Corneal Collagen Crosslinking/Intra Corneal Ring Segments

Corneal Collagen Crosslinking/Intra Corneal Ring Segments


Corneal Cross-Linking Surgery in India

Corneal cross-linking is which is done to treat an eye disorder called keratoconus. In Keratoconus, the bilateral ocular disorder arises as the stromal collagen tissue gets thin over time resulting in cornea taking up a conical shape. The bulge created due to the conical shape of the cornea distorts the vision and makes it difficult to see. Although the chances of a person getting keratoconus are less, as the frequency of it happening is to 1 in 2000 people. It can starts anytime when puberty begins progresses until thirty to forty years of age, when it is usually diagnosed. In corneal cross-linking, the eye surgeon uses special eye drops and ultraviolet A (UVA) light in order to repair the corneal tissues and make them stronger. to make the tissues in your cornea stronger. Ths the bulging, thereby improving the vision. The surgery is called “cross-linking” as it crosses links and strengthens the network of collagen fibres in your eye. Currently, Corneal collagen cross-linking is the only quality treatment to treat a thinning cornea and improve the distorting vision. Corneal cross-linking may also avoid the need to get the corneal transplant done which is which is a major and complicated surgery. Keratoconus is detected with the help of a slit lamp examination and the diagnosis can be confirmed by corneal topography.

What is a Corneal Abrasion?

Damage to the eye's cornea is medically referred to as a corneal abrasion. It may occur in a split second. Something, such as grit or sand, becomes lodged behind your eyelid, or you accidentally puncture your eye. To the extent that you can do so, closing your vision does not alleviate the pain. It hurts and stings when exposed to light. Your cornea bears it. The crystalline layer covers the iris, the colorful portion of the eye. Additionally, it protects the black circle in the center of your eye, known as the pupil.

Corneal Transplant

Most transplants can be performed while you are awake. Meds to help you chill down will be administered. Local anesthesia will be distributed around your eye as a pain reliever to keep your look from moving during surgery. The cornea you'll get in a cornea transplant will originate from a recently deceased individual. A local eye bank will prepare the cornea for your procedure by thoroughly inspecting and testing it.

  • Penetrating keratoplasty was the gold standard for cornea transplantation for many years.
  • The procedure is still often used today.
  • This surgery involves having a little, spherical portion of your cornea surgically removed.
  • Once the incision in your cornea is prepared, the donor tissue will be stitched into place.
  • Lamellar keratoplasty is an innovative new method.
  • The difference between this and penetrating keratoplasty is that just the inner or outer layers of the cornea are restored here.
  • Several lamellar approaches exist. The donor tissue preparation and the thickness of the layer being replaced are the main points of differentiation.
  • Healing times are cut down significantly, and problems are kept to a minimum with any lamellar operation.

Causes of Corneal Abrasion

Your cornea will probably be scratched by any item that comes into close contact with the front of your eyes. Let's have a look at some other circumstances that might lead to abrasion of the cornea:

  • Poking your eyes with anything from your fingers to a pen to a cosmetics brush.
  • Using contact lenses that are either unclean, broken or not properly fitted to your eyes.
  • Any foreign material 2that gets caught in your eyes, such as dust, dirt, ash, or any other foreign substance.
  • Participating in high-risk activities such as sports without wearing any eye protection is very dangerous.
  • Keeping your contacts in overnight or for a long time might cause serious eye problems.
  • Chemicals of any kind
  • Overly vigorously rubbing your eyes.

Symptoms of a Cornea Abrasion

Because the cornea is one of the delicate components, even the smallest scrape may cause excruciating pain and great unease. The following are some of the indications and symptoms of a corneal abrasion:

  • Pain.
  • Itchy, watery eyes
  • Eyes that are red and bloodshot.
  • The hazy vision
  • Headaches.
  • Sensitivity to the light

Who is a suitable candidate for Collagen Cross-Linking?

The following patients are considered to be the eligible for corneal collagen cross-linking.

  • The patient should be diagnosed with keratoconus with documented progression of the disorder.
  • Patient's corneal thickness must be at least 400 microns.
  • The patient should have good overall health.
  • The patient should not be pregnant.

Types of Corneal Cross-Linking

There are two types: epi-off and epi-on. “Epi” is is used for epithelium, the tissue that covers your cornea. In the epi-off technique, the epithelium is removed before the doctor puts the drops in. This allows the eye to absorb the vitamins and light better. However, this may have a little risk in the future. In the epi-on technique, the doctor does not touch the epithelium. Therefore, there is lesser pain and a short recovery.

Corneal Abrasion Treatment

Your eye will be treated depending on the findings of the exam that your ophthalmologist performs on it. The following are some available choices.

  • You may need to cover the damaged eye with a patch. This prevents you from blinking, making the corneal abrasion much worse.
  • Use eye drops that moisturize the eyes—the cornea benefits from adding this calming layer.
  • To avoid getting an infection in your eye, your ophthalmologist may recommend using the antibiotic eye ointment.
  • Eye drops designed specifically to dilate or enlarge your pupil may be administered to you. This may be of some assistance in reducing pain.
  • A specialized contact lens may be provided to lessen discomfort and hasten your recovery.
  • If the abrasion on your cornea is minor, it should heal within one to two days. The healing time for a bigger corneal abrasion is estimated to be about one week.

