Mr Marc B. Guerin
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
BCL BL MB BCh BAO MD MRCOphth FRCSI (Ophth)
Keratoconus Treatment
Service
Dublin with Dr Marc Guerin at Eye Clinic Dublin
Cross-Linking Treatment in Dublin
An expert experience
About Keratoconus Treatment?
The only proven method of keratoconus treatment in Dublin is cross-linking eye surgery. It’s highly effective and generally safe, and it can slow or stop the progression of keratoconus and help you see clearly. Patients generally see a high rate of keratoconus vision improvement, with a stabilisation of around 90-95%.
Eye Clinic Dublin provides consultant-led keratoconus treatment in Dublin at the Mater Private Dublin. Mr Marc Guerin is a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon with extensive clinical experience in keratoconus eye surgery and is one of Ireland’s leading ophthalmologists.
What is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus is an eye condition whereby the cornea (the clear, front surface of the eye) thins and gradually bulges outwards into a cornea cone shape. Its job is to focus light, so excessive bulging can cause blurred vision, light sensitivity, increased short-sightedness or astigmatism, or make you have to change your eyeglass/contact lens prescription more frequently.
As one ages, this condition tends to worsen. It often begins in adolescence or early adulthood. The rate at which vision worsens due to keratoconus differs for each individual, but during the early and intermediate stages of progression, it can be effectively treated with cross linking eye surgery, often simply referred to as CXL. For advanced keratoconus, your ophthalmologist may recommend treatment such as corneal transplantation.
What is Corneal Cross-Linking?
Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) is a form of keratoconus treatment for patients in the early and intermediate stages of progression. It’s designed to strengthen the cornea, which in turn slows or stops it from getting worse over time.
The procedure involves the application of vitamin B2 eye drops (riboflavin drops) and UV light. This creates new links in the corneal tissue, which makes it firmer and more stable. Consequently, it can prevent vision from further degradation or, in some cases, improve vision. Patients may need to continue wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses as vision correction afterwards.
Why Might I Need Corneal Cross-Linking?
Your ophthalmologist may recommend corneal cross linking (CXL) if your keratoconus is worsening or if you’re at a high risk of progression, as is common for many younger patients. For patients with corneas that are too thin, your ophthalmologist may recommend alternative forms of treatment, such as Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) Surgery.
Benefits of Corneal Cross-Linking
- Keratoconus eye surgery has many benefits, including:
- Slows or stops the progression of keratoconus effectively for approximately 9 out of 10 patients.
- Reduces the need for further surgery, such as corneal transplantation.
- Generally safe and well-studied, with most patients reporting stable recovery and eyesight for 5 years following the procedure.
- Can improve vision slightly, such as recognition of shapes and clarity.
The Corneal Cross-Linking Procedure
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Arrange Consultation
Book a consultation with Mr Marc Guerin to assess if corneal cross-linking is suitable for you.
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Full Eye Assessment
A full diagnosis will be carried out, including an eye exam and review of your medical history.
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Contact Lenses
Stop wearing contact lenses as advised before treatment (timing will be confirmed during consultation).
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No Eye Makeup
Avoid wearing any eye makeup on the day of your procedure.
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Riboflavin Drops
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) drops are applied to the eye to prepare the cornea for treatment.
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UV Light Treatment
A controlled UV light is applied to strengthen the cornea and stabilise its shape.
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Comfort Level
Anaesthetic drops are used, so the procedure is not painful, though mild discomfort may be felt.
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Procedure Time
The procedure typically takes 60–90 minutes and is completed in one session.
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Eye Drops
Use prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
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Protective Lens
A protective contact lens is placed on the eye and kept for a few days to aid healing.
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Vision Recovery
Vision may be blurry initially but will gradually improve over the following weeks.
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Follow-Up Visits
Attend scheduled appointments to monitor healing and progress.
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Full Recovery
Full recovery can take several months, depending on the individual.
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Return to Normal Activity
Most daily activities can be resumed after about one week.
Cost of Laser Eye Surgery
- The cost of CXL for Keratoconus in Dublin at Eye Clinic Dublin is, per eye:
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Initial Consultation€200
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Review Consultation€150
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Keratoconus Treatment€1670
Possible Risks & Side Effects of Corneal Cross
Although CXL surgery is generally safe, there are a few possible risks and side effects to note.
- Mild discomfort or pain for a few days
- Increased light sensitivity
- Redness or watery eyes
- Blurred vision (common during early recovery)
- Feeling something in your eye
- Slower healing of the corneal surface than anticipated
- Haze or scarring of the eye
- Reduced clarity of vision (during early recovery)
- Infection (rare, but serious)
Schedule a Consultation with Eye Clinic Dublin
Take that important first step towards better vision with expert care from Mr Marc Guerin at Eye Clinic Dublin. Our keratoconus treatment in Dublin can help you slow or even stop the progression of keratoconus.
If you suffer from poor eyesight or feel that it’s worsening over time, it’s best to take action by scheduling a consultation with Mr Marc Guerin. With a proper diagnosis, effective and safe treatment can help you improve your vision and quality of life.
FAQ
About Keratoconus Treatment in Dublin
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Is corneal cross-linking surgery painful?
No, corneal cross linking eye surgery is not painful due to the application of anaesthetic eye drops to numb the eye. Patients may experience some mild irritation and the feeling of pressure on the eye, but no sharp pain during the procedure. During the first few days of early recovery, patients may experience some light sensitivity or mild pain, both of which tend to diminish over the following days.
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How much does keratoconus treatment cost in Ireland?
At Eye Clinic Dublin, the cost of keratoconus treatment is €1,670 (per eye). Depending on your health insurance provider, some of the out-of-pocket cost may be covered or reimbursed. Enquire with your insurer if applicable.
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How long is the recovery period?
The recovery period for corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) varies depending on the individual patient, but generally, you can expect to resume normal daily activities after one week. A full recovery usually takes several months after the procedure.
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Will CXL improve my vision?
CXL does not primarily try to improve vision, but rather it aims to reduce the progression of keratoconus. That being said, it can sometimes stop it from progressing outright, and in some cases, it can improve vision slightly and gradually. Many patients will need to continue wearing corrective vision aids like glasses or contact lenses afterwards.
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