Can I still do corneal cross-linking after an Epi-Lasik surgery?

Doctor's Answers 2

Collagen cross-linking is often applied at the same session as when the laser was performed with the intent of trying to reduce the risk of post-LASIK ectasia. In fact, collagen cross-linking originally began life as a treatment for progressive ectasia and remains so today.

In any given case during laser vision correction, surgeons may take the opinion that collagen cross-linking may either be optional or highly recommended depending on the risk profile of the patient’s eyes. In your case, it might be possible that the surgeon had deemed your eyes to be relatively safe to undergo epi-LASIK without collagen cross-linking. The best course of action would be to discuss with your surgeon the merits of collagen cross-linking in your specific case.

Dr David Chan

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Dr E-Shawn Goh

Ophthalmologist

Hi Windy

You are absolutely suitable for corneal cross-linking. This is routinely performed as an adjuvant procedure in modern Lasik practices for certain patients who are at risk of biomechanical instability and subsequent regression or corneal ectasia, either due to thin corneas, extreme pre-surgery myopia or astigmatism.

Your surgeon may not have offered this previously if it was not indicated for you, the treatment was not available when you had your original surgery performed, or it was not available in the particular practice that you had your surgery.

Collagen cross-linking is not routinely offered to all patients, as it is associated with mild additional corneal inflammation, may cause post-operative haze and may require prolonged post-operative topical steroid treatment following this treatment. Not to mention the fact that it will also cost you an additional fee!

As it is becoming increasingly common place now, you should consider returning to your surgeon to have a discussion about whether cross-linking is indicated and suitable for you to have it performed now.

Best of luck!

ESG

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