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Our team of eye doctors and cornea specialists has extensive experience in caring for our patients in the Washington, DC, and Maryland area.
If you’re looking for trusted doctors for your cornea surgery in Washington, DC or Rockville, MD, Visionary Eye Doctors has the medical professionals for you!
You can also check out our frequently asked questions below to understand more about corneal cross-linking and how the eye doctors at Visionary Eye Doctors can help.
How long does corneal cross-linking take?
Corneal cross-linking takes 60 to 90 minutes. First, your doctor will numb your eyes with drops. Then, you’ll receive eyedrops formulated with riboflavin (vitamin B2) to let your cornea absorb light. The drops will soak into your cornea in about 30 minutes. The procedure itself takes 30 to 60 minutes.
Learn more about corneal cross-linking treatment in Washington, DC, and Maryland.
How long after cross-linking will vision improve?
With the traditional CXL procedure, most patients find their vision worse immediately after the procedure. This is normal and usually lasts for three to six weeks.
While the primary benefit of corneal cross-linking is to stop the progression of keratoconus, older patients with keratoconus may also experience improved vision and corneal shape. Some patients experience improvement in vision six months after the CXL procedure and may see further improvement within one to three years.
What occurs during a crosslinking procedure? Is this considered a minimally invasive procedure?
During a corneal cross-linking procedure, the eye is first numbed with anesthetic drops, and the thin layer of the outer cornea, known as the epithelium, is gently removed to allow better penetration of the treatment. Riboflavin drops (vitamin B 2) are then applied to the cornea, which is soaked for a period to ensure adequate absorption. Following this, the cornea is exposed to controlled ultraviolet light, which reacts with the riboflavin to strengthen the corneal fibers by forming new cross-links, thereby stabilizing the cornea. Once the cross-linking process is finished and the cornea has been treated, a bandage contact lens is applied to the eye as a protective barrier.
How soon can I get back to normal activities like watching TV or driving after corneal cross-linking?
After corneal cross-linking treatment, you’ll need someone to drive you home because the vision in your treated eye will be blurry. You may resume driving after your vision meets the driving standard (individual advice).
You should avoid watching TV after corneal cross-linking for at least a few days during the healing process. Activities that strain the eyes, such as TV, computer work, or reading, can cause pain or discomfort. The pain typically subsides after three to five days. Learn more about post-operative care for corneal cross-linking here.
What are the side effects of collagen cross-linking?
Cross-linking of corneal collagen, or CXL, is a promising approach to treating keratoconus and secondary ectasia. But like any medical procedure, it is important to consider the risks of corneal cross-linking.
Side effects of CXL treatment can include a temporary corneal haze, permanent scars, corneal epithelium defect (disruption of surface cells), and delayed epithelial healing. Our doctors will speak with you about the risks associated with CXL.
Am I a better candidate for cornea cross-linking or a Corneal Transplant?
A patient may benefit from corneal cross-linking if they have keratoconus, a condition affecting corneal thickness, leading to vision problems. This procedure is effective in halting the progression of keratoconus, thereby preventing further deterioration of vision. On the other hand, a cornea transplant becomes necessary when the cornea is severely damaged or scarred, which cannot be rectified by cross-linking or other less invasive treatments. This is typically considered in cases of advanced keratoconus, corneal dystrophies, or significant scarring from injuries or infections, where replacing the damaged cornea with a healthy donor tissue is the only option to restore vision.
Has corneal crosslinking received FDA approval?
Yes. In April 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Avedro Inc.’s corneal cross-linking system to treat patients with progressive keratoconus and post-LASIK surgery ectasia. The FDA approved a specific piece of equipment (the KXL System: a UV light source) and two riboflavin solutions (Photrexa and Photrexa Viscous). The Avedro system was the first corneal cross-linking treatment ever approved in the country.
Will I need to be out of my contact lenses for this process?
Yes, you will have to discontinue wearing your contact lenses before undergoing this procedure. Doctors usually advise keratoconus patients to refrain from using hard contact lenses for several weeks before the surgery.
What insurance coverage can I expect for a surgical procedure like corneal cross-linking?
Like most refractive surgeries, insurance coverage for corneal cross-linking varies widely depending on your specific health insurance plan. Consult directly with your insurance provider or our billing team to understand the extent of coverage for this procedure, as some insurers may classify it as a necessary medical treatment while others may consider it elective.
The first step in determining your candidacy for any procedure is to schedule a consultation and experience our comprehensive eye exam. This is the most complete eye exam available today and includes a consultation with one of our experienced surgeons. Utilizing advanced diagnostic technology, our surgeons will not only evaluate your candidacy for a procedure but will look at the overall health of your eyes and establish a long-term plan for your best visual acuity.
Request your consultation in Rockville, MD, or Washington, DC, today!