Had C3R 2 weeks ago, but vision still poor - is this normal?

[irmscher]

Hi guys,

As the title suggests really.

I have KC quite bad in my right eye and recently started to develop in my left eye.

After consultation with my Eye Specialist at the Yorkshire Eye Hospital, we decided that C3R in my left eye would be sensible to try and stabilise and protect the vision i have before it deteriorates further.

I went for C3R on 15th May.

Everything seemed to go fine and i had a bandage lens fitted as planned. I went back a week later (last Thurs) to have the lens removed, but when the doc removed the lens my vision was still quite impaired.

The doc said my cells had regenerated nicely but still need time to stabilise and 'fall into posiiton naturally'.

That made sense to me. Problem is that a week later, and i still have poor vision. I can see ok, but there is no clarity.

Driving is difficult and even typing this post now, i'm struggling to see what i'm typing.

I have no pain my eye at all, in fact i had little pain 24 hours after the operation.

I'm going back in later this morning to see the doc as i'm concerned at the speed of my recovery. As my right eye has KC already, my overall vision is currently worse than it was before the operation.

I'm due back at work on Monday, but as i can't see well enough to drive or type, i'm really confused as to what i need to do next.

I guess i can't decide until i've seen the doc later this morning, but in the meantime can anyone tell me if what i am describing in terms of recovery is normal or should my eye have healed by now??

Please help.

[Lynn White]

Hi there..

Well I guess you have already seen the doctor by now but yes, this is normal. Vision can be quite up and down for a few months after Cross linking as it takes a while for everything to settle. In any case, CXL will not improve your vision dramatically, its function is to stop progression. There is some reduction in overall myopia but most often not enough to see without glasses or contact lenses.

This is why in the future, once CXL has been fully proved in studies, it will be best performed as soon as KC is diagnosed.

However, of course, I can't definitively say this is normal in your case! Do let us know what the doctor said.

[irmscher]

Hi Lynn,

Many thanks for the response.

Had the consultation earlier today. Doc says he is happy with the way my cells have regenerated. They just need more time to settle.

Different people react differently and recovery can therefore vary between patients.

He says i need to just give it time. I've booked to see him again next Thurs. Hoping i see some improvement by then. As it stands i'm not fit enough to return to work!

Will keep you posted.

[Andrew MacLean]

irmscher

How did you get on at the clinic?

Andrew