Corneal Collagen Cross-linking and Keratoconus Treatment

Corneal collagen cross-linking is a procedure done to the cornea (the clear, front portion of the eye) that aims to halt the progression of keratoconus - a disease in which the cornea becomes increasingly distorted. Keratoconus tends to be more quickly progressive in children than it does in adults, so it is important to treat the condition as soon as possible.
Keratoconus first leads to increases in myopia and astigmatism and if not treated, can eventually progress to blindness. Corneal collagen cross-linking is not a cure for keratoconus, but it can halt the disease and prevent blindness and the need for more invasive procedures such as a corneal transplant. Children’s Hospital Colorado is one of the few children’s hospitals in the nation that offers this procedure and are on the forefront of research in pediatric keratoconus. The cross-linking is performed by a pediatric ophthalmologist or a cornea specialist. Children are often seen in our joint pediatric and cornea clinic before we proceed with corneal collagen cross-linking.
Learn more about the procedure at www.childrenscolorado.org/doc....
Learn more about the ophthalmology department at Children’s Hospital Colorado at
www.childrenscolorado.org/doc....
Connect with Children’s Colorado:
Instagram: / childrenscolo
Facebook: / childrenshospitalcolorado
Twitter: / childrenscolo
LinkedIn: / children's-hospital-co...
Website: www.childrenscolorado.org

[@supgladiateur72]

I read a few comments and I decided to share my experience too! I had a cross linking in 2011 so 12 years ago! Since then, the keratoconus has indeed stopped as confirmed by my yearly follow-up appointments. So to those of you who rencently had the surgery and who wonder about the long term effectiveness of it, I can assure you it will save your vision! Take care all

[@vlogooze0126]

Yes.i have also done before 15 years

[@saifffy123]

@@vlogooze0126 i have the surgery tmw. will it improve my vision?

[@XanimationX]

About to do it at 19.

[@sibelc.380]

Hi 👋 I have this disease too and I want to know after surgery did you use contact lenses ? I would be grateful if you can give me an update!thanks

[@abishekathangaselvam6673]

I did before 10 years now my left eye blurred and doctor asked for surgery what should do

[@yasseryasser2748]

It is my great honor to see this very informative video . My only wish in my life is to travel to you for treatment and help me get rid of a difficult life full of desperation and frustration that is killing me every day because of the suffering I am feeling. 😔

[@bouncycase10]

I had this procedure done today at moorfields and I must say it wasn’t as bad as I had anticipated, my surgeon was very reassuring and broke down in great detail what the treatment entails, to anyone who is feeling apprehensive about this treatment please don’t, as I was feeling the same also but realised it wasn’t bad at all, the only downside is the post op, which is extremely painful. Other than that it was very quick surgery

[@x883_killahskitzo3]

I had it done and it was the worst pain I’ve ever had

[@Nae-jh5qr]

Going for mine in a few days. Thank you for sharing!

[@Smiileyy345]

I’m having it done in a month! I’m scared lol. Can I ask u when is it after the procedure that u have to go back for the first check up? And also do you have to take the contact lense that they insert out? X

[@zowi9581]

Oh damn I had mine done at moorfields too

[@valenciabennett5077]

Did you have cloudy vision afterwards and how long does it lasts?

[@Anjali-vj8uo]

I did this a month ago. Took like 45 minutes and went straight home. Was extremely uncomfortable for 3 days and just rested and listened to audiobooks. I'm waiting for my scleral lenses now.

[@gearup3027]

Can u please reply me i need to ask about this from u

[@rock882josh7]

Did the sceral lenses help?

[@johnlocke4715]

Here are my recommendations/tips if you are having cross linking for keratoconus. - No it doesn’t hurt at the time. The process is nothing to be afraid of. It’s similar to being inside a car in the front seat driving on a rainy day. -After the surgery you will still have the effect of anaesthesia for 1.5-2 hours. Have a friend or relative be with you to take you home. This is imperative. But be prepared to have a lot of painkillers and a pair of sunglasses as you’ll be ultra sensitive to light. -Sleep, sleep and sleep some more. Take your eye drops and sleep again. Do not watch television or look at your phone. -Before the surgery have a tonne of podcasts ready in a playlist to listen to so that you can close your eyes and just listen therefore no need to stare at a screen.

