Corneal Cross Linking for Keratoconus

WHAT IS CORNEAL CROSS LINKING FOR KERATOCONUS?

Corneal Cross Linking for Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a condition of conical corneal shape where an irregularly shaped cornea prevents light from focusing correctly on the retina at the back of the eye. In keratoconus, the normally round cornea becomes thin and more cone-shaped, causing blurred vision and sensitivity to bright lights. Keratoconus is largely due to persistent eye rubbing. Most individuals have allergies that predispose them to this condition and sometimes it just becomes a habit. It is a gradual onset disease, which typically starts in the late teens to early twenties and may continue for several years.

Who is Corneal Cross Linking for Keratoconus Suitable For?

Corneal Cross Linking is designed for patients who have been diagnosed with keratoconus and are at risk of their condition worsening. It is most suitable for those in the early to moderate stages of keratoconus, where the cornea is weakening or bulging but still has enough structure to respond to treatment.

Keratoconus can cause symptoms such as blurred or distorted vision, “ghost” images, poor night vision, light sensitivity, eye strain, double vision in one eye, or noticeably worse vision in one eye compared to the other. An eye care professional can confirm the presence and progression of keratoconus using corneal topography or a slit lamp evaluation.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms or have been diagnosed with keratoconus, Corneal Cross Linking may help stabilise your vision and slow the progression of the condition.

Symptoms of Keratoconus

In the early stages, keratoconus causes slightly blurred vision and increased sensitivity to bright lights. As it progresses (over 10 to 20 years), vision may become more and more distorted.

An eye care professional can determine the presence of keratoconus using a slit lamp evaluation or by examining the surface of the cornea through corneal topography.

Symptoms of keratoconus include:

Distorted vision at all distances
“Ghost” images – the appearance of several images when looking at one object
Poor night vision
Light sensitivity
Eye strain
Noticeably worse vision in one eye
Double vision in one eye

Benefits of Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL)

01

Helps slow or stop the progression of keratoconus.

02

Can reduce the risk of severe vision loss in the future.

03

Preserves the natural structure of the cornea.

04

Minimally invasive procedure performed under anaesthetic drops.

05

May delay or prevent the need for a corneal transplant.

Am I suitable for
laser eye surgery?

We want to get you out of those glasses or contact lenses! Find out if you would make a good candidate.

Am I suitable for
laser eye surgery?

We want to get you out of those glasses or contact lenses! Find out if you would make a good candidate.

How does Corneal Cross-Linking work (CXL)?

These are several methods used by surgeons performing CXL. In all treatments, UV light is combined with riboflavin (Vitamin B2) to strengthen the cornea.

A solution of riboflavin is soaked onto the eye for several minutes before the cornea is exposed to a low intensity UV light source. The resultant photochemical reaction that occurs during this process strengthens the collagen fibres within the cornea.

At Perth Laser Vision, Dr Phillip McGeorge performs 2 types of CXL treatments depending on your individual needs:

Accelerated cross-linking with Avedro KXL System
This procedure is much the same as standard epithelium-off CXL except it uses a higher powered UV light for a shorter period of time. By minimising the UV treatment time to only 3 minutes, patient comfort can be maximised and anxiety reduced. Riboflavin soaking time is also shorter.
Trans epithelial CXL
This technique involves keeping the surface layer (epithelium) of the cornea in place while the riboflavin and UV light are applied.

MEET YOUR SURGEON

Why choose Dr Phillip McGeorge at Perth Laser Vision?

When it comes to your vision, experience and trust matter most. At Perth Laser Vision, you’ll be cared for by Dr Phillip McGeorge, one of Australia’s most experienced laser eye surgeons, and a dedicated team committed to delivering the very best outcomes.

Perth Laser Vision has consistently led the way in eye surgery, with groundbreaking achievements and firsts in WA, including:

Over 30,000 laser eye surgeries – more than any other surgeon in Australia
SMILE lenticule extraction
Bladeless femtosecond LASIK
Multifocal implant surgery
Corneal inlays for reading improvement and keratoconus treatment
Rapid (3-minute) corneal cross-linking for keratoconus
PanOptix Trifocal lenses to reduce dependence on reading glasses

With a proven record of innovation and results, you can feel confident knowing your vision is in the most experienced hands.

FAQs

What are the types of laser eye surgery?

There are three main types of laser eye surgery: LASIK, PRK and SMILE.

LASIK is the most common type of laser eye surgery. It involves creating a small flap on the surface of the eye, which is lifted up to expose the underlying surface. This area is then lasered to change the curvature. The eye flap is then replaced and moulds to the eye’s new shape, instantly changing your vision.

PRK is a surface-based laser treatment that lasers the surface of the eye directly into the new shape. Unfortunately, this surgery takes a little longer to heal and the results are more variable.
The final type of laser eye surgery is called SMILE. This involves cutting the corneal tissue under the eye’s surface. A small section of tissue is then manually removed. This moulds the surface of the eye to the desired new shape. SMILE heals in a similar way to LASIK.
The choice of which type of laser eye surgery to have is typically made by your surgeon. The choice is based on the characteristics of your eye and your refractive error. LASIK is the best option for most refractive errors and a full range of long-sightedness, myopia and astigmatism. PRK is mainly used for low levels of refractive error or if you have other problems such as thin corneas. SMILE is only available for moderate or severe short-sightedness. It’s not recommended for other eye conditions as the results can be varied.

Is laser eye surgery covered by Medicare?

Unfortunately, the Federal Government has determined that laser eye surgery will not be covered by Medicare as it is considered a lifestyle surgery. It is covered to a variable extent by some private health insurances, including Bupa, Medibank, AHM, Defence Health, Navy Health and HBF. We also provide finance options.

When can I go back to work after laser eye surgery?

Most people can return to normal work duties two days after laser eye surgery. This includes the day of the surgery and the next day after review. However, returning to work depends on the type of work you do. If you are engaged in manual labour or in a dusty environment, it may be advised to take a few extra days off following surgery. You may require sunglasses for when working outside because of light sensitivity.

A medical certificate can be arranged by LASIK staff.

How much is laser eye surgery?

As every eye is unique, the extent of your surgery requirements will determine your exact costs. After an assessment to determine your needs, we will provide you with a quote for surgery.

An initial assessment including refraction and consultation costs $200. A referral is not necessary, but Medicare will provide a higher rebate ($84.15) if you obtain a referral from your GP or an optometrist. If no written referral is provided, Medicare will only provide a rebate of around $21.00 on consultations.

At Perth Laser Vision, laser eye surgery generally costs around $6,900 for both eyes.

Most private health funds do not cover laser eye surgery. It’s best to check directly with your health fund.