How is Corneal Collagen cross-linking performed?

Before starting with the corneal collagen cross-linking treatment, the surgeon administers topical anaesthesia to the patient in a sterile environment. The doctor then begins with gently removing the patient's corneal epithelium. Following this, the surgeon applies a Riboflavin solution every 5 minutes for the first half an hour. After this, the doctor exposes the patient's cornea to UVA light for about 30 minutes. The total treatment lasts for about an hour is painless. In the end, the eye is patched. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface of the front of the eye which allows light to pass into the eye and provides focus to see images clearly. The loss in the corneal transparency results in loss of vision.

Corneal Cross-Linking Recovery

The corneal collagen cross-linking treatment depends on the type of treatment technique you opt for. In the epi-on procedure, the procedure is painless and recovery is short. Where you can be able to resume your regular activities the next day including ear contact lenses. In the epi-off procedure, there may be some pain for the first several days of the surgery. It may take up to 7-10 days before you resume your routine activities but for the epithelium to completely heal, it can take several weeks. After epi-off surgery, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics and steroid eye drops for up to 2 weeks. You will able to wear regular contacts after 2-4 weeks after the corneal cross-linking surgery, but the vision will change over 3-6 months.

Corneal Cross-Linking Risks

Like other surgeries, epi-off corneal cross-linking surgery can have a few risks and complications which include:

  • Mild eye infection
  • Eye pain and swelling
  • Corneal or epithelium damage
  • Blurred or hazy vision.

The epi-on corneal cross-linking procedure doesn't have any risks or side effects.

How does one determine whether or not a patient has a corneal abrasion?

When something scratches their eye, most individuals are aware of it very immediately. If there is pain in the eye, it may result from a corneal abrasion. Even a little scratch or cut to the cornea may cause great discomfort. It is possible to self-inflict a corneal abrasion and not even be aware of it. This can occur if you attempt to remove a contact lens from your eye while the lens is not really on your vision. A superficial scratch on the cornea may be caused by accidentally rubbing a finger over it. It is critical to get any damage to the cornea checked up by your eye doctor if any of the following apply:

  • After suffering an eye injury, you will notice that your vision is hazy.
  • You have just started experiencing discomfort in your eyes that does not go away after a few minutes or hours.
  • Even if you can't see anything in your eye, you feel something is there.
  • Something lodged in the eye may take the form of dirt, tiny particles, a splinter, or another foreign object.
  • Bright light may cause the vision to become very sensitive.

Recommended doctors for Corneal Surgery in India

CureIndia helps you choose the right doctor for your medical treatment. Most of the doctors in our associated hospitals have been internationally trained and are active members of many international medical councils and associations.

Let's hear from some of the most reputed dcotor's for Corneal treatment in India.

1) Dr. Suraj Munjal

Dr. Suraj Munjal-Best Eye Doctor

2) Dr. Smriti Jain

Dr. Smriti Jain

3) Dr. Suwarn Chetan

Dr. Suwarn Chetan-Eye Doctor

Prevention

The brain has an incredible immune system, but it is possible to protect your eyes from bumps and bruises. You should always wear safety glasses when doing work that might cause eye damage. Contact sports and sports involving the use of fast-moving items, such as baseball, badminton, racquetball, and soccer, all need protective eyewear, such as sports goggles.

Keeping trees trimmed above people's heads is a simple technique to reduce the risk of accidents happening in high-traffic areas, particularly near sidewalks. If your contact lenses are causing you pain, you should stop using them and make an appointment with your doctor. Never use contact lenses unless your doctor has permitted you to do so.

Conclusion

If your eye continues to be red or painful following treatment, or if your vision continues to blur, you should make an appointment with an ophthalmologist or call the emergency room. However, if the ophthalmologist dilates your pupils, your eye may remain blurry for up to 24 hours.

Corneal Surgery FAQs

What kind of treatment is there for a scratch on the cornea?

Removal of the offending object and administration of pain medication (such as a topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine or oral analgesics) are the cornerstones of symptomatic therapy. In addition, it is important to use protective eyewear to prevent corneal abrasions.

How long does a scratch on the cornea take to heal?

Some corneal abrasions may take up to three days to heal, but the vast majority will be OK within only 24 hours. However, it may take up to five days if the corneal abrasion is very severe, affecting more than half of the cornea's surface. The epithelium may attempt to grow back in an asymmetrical pattern during this period.

Can corneal abrasion be treated with eye drops?

Tiny scratches on the cornea usually heal within a week. The doctor may prescribe eye drops to maintain lubrication and prevent infection. This eye medication must be used exactly as prescribed.

Would it affect my ability to drive if I have a corneal abrasion?

Do not operate a motor vehicle or equipment if you have a corneal abrasion or if you have had an eye patch put on. Using just one eye, you can have problems determining distances. Wear sunglasses or remain inside if you have light sensitivity in your eyes.