Is corneal cross linking necessary to prevent my degree from returning after LASIK?

Doctor's Answer

Thanks for this interesting questions!

The use of collagen cross-linking to enhance Lasik procedures has been performed increasingly commonly in the last 15 years.

This is due to more evidence emerging that at-risk patients show increased refractive stability over time. The patients who seem to show the most benefit are:

  1. Hyperopic, high-dioptre myopic corrections
  2. Patients with significant astigmatism or
  3. Patients with borderline thin residual corneal thicknesses.

The mechanism of action is to restore at least partially the rigidity of the anterior stromal fibres that were cut during Lasik flap creation.

As each patient deserves a customised treatment plan, you should discuss with your ophthalmologist whether you would be suitable for:

  1. Epilasik, Femto-assisted Lasik, or Smile and whether: primary or secondary collagen-cross linking as required is most suitable for you.
  2. Whether an Implantable Collamer Lens would be a refractive option that you would consider?

You should carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of all these options before deciding on your surgery!

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