[@sibelc.380]

Hi I have same issue with my eyes I want to ask after surgery are you taking any contact lenses for good vision or glasses?thank you 🙏

[@Gigi-uy4zk]

I’ve had this surgery on both eyes very recently (in the UK) and I’ve got to say it’s not as bad as it looks, the anaesthetic eye drops help stop any pain during the surgery, and I was sent home with some to use that day to help as well. The first day is pretty difficult to deal with, I recommend taking it easy, going to sleep, using anaesthetic eye drops and pain killers (whether it’s paracetamol or prescribed codeine- I was prescribed codeine). After day 1, the pain usually has subsided, but I noticed my eyes were pretty sensitive to light for a few days afterwards. I thought I’d mention the extensive medication you have to take after the surgery… I was prescribed a mix of eye drops and tablets, most of them were only on a 3-7 day course so you’re done with most of the meds after a week. Although, I was prescribed 4 weeks of Aciclovir anti virals 4 times a day, which made me very sick after I got my first eye done, but they lowered the dosage to 2 times a day after my second eye was done, and so far I’m feeling okay. Don’t let the video put you off, I’m currently 1 week post surgery watching TV happily and able to go out and enjoy myself with no issue. Just be prepared for a painful first day, and wear sunglasses to help.

[@MariaSanchez-vl7ck]

I was told I have keratokonus about 6 years ago. I never went for surgery. This video makes me want to get surgery. My vision will only get worse if I don't get this done :(

[@Karna540]

Not necessarily

[@user-nf9bn9qq6e]

I hope u're doing okay now

[@Abo_Issa1]

Thank you for this very informative and detailed video.

[@sravankumar8695]

The pain after the surgery for the first 24 hours was torturous

[@lataifinefeuiaki4598]

I am currently on Day 2 recovery & my eye is still burning / stinging (as expected) I can't get it to open as it hurts. But I'm hopeful it will ease off soon . I have 3 different eye drops and painkillers & I've also got the emergency eyedrops that numbs the eye but I'm fighting not to use it unless it feels like someone's ripping my eyeball out 😂 whoever is going through this , stay strong you soldier 💪 everyones experience is different you got this ❤️

[@gobby9082]

How is your vision now I’m planning to get the surgery 😢

[@ABBASOMAR-vj8dv]

Thanks you for the video

[@CAMILOH]

What a great video thanks ❤

[@shriharshine4085]

Enjoyed watching this video ❤

[@adriannavarro4255]

i have Keratoconus, ive been living with this condition ever since i was a freshman in highschool around 14 years old, im 25 now, i never got bullied but i got made fun of alot because i use to be the only student sitting in the very front of the class having my desk almost touch the board but i still couldnt see, the school would send me to get glasses but get disappointed that they couldnt give me none, i use to have a eye doctor that would just tell me i needed to have special contacts made and would charge 500$ a pair of contacts. he never cared truly for my vision until one day i decided to make an appointment with a different eye specialist, described what keratoconus is, told me i was one of the people that have it really bad to where my left eye's cornea ruptured and i had a white dot in the center of my eye and couldnt see, i dont see white anymore but i really dont see anythingt much but color from my left eye, i really want help, im scared to go blind! im a father to two beautiful kids and it sucks that i cant really provide for them because their father is legally blind and cant really see my right eye is basically what guides my vision but its headed into the same direction as the left eye, i really want help and if anybody can help me please i will truly appreciate it! www.spotfund.com/story/44c49876-324e-4687-999f-0a43d98a8f85?created=true&SFID=vBIEKx&referral_id=acca4b5a-c1d5-4326-acae-a6cd09db2507

[@Vanotoo]

Hey, thanks for sharing, could you tell me if your vision had improved and if yes by how much after the surgery

[@abdullahmorad7117]

Just had cross linking done in my left eye on Monday which wasn't painful but was uneasy. Following the surgery, I felt pain only till the night and by next day there was no pain. The doctor put a contact lens on my eye(which he said is a protection) that he will supposedly remove a week later after the surgery

[@bearcat9696]

Recovery is very painful, I had the procedure on my left eye almost two years ago and it's been very effective with my left still at 20/20 getting my right eye done soon.

[@epaminon6196]

I'm sorry to hear that you are struggling with bad vision, even after the cross-linking. But at least it won't grow any worse now.

