Corneal Cross Linking (CXL)

• Male and females who are over the age of 12 and whose corneas cannot be too thinned or too scarred for the procedure

• Patients must be at a good health condition and be healthy mentally and physically

The surgery starts with the patient having anesthetic drops in the eye to numb the eye. A lid speculum will be placed to keep the eyelid open. After disrupting the epithelium of the eye drops of riboflavin 0.1% (vitamin B2) are given for 15 – 30 minutes. After adequate riboflavin absorption the patient will be positioned with UV light at a small distance from the corneal apex for at least 30 minutes per each eye. Following irradiation antibiotic drops will be given and a bandage contact lens may be placed.

• Patients must not wear contact lenses at least 3 days before the surgery
• Patients must arrange for someone to come with them to the surgery and help them after the surgery

• Patients can start wearing contact lenses after 3 weeks from the surgery
• Bandage contact lenses will be worn until 5 days after the surgery
• Patients must take eye drops and other medication prescribed as told
• Patients can return to their normal activities the next day after the surgery

Keratoconus – the cornea becomes weak, progressively thinner and irregular in shape that can cause high levels of astigmatism. Instead of a normal round shape resulting in a clear vision, the cornea in Keratoconus can become cone shaped. This can interfere with seeing a clear vision.

Lid speculum – an instrument used to keep the eyes wide open and free from blinking.

Epithelium – cells that help protect or enclose organs.

Anesthetic drops – drops given to numb to eye so the patient does not feel any discomfort during the surgery and being awake.

Corneal Cross Linking Surgery will be performed. Corneal cross linking surgery takes at least 30 minutes to per eye to be performed if both eyes are being treated then the surgery will take approximately an hour and half. The surgery is done under local anesthesia and once the surgery ends and the patients are feeling themselves better, then they can return to their settlement to rest with someone accompanying.

Patients will attend a post surgery check up and consultation. If they are approved to be in a good, healthy condition and the surgery results were all successful; the patients are advised with post treatment care requirements and are ready to go back to their normal routine.

• Trip schedule may vary. medicTurkey patient relations will provide you a detailed trip schedule before the travel.

• For details on accommodation, transportation and other services, please check the SERVICES page.

The surgery starts with the patient having anesthetic drops in the eye to numb the eye. A lid speculum will be placed to keep the eyelid open. After disrupting the epithelium of the eye drops of riboflavin 0.1% (vitamin B2) are given for 15 – 30 minutes. After adequate riboflavin absorption the patient will be positioned with UV light at a small distance from the corneal apex for at least 30 minutes per each eye. Following irradiation antibiotic drops will be given and a bandage contact lens may be placed.

Corneal cross linking surgery takes at least 30 minutes to per eye to be performed if both eyes are being treated then the surgery will take approximately an hour and half.

Corneal cross linking surgery is done on an outpatient basis so the patient is sent home a few hours after the surgery.

The recommended stay in Turkey for Corneal Cross Linking is 2-3 days including consultation before the surgery and after the surgery.

Like every surgery there is a possibility of risks to occur such as

• Infection
• Allergy to anesthesia
• Temporary corneal haze
• Dry eye