UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Hi
I am new to the Forum.
I was diagnosed with Keratoconus about 5 years ago. 18 months ago my practitioner changed the diagnosis to PMD. Six months ago he saw a deterioration in my right eye (which was always the more affected eye) and recommended that I come back after 4 months. When I did he confirmed his suspicions and suggested that I schedule an appointment for cross linking. I went for a second opinion and there one Dr. suggested that I go for a corneal transplant (my right eye is now -17, left is steady at -10) whilst the sr. doctor recommended that I try cross linking. That if the cross linking fails I can always go for a transplant (which doesn’t always work). He said that as long as I can tolerate the hard lenses, I should try the cross linking.

My question is, does anyone know of the negative risks with cross linking?

no one really knows the long term effects of CXL as it hasnt been around for long - however light sensitivity & dry eye can be increased following CXL - though not substantially in my case. transplants are generally last resorts, and can follow CXL/Intacs procedures. however CXL/intacs can only be carried out with the cornea at a minimum thickness. Am sure that some people on here can give more advice on the different stages, i have just had CXL done on the left eye, and am looking at intacs - i have yet to find a CL i can tolerate and have good vision in glasses for the right eye.