[@Joeythegoats]

Bravo! Vitamin is Riboflavin. I’d add

[@user-cg5ly8kf3q]

Thank you❤️🥀

[@DevzinactiveSCHOOL]

Done crosslinking on 10th of february 2022. For anyone wondering, the operation itself is not painful at all, it just feels kind of uncomfortable. Post operation is when the pain starts, after the anesthetics fade away. It is one of the worst pains I ever felt, feels like you have sand in your eyes and cannot get rid of it, just 10x worse. I had to drink few different kinds of painkillers to be able to fall asleep. The next day is less painful, and pain goes away totally in a week, your sight will just remain to be blurry for about a month. I had to wear glasses since february, and am waiting for my lenses to get delivered cause my eye is healed. Hope this helped to someone. If you have more questions feel free to ask :)

[@gabrielmendez8549]

My daughter will be having crosslink done this week... She is 3 years 8months old... I know you're an adult but any tips on what you did to sleep better and to cope with the pain?

[@abufaris9282]

Does the blurry vision go away with this treatment

[@zaythemayor2254]

That’s the answer I’m looking for too and it has me scared that my vision would still be blurry ​@@abufaris9282

[@samuelseefeld]

@@abufaris9282 No. It's a preventative treatment designed to preserve vision affected by keratoconus.

[@natesauer2756]

I had this surgery 4 months ago and I saw this video now, it is really helpfull. Really good explain of this disease and the surgery. I hope no one will get this terrible disease. It was the worst month of my life. Sorry for my English.

[@gearup3027]

I am gonna be treated for this disease and i am really nervous

[@gendarmerielosblancos4395]

I already have this sh!t my life sucks

[@Mstarindacut]

@@gearup3027 hi I’m going very soon for mine and im just as scared as you might’ve been any update on the operation. Did you see any improvement I hope ?

[@bahaatobbo6455]

@@Mstarindacut i did it yesterday, nothing to be nervous about, the first day is painful, today is less painful, make sure to use scheduled pain killers and stay away from light sources

[@sibelc.380]

@@gearup3027hi after treatment what happened ?is it better now? I have same issue

[@natoshiaj2145]

I had this procedure done on 03/ 08/24

[@loveiseverythingx3713]

I done the eye operation two days ago. Once the numbness wore off, I couldn’t care for my newborn because the eye pain was so bad. Two days in and the swelling and pain has gone down luckily. Please do your research x

[@mendozaactiva-hy4zc]

How are you seeing now? Did your vision worsened?

[@kennyntozakhe7208]

I've done this procedure 4 times on my left eye and 3 times on my right in a space of 11 years. It's not a permanent solution but it really does slow down the bulging.

[@Vinay25]

What is your corneal thickness in both eyes? My is 386 in left and 425 in right

[@Prettywowman1]

why bulging

[@sakshidongre9507]

@@Vinay25 mine is around 450 on both eye..how does that matter??

[@genesisj3630]

So I’m just eventually gonna lose my vision when I’m older? 🥺

[@LucidSomnia]

well I'd say it depends on the person.. had thhis surgery 15 years ago and my eyesight is exactly the same since the procedure.

[@ludwiglap]

I have this , I was diagnosed 12 years ago but most likely I had it longer, my vision hasn't gotten worse, I have not done anything to take care of it, the only thing that I did is wear contacts, I don't wear glasses, my eye vison is 2.0 and 1.75. I am unsure about getting the Corneal Cross-Linking

[@dorn0952]

I had this done 8 years ago. My left eye is now correctable to 20/20. Two years ago it was only correctable to 20/40.

[@neymar1759]

Now are you ok? Is there any problem?

[@dimaskalntourimidis2776]

I made this surgery and I don’t see better I can say worst than before

[@NezzySetApart]

Lucky

[@baldeagle8597]

@@dimaskalntourimidis2776 what was your prescription nd cornea thickness?

[@Vinay25]

@@dimaskalntourimidis2776 even me

[@labosoke]

Had the surgery too, first on my left eye, damn the aftermath is excruciatingly painful, but the right eye wasnt painful

[@user-ff3xy6xv9i]

Full surgery happened. I feel good

[@Jimboouy]

I had this procedure done a few years back. The procedure itself went well, not pain at all, a little weird feeling tho, when you can see everything. Had pain in the eye a couple days after, and couldn't keep the eye open, but in a few days after it felt totally normal again. I'm from Finland, if it have a difference. Remember to ask for good painkillers, for example Panacod and Burana.

