Save Charles' Eyesight

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Important information not mentioned in the video:
Goal Date: June 18th
Surgery Date: June 29th

Insurance comapnies deem this surgery cosmetic and will not conver the cost of the surgery due to this being an optional treatment and not deemed "medically nessesary.” Insurance companies will cover the cost of the surgery if it progresses to become serious enough for a Cornial Transplant. 


Breakdown of Cost:

Surgery - $8,000
Flights - $1,000
Hotel - $1,000
Rental Car - $500
Passport - $200
Recovery Costs - $300
Follow-Up Appointments - $1,000

Example of a Healthy Cornea: 


First Topographic Scan 01/11/2018:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=13nPrJlJVfE5MQCZeucmxfVGn88llQpXk

Second Topographic Scan 05/08/2018: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1HbU6AHz9VkpWyFHU4d-xmU-FnoBOcSvw

Who benefits from Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking combined with an excimer laser treatment?

Ideal candidates for Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL) combined with an excimer laser treatment are those individuals who possess soft corneas, consisting of weak collagen fibres which continually change shape over time. A progressively changing shape causes an uneven curvature, resulting in atypical astigmatism. In advanced cases, the presence of significant atypical astigmatism creates a type of blurred vision that becomes increasingly difficult to correct even while wearing corrective glasses or contact lenses.

The dual treatment method of Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL) combined with an excimer laser treatment is an option which reshapes the uneven curvature of your cornea and strengthens its collagen fibres. This procedure halts the progression of this type of condition and evens out the general shape of the eye. This results in the long term benefit of retaining the most natural shape possible, making it easier to wear glasses and contacts.

What technology is utilized and how does it work?

CXL combined with an excimer laser treatment uses the most advanced technology and involves two simple steps.

The first step of the treatment involves an Advanced Custom Wavefront procedure using one of the latest excimer lasers in the field of laser vision correction. This lasts only ten minutes and helps reshape your cornea which partially improves your prescription. Its primary benefit, however, lies in reducing atypical astigmatism and some myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (far-sightedness) which is difficult to correct with glasses or contact lenses alone. The goal is not to eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses, but rather provide a better overall quality of vision when wearing them.

The second step utilizes the latest Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking technology proven to give very positive results in strengthening weak corneas. This portion of the treatment consists of activating the Riboflavin vitamin on the cornea with approximately one hour of UV-A light. This method induces the formation of collagen bonds in the cornea, which improves the corneal rigidity of your eye.

What are the risks associated with CXL combined with an excimer laser treatment?

This treatment is considered minimally invasive with very few associated risks. Patients should expect some degree of light sensitivity and moderate discomfort as the cornea heals. There is a small risk of mild corneal haze (due to the cross-linking process) which can initially blur vision. However, this resolves itself in time.

What should be expected after the procedure?

With the exception of the contact lens bandage applied by the surgeon during the procedure, no contact lenses can be worn for several weeks following the treatment. In the first few days following surgery, pain is variable from patient to patient. Patients can expect to feel moderate discomfort and a small minority will experience a greater degree of discomfort. Pain medication may be provided which should offer relief from any discomfort post-op. Following the procedure, changes to the corneal shape may require a new contact lens fitting or prescription change. You may visit your local optometrist for contact lens fitting beginning at least one month after the procedure.

Corneal Crosslinking Procedure for Keratoconus  Topography Guided PRK  Recommended Post-operative care to be completed at the following times below:
- 24 hour post surgery-at our LASIK MD clinic
- Upon your return to the USA with Herschel Clinic - 5 day post-op
- 10 day post-op (bandage contact lens comes out)
- 17 day post-op
- 1 month
- 2 month
- 3 month
- 6 month
- Annual