengthen the structure of the cornea. This method, especially preferred for progressive corneal diseases like keratoconus, aims to halt the progression of the disease. Known as corneal cross-linking, this procedure is carried out using riboflavin (vitamin B2) and ultraviolet (UV) rays. During the treatment, riboflavin drops are applied to the corneal surface and activated with UV light to create new bonds between the corneal fibers. This hardens the cornea and slows the progression of the disease.
As with many diseases, early diagnosis with periodic checks is very important.
- After treatment, the patient needs to be monitored by a physician
- Patients can typically return to their daily lives within 1-2 days after the procedure
- The primary aim of this treatment is to reduce the progression rate of keratoconus.
- Many patients experience significant improvements in vision levels after treatment.
Crosslinking Treatment
Crosslinking treatment is usually applied to individuals diagnosed with keratoconus. The aim of the treatment is to enhance the durability of the corneal structure and prevent progressive vision loss. The treatment is performed under local anesthesia and lasts approximately 30-60 minutes. Post-procedure, patients can generally return to their daily lives within 1-2 days. The goal of crosslinking treatment is mainly to preserve the current state rather than achieve a significant increase in visual quality. Vision level improvements may also be observed in some patients after treatment.
Post-Crosslinking Surgery
The recovery process after crosslinking surgery can vary from patient to patient. Typically, in the first few days after the procedure, temporary side effects such as mild pain, stinging, light sensitivity, and blurred vision may occur. It is crucial to use the prescribed drops regularly during this period. Patients should avoid rubbing their eyes and follow hygiene rules. The use of sunglasses is also recommended during the recovery process.
Things to Be Careful About After Crosslinking
There are several important points to consider after crosslinking. First, patients should strictly follow the instructions given by their doctor. The prescribed antibiotic and steroid drops should be used regularly after the operation. Attention should be paid to eye hygiene, and dusty and dirty environments should be avoided. It is strictly not recommended to rub the eyes. Patients using contact lenses should refrain from wearing them without the doctor’s approval after the procedure. Follow-up checks should not be neglected, and communication should be maintained with the doctor regarding symptoms.
What You Need to Know About Crosslinking Treatment
The success rate of crosslinking treatment is quite high, and in many patients, the progression of the disease can be stopped. This treatment may not be suitable for every patient. Especially if the corneal thickness is below a certain limit or if there is a risk of infection, the treatment may not be applied. The patient’s suitability is assessed with detailed tests conducted before the treatment. The treatment is generally applied in a single session, but in rare cases, it may need to be repeated. Changes in vision levels post-treatment may take several months, and patience is required during this process.
Corneal Cross-Linking
Corneal cross-linking is an effective method developed to strengthen the corneal structure. Especially when applied in the early stages for patients diagnosed with keratoconus at a young age, it plays a significant role in halting the progression of the disease. With this procedure, the bonds between the collagen fibers in the cornea are increased, making the cornea more resilient. This reduces the risk of vision loss and provides protection against potential progressions. Corneal cross-linking has become one of the most preferred treatments in the field of ophthalmology in recent years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crosslinking?
Crosslinking is a modern method aimed at strengthening the corneal structure, used especially in the treatment of progressive corneal diseases such as keratoconus. In this procedure, a special drop containing riboflavin (vitamin B2) is first instilled into the eye. By applying a controlled low dose of ultraviolet A (UVA) light, new bonds are formed between the collagen fibers in the corneal tissue. Thanks to these bonds, the cornea hardens, becomes more resilient, and the progression of the disease is largely halted. This method, which does not require a surgical procedure, is usually performed under local anesthesia and takes approximately 30-60 minutes. Crosslinking treatment can also be used in other conditions with ectasia besides keratoconus.
When can I return to normal life after crosslinking surgery?
The recovery process after crosslinking treatment may vary depending on the individual. In the first few days post-procedure, symptoms such as stinging, watering, sensitivity to light, and blurry vision in the eye can occur. Most patients can return to their daily lives within 1 to 3 days after the procedure. The quality of vision may not immediately be clear after the treatment and this process can vary from a few weeks to several months. During this period, fluctuations in vision can occur. Complete recovery can vary based on the patient's eye structure, the application method of the treatment, and the post-care process.
Is crosslinking treatment painful?
No pain is felt during the crosslinking procedure as anesthetic eye drops are applied to numb the surface of the eye beforehand. During the procedure, patients usually only experience mild pressure or light sensation. Post-procedure, especially within the first 48 to 72 hours, discomforts like pain, stinging, burning, watering, and light sensitivity in the eye can be felt. These complaints are temporary and diminish over time. The drops and painkillers recommended by the physician can make this process more comfortable. Using protective contact lenses can also help reduce discomfort.
What should I be careful about after crosslinking?
There are important points to consider for a healthy recovery process after crosslinking. Post-treatment, care should be taken for eye hygiene, the drops recommended by the physician should be used regularly, and the eyes should definitely not be rubbed. Due to sensitivity in the eyes in the first few days, screen time should be reduced, bright light should be avoided, and sunglasses should be used when going outside. In the post-procedure period, environments with a risk of infection such as the sea, pool, sauna, and steam room should be avoided. Timely attendance of doctor-recommended follow-up appointments is vital to monitor the recovery process and prevent potential complications.
What should be known about crosslinking treatment?
Crosslinking treatment aims to halt the progression of diseases like keratoconus and is therefore very effective. It may not be a suitable method for every patient. A detailed evaluation of the eye is necessary before starting the treatment. Corneal thickness is a decisive criterion at this point; the procedure may not be performed on corneas that are not thick enough. The presence of an active infection in the eye can lead to the postponement of the treatment. The treatment generally aims to preserve the current level of vision; an immediate significant increase in vision is not expected. Improvement in vision quality can take several months, and fluctuations in vision levels may occur during this period. Some patients report they are able to use contact lenses more comfortably post-treatment.
Is there a difference between corneal cross-linking and crosslinking?
Corneal cross-linking and crosslinking are two different terms describing the same treatment method. The term "crosslinking" is the English name that appears in international literature; "corneal cross-linking" is the Turkish translated form of this expression. Both terms refer to the same procedure based on increasing the bonds between collagen fibers in the cornea using riboflavin and UV rays. There is no difference in meaning or application between the two terms. It is recommended to consult an ophthalmologist to learn if this treatment is suitable for you and to get detailed information.