[@Vanotoo]

Has your vision improved?

[@dantagogarises632]

I've just been diagnosed with keratoconus this was very informative 👌

[@gearup3027]

Brother i got my mys surgery done yesterday and with this soft lense am not feeling comfortable and vision is also not good please tell me after removing this soft lense will my vision improve?

[@this.mystery5576]

@@gearup3027 I have done this surgery about 3 months ago...my vision was blurry for a month-2 months,but it got better as the weeks went by. Now at 3 months I see clearly but there is little blur from time to time

[@patrickgoodman4576]

Does anyone know how I can get riboflavin eye drops?

[@abee8597]

I got this procedure when I was 13, it was the most painful thing I’ve ever experienced. Although it is important to say that I got the procedure done in the Dominican Republic. After the procedure I felt fine. But then it was unbearable. My eyes hurt so bad. Any kind of light hurt really bad and I had to be in darkness at all times. Seeing any kind of light made me feel like someone was squeezing my eyes. I could not use any electronics or see light for a week. It also hurt whenever I closed my eyes. I could not sleep even when I was really tired. If I wanted to get some Type of rest my mom had to sit there and hold my eyes open. Blinking hurt. I got an infection on my left eye so even when my right eye got better my left eye had to be fixed once again. Apparently the contacts dried up in my eye and it was stuck there. I could not do anything and I could not close my eyes for a couple of days it was painful.

[@clendonramos4179]

How are you now? What happened?

[@AAli220]

Did it stop your progression?

[@QueenArawelo]

WHAT IF THEY DON’T PLACE NO CONTACT LENSE NOR BANDAGE ??? they saying its a new technology 2023 no need for contact or bandage someone help plz

[@alsonsare1315]

I got mine both eyes last June 15, 2022. level of pain 1st day - 11/10 (I literally cried and the more u cry the more it gets painful) 2nd day - 5/10 (it was bearable) 3-5 days - 2/10 (my eyes fely so itchy but I have to endure it. Thankfully the doctor gave me drops to relieve the itchiness and the burning sensation) 6-7 days - 0/10 (no more pain although my vision is still not back in its normal state, I feel like there is a slight improvement since I'm using pinhole glasses instead of those googles given by the doctors) As a keratoconus patient and to others who are suffering as well, I recommend you all using pinhole glasses. I have been using pinhole glasses as an alternative to traditional eye glasses. Been using pinhole for more than a year now. It's really nice wearing it especially when you are using gadgets. It only cost 1-2 dollars at most so I bought 15 sets of it with different styles. I used different pinhole when I'm at home and also different pinhole when I go outside. After surgery for the first week even though my vision is blurry but with the help of pinhole glasses, it becomes clear.

[@ItsmeLavz]

I had both eyes done aswell

[@ItsmeLavz]

I’m on day 4, surgery is allgoods just the aftermath burning an itchy I was getting mean headaches but now feeling ok.

[@amandam1969]

Seems like it would be an easy fix to keep the eye numb for the first 1-2 days so you dony feel the pain. Why dont they do this??

[@rhysnichols8608]

No I refuse to have the surgery. I simply could not sit there and let someone touch my eyes.

[@siddantbhat479]

I am facing issue of double vision after 2 weeks of cross linking. Is it normal? Has anyone faced this problem ?

[@dragonslayer8812]

I had my left eye done which was my worst eye, it significantly worsened my vision, so im affraid to have my right eye done as its my best eye, im scared id they do my right eye i will be legaly blind and would mean i cant drive...

[@graceopie7683]

I am 3 days post op...the procedure was fine it was the 1st night that the pain was the worst. I don't do narcs so I refused the Tylenol with codeine. Did not have the option to take home the topical anesthetic drops(wish that had been an option). Pain wa about a 6 first day and went down to a 4ish the next. Definitely rest and no screen time helps. Unfortunately I banned my eye last night and made it worse but better today again. Next post op appt is mon. !!! Hope this helps! Does feel like the eye is constantly irritated 😒.

