The cornea is the transparent, dome-shaped front layer of the eye. It acts as the primary focusing lens of the eye, ensuring clear, usable vision. A weak cornea can result in blurry vision, light sensitivity, and even eye pain. Luckily, crosslinking surgery can be used to strengthen the cornea.
What is Crosslinking?
The crosslinking procedure is the process of strengthening the cornea by creating additional bonds in the collagen fibers. This causes the cornea to stiffen, helping it to retain its natural shape.
At Eye Care and Laser Surgery, we use Epioxa, the only FDA-approved, non-invasive, epithelium-on, oxygen-enriched, corneal cross-linking treatment for keratoconus (KC). This procedure does not remove the outer layer of the cornea, called the epithelium, and has been proven safe and effective in rigorous clinical studies. It involves the use of specially formulated prescription eye drops called Epioxa and Epioxa HD.
After completion of the Epioxa procedure, you will need to wear a contact lens in the operated eye for 5-6 days. You may experience slight discomfort or blurry vision for 1-2 days before your vision improves. Epioxa treatment is designed for improved comfort and shorter recovery time.
What Conditions Can Crosslinking Treat?
Crosslinking is primarily used to treat keratoconus, but can also be used to treat pellucid marginal degeneration and ectasia. Without crosslinking, these conditions can result in the need for a corneal transplant.
What Is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus is a condition characterized by the thinning of the cornea. This causes the shape of the cornea to change, bulging out in a cone-like shape. Changing the shape of the cornea changes the way light rays are focused in the eye. Early treatment is key to help halt the progression of KC and prevent further vision loss.
What Causes Keratoconus?
The exact cause of keratoconus is still unclear. However, it is believed to have a genetic component, as 1 in 10 people with keratoconus have a parent who also has the condition. Keratoconus also seems to be associated with eye allergies, excessive eye rubbing, and connective tissue disorders.
What Are the Symptoms of Keratoconus?
Keratoconus can cause a number of symptoms. These can include:
- Blurry vision
- Distorted vision (straight lines often look wavy)
- Light sensitivity
- Eye redness or swelling
- Astigmatism
- Inability to wear contact lenses
These symptoms will usually begin when a person is in their late teens to early twenties. The symptoms worsen over a period of 10-20 years before becoming unbearable. It should be noted that symptoms can differ between each eye and can change over time.
How is Keratoconus Diagnosed?
Keratoconus is easy to diagnose with a comprehensive eye exam. During the exam, your doctor will examine your cornea and measure its curvature. At the end of the exam, your doctor will be able to confidently say whether or not you are experiencing keratoconus.
To find out if you have keratoconus and are a suitable candidate for crosslinking, contact us today.