Corneal cross linking surgery is a procedure that 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 the 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 1 in 2000 people. It can start anytime when puberty begins and 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. Thus 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 a major and complicated surgery is. Keratoconus is detected with the help of a slit lamp examination, and the diagnosis can be confirmed by corneal topography.
The following patients are considered to be eligible for collagen cross-linking in India.
There are two types of corneal cross linking surgery: epi-off and epi-on. “Epi” 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.
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 and is painless. In the end, the eye is patched. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface of the front of the eye that 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.
CureIndia helps you choose the right doctor for your collagen cross linking surgery. Most of the doctors in our associated top corneal 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 doctors for corneal treatment in India.
Many factors can influence the total cost of corneal cross linking surgery in India, and hence it is different for every patient. However, on average, the cost of corneal surgeries in India can range from 200 USD to 1,000 USD. You can consider the estimated average cost of different treatments by referring to the costs list mentioned below.
| Treatment | Cost in India | Stay in India |
|---|---|---|
| Keratoconus Cross Linking Surgery in India | $2,000 per eye | 5-7 Days |
The cost of cornea surgeries can range between 3,000 USD and 5,000 USD in the USA, which is a lot more than in India. India not only provides cost-effective medical care but also provides premium and world-class treatments.
If not treated, the corneal damage can lead to vision loss. Hence, you should seek medical help immediately if you have damaged your eye. India is the best choice for you, as Indian hospitals provide high-quality treatment at a very cost-effective price. Eye treatments in India are highly reputed, and a lot of patients from many different countries choose India over many other countries because of the best quality treatment at a very affordable cost.
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 wearing contact lenses. In the epioff 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 be able to wear regular contacts 2-4 weeks after the corneal cross-linking surgery, but the vision will change over 3-6 months.
Get the Eye color you've always dreamed of
Connect Today
Opt for successful eye color change surgery
Plan Surgery
Remove glasses with SMILE LASIK
Get Cost
Spectra Eye 
TX Hospitals, Hyderabad 
Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, Ahmedabad 
Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, Delhi 
Dr. Priti Kumari 
Dr. Gunjan Budhiraja 
Dr. Sucheta Kaul Gugnani 
Dr. Dinesh Kumar Mehta 
Dr. J. S. Titiyal 
Dr. Neelam Khatwani 