[@user-xr3mu1vf8z]

I heard there can be some nasty side effects in some people like dry eyes, loss of vision acuity, sensation like there is some foreign object in your eye, cloudy eyes.

[@GloryWorld254]

I have had this thing since I was 9😅. I'm 28 the surgery here is super expensive i can't afford it.

[@benoitcrevier7942]

Hi all, i am 39 and just got diagnosed yesterday. My vision has been bad since my 20’s. I had to see few specialists and they never found what it was. They told me it was hopeless. But yesterday was such a surprise full of hope for me. Specialist told me about the keratoconus and the cross linking. My left eye is very very blurred. I will be looking for the surgery but i am a bit scared. Anyone knows if i will be able to see again like when i was young? I had tears when the specialist told me There was hope yesterday😢

[@Gigi-uy4zk]

I’ve had this surgery done on both eyes very recently in the UK (I’m 19) and I’ve got to say it’s not as bad as it looks, the anaesthetic eye drops help stop any pain during the surgery, and I was sent home with some to use that day to help as well. The first day is pretty difficult to deal with, I recommend taking it easy, going to sleep, using anaesthetic eye drops and pain killers (whether it’s paracetamol or prescribed codeine- I was prescribed codeine). After day 1, the pain usually has subsided, but I noticed my eyes were pretty sensitive to light for a few days afterwards. I thought I’d mention the extensive medication you have to take after the surgery… I was prescribed a mix of eye drops and tablets, most of them were only on a 3-7 day course so you’re done with most of the meds after a week. Although, I was prescribed 4 weeks of Aciclovir anti virals 4 times a day, which made me very sick after I got my first eye done, but they lowered the dosage to 2 times a day after my second eye was done, and so far I’m feeling okay. Don’t let the video put you off, I’m currently 1 week post surgery watching TV happily and able to go out and enjoy myself with no issue. Just be prepared for a painful first day, and wear sunglasses to help.

[@Ukfairgrounds]

Everyone is saying after the surgery it’s very painful i had this done 4 days ago and it’s not been painful at all only a little maybe I was lucky

[@hugalysmancebo6017]

this message is very comfortable! It will probably be a little painful but I don't think it's the worst pain in the world as many mention

[@ekki2217]

Its exactly happened with me

[@GlacierGaur]

Hello guyz, I had my C3R surgery done last week and it was not as painful as I was expecting.... don't worry... Just be careful post surgery as I got little infection but it got recovered really fast with the help of bestest doctor's team🙏 it takes only 30 -35 minutes for this procedure then you just need to take rest and follow medication. That's all you need to get your eyes fixed.. Mahadev bless you all🙏

[@go2pee]

Where did you get it done?

[@GlacierGaur]

@@go2pee centre for sight

[@hugalysmancebo6017]

Can you share What could have caused your eye infection? That way we can have an idea of what to avoid or no to do… thanks

[@yaitstac7267]

So it’s a 100% that it won’t increase your vision at all

[@benjliftz]

No but it will stop you going blind lmao

[@Jedlicek15]

Could improve minimally

[@robertl1135]

I was told by my optometrist that Apparently in about 50% of cases the vision actually improves. Worst case scenario, it just prevents it from getting any worse

[@sadderdazehaze]

You are correct. This is a part 1 of fixing the eye issue. After you have the progression at a halt you will get scleral lenses that will be able to provide 20/20 vision again. These lenses act as a new structure and fixes the way the light enters your eye. The procedure sounds dumb but once you go through the process and experience scleral lenses its like you can see the world again.

[@rock882josh7]

​@@sadderdazehazeare sceral lenses costly?

[@suenodemiel9133]

Me lo van a hacer el 21, regreso para contar como me fue. Estoy algo nerviosa😢

[@borjapeb3767]

y que tal te fue

[@aveshpankade3234]

What happens after this What care shoud be taken

[@Thqr_Harsh]

No rubbing the eyes To correct vision go for Specials contact lenses or intacs

[@mithunjr10]

Can I get my eyesight back after intact surgery?

[@ahsanshahzad286]

No bro🥲

[@marcmondragone3452]

How is that ?

[@Thqr_Harsh]

I won't say completely back if you have high kerataconous..... But if it's mild to low . Yeah probably you'll get best vision for you out thier

[@gearup3027]

@@Thqr_Harsh and what is the scale to know if it's high or low

[@kumailhssn3206]

Does the eye drops stay whole life? Do you have to keep putting them in your eyes for your whole life?

