CXL Recovery time from work?

[liam82]

This is going to sound random, but if you work in IT, and stare at computers all day, as I do - whats the recommended time to have off work post cross linking?

I completely forgot to ask when I had the procedure done! So far i'll have had almost 2 weeks when I go back on monday, but im not sure if im going back too soon- and my next follow up isnt till the following saturday.

Anyone have a good idea? I dont want to go back and ruin my recovery by stressing the eye.
liam:)

[Anne Klepacz]

I don't know what the recommended time for CXL is, though I suspect that, like post graft, everyone's recovery time is a bit different. After my first transplant op I managed to negotiate slightly reduced hours back at work for the first few weeks. So that might be something to think about. And anyone staring at a screen all day should be taking regular breaks.
All the best
Anne

[NickDash]

Anne is correct that recovery times differ from patient to patient.
Firstly it depends on the quality of vision in the non treated eye. You will be relying on this for a few weeks, until the vision recovers in the treated eye.
It also depends on the method of epithelial removal, if the epi is removed manually the area of epi removal is more extensive and will take longer whereas laser PTK epi removal is less traumatic and we can see much earlier epithelial recovery.
(Few clinics are suggesting epi on Cross-Linking as it reduces the efficiency of Riboflavin absorption and UV penetration)
If you are comfortable and can rely on the vision in the contra-lateral eye you may be back at work within a week whilst other patients especially with manual epi removal for more advanced cones can take up to a month.
Remember this is a pathalogical condition and so you may be able to get signed off from work until as suitable return time.
If you are reliant on the treated eye for vision and rely on a contact lens you will not be able to wear a correcting lens, soft lens for 4 weeks after surgery or 6-12 weeks if you need a rigid lens.
All these timings are subject to the individual healing nature that is different for each and every patient.
In the short, mid and long term you will be predisposed to dry eye due to reduced blink rates when using a computer. Ask your clinic for the variety of ways of managing this dry eye, relative to the ocular condition and contact lens wear.
Hope this is of help.
Nick

[liam82]

Wow, thanks alot for all that- its really helped

Im back at work now, 2 weeks post op on my left eye. My right eye is managing (i dont wear glasses or contacts) and my left eye is improving.

I havent really had dry eyes yet, fortunately.

Didnt realise it was 6-8 weeks for a lens to go in my operated eye, as ive got a fitting on the 24th, which is exactly a month and a day post op. I thought it was just 4 weeks. Damn, its with the nhs too which means rescheduling it is a nightmare.