Corneal Surgery

There are a number of proven surgical solutions for those who are having visual problems with their cornea. These include Astigmatic Keratotomy, Corneal Cross Linking and Keraring Surgery, for the treatment of advanced Keratoconus.

Astigmatic Keratotomy

Astigmatic Keratotomy is performed when small amounts of pure astigmatism exist. Small strategically placed partial thickness incisions in the peripheral cornea can be used to correct the focussing error. These incisions are performed manually using a guarded diamond tip knife. This procedure has low risk with rapid recovery.

Corneal Cross Linking

Corneal Cross Linking is used in the early stages of keratoconus to stop its progression. The cornea is saturated with riboflavin eyedrops and treated with ultraviolet light. As riboflavin is too large a molecule to passively pass through it a large part of the epithelium will be removed under light sedation and topical anaesthetic drops and then applying the riboflavin for 20-30 minutes. This causes cross-linking of the cornea, which stiffens the cornea to prevent further shape changes, stabilising the shape of the cornea early in the disease and therefore reducing the risk of progressive vision loss.