[@kopaturex]

No

[@zaythemayor2254]

Would I have to wear contacts for the rest of my life and will my eyes still be blurry after the procedure? ​@@kopaturex

[@sadderdazehaze]

You do not need to use a solution to wet your eyes. Typically a CCL patent will get scleral lenses after healing from the procedure (1-2 months after). What is really cool about this is people with Katotoconus experience very dry eyes and can't find relief. These lenses are filled with a solution that keeps your eyes im a constant state of submersion. You will not experience dry eyes again! Its honestly magical and after everything is over and the craziness is done your world will have changed for the better. I do not regret getting surgery and it saved me from having to drop out of college.

[@dilloncooke3976]

What is the failure rate?

[@olasega2207]

Less than 1%

[@LeoA1]

uv light hurts so much guys

[@wallthemart]

Uncomfortable is putting it lightly. My eye's were on fire for two days

[@sadderdazehaze]

Bro I had to go to the ER so they could give me some heavy pain relief medications. Im glad its over now though 😅💀

[@aveshpankade3234]

We can study for long hours pls reply I am too confused

[@bruggieboo5973]

What?

[@baldeagle8597]

@@bruggieboo5973 can we study for long hours? Its difficult to read continuously.

[@ashwinmp.]

How many days rest after c3r

[@roopkd]

Had to get two of these done. Were NOT fun, was a genetic disease for me

[@gearup3027]

Please share your after surgery experience.

[@greenpillow82]

After the surgery. Will it still be blurry

[@valenciabennett5077]

Yes, my vision is blurry. More than before the procedure but it's only been 4 days so far.

[@rajatnagpal1725]

@@valenciabennett5077 how’s it now?

[@harshvardhan7799]

@@valenciabennett5077 how's your vision now???

[@mangkokhayon5039]

@@harshvardhan7799 i had it done 2 years ago, still no progression and i see better after the surgery. You'll experience blurriness at least for next 2 weeks post surgery

[@baldeagle8597]

@@mangkokhayon5039 bro what was your prescription nd cornea thickness? How was your vision before surgery?

[@seekeroftruth101]

Go get Sceleral lenses. You'll thank me later.

[@baldeagle8597]

Expensive man!!

[@Tonex_msomi]

This should be post cross-linking

[@sadderdazehaze]

After I got my scleral lenses I cried because I forgot what depth the world had around me. I finally had depth perception back and i could see details, every pore in my face. I love my doctors. They saved me from having to drop out of my law enforcement career. I didn't know that my condition could be helped but im so thankful for my team of doctors that helped me every step of the way.

[@devonsham7719]

this is fake

[@phillipharrison7271]

What are y’all having to pay out of pocket?

[@mindthecap5801]

In the UK its free on the NHS

[@cge0929]

@@mindthecap5801 is it?? What should we do

[@robertl1135]

$4500-$6000 per eye in the us in the state of Florida

[@Thqr_Harsh]

In India its costs 184.72 $ for me [ Both eye ]

[@thesniper4303]

In Egypt, it costs $1000 in a good hospitals other hospitals a little cheaper.( both eyes)

[@rendaanii]

IN-DEPTH SURGERY REVIEW BELOW I had this procedure done bilaterally (both eyes at once) yesterday at moorfields. Procedure itself is not long (may feel otherwise) it's a little uncomfortable watching them peel back a layer of your eye but they made me extremely comfortable. At one stage the anaesthetic started wearing off while they were shining the UV rays in and I just had to say something and they proceeded to add some more without hesitation. long story short, the procedure itself is straightforward and painless for the majority - moreso uncomfy. Post-Op is very hard, first day your eyes are in constant pain and it feels like you can't even blink, your eyes water A LOT, at one stage I was just crying, I found out this is due to the massive amount of nerve endings in the human cornea. Day 1 is the toughest, I'm on day 2 now and it's still uncomfortable but nowhere near as bad as yesterday, went from a 10/10 in pain down to a 5/10. `Make sure to cover your eyes when you sleep! very temping to rub them subconsciously. put your eyedrops in as necessary and it will be swift as can be considering the circumstances. wishing whoever gets this the best of luck!