Question 1

My eyes are quite painful and difficult to open. Is this normal?

Accepted Answer

The anaesthetic drops will wear off later on the day of your procedure, and your eye will be gritty, red and sensitive to light for several days. Everyone’s experience of pain is different, with some patients reporting very little discomfort and others describing the first few days as very painful. Your eyes could be light sensitive and many patients find sunglasses helpful. Some patients prefer to keep their eyes closed for a few days following the treatment. It is normal to experience fluctuating pain within the first two days after surgery. However, if you experience increasing pain three or four days after the procedure this could be indicative of infection and you should visit your Ophthalmologist.

Question 2

My vision is blurred. Is this normal?

Accepted Answer

It is normal for your sight to be blurred for the first few weeks after surgery.

Question 3

How long will my vision be blurred after surgery?

Accepted Answer

Your vision will be variable for several months following the procedure. This is completely normal. Vision can also be affected by changes in light conditions, tiredness, computer use and dry eyes. In all cases, rest assured that these fluctuations do not indicate that the treatment has failed or that your condition is continuing to progress.

Question 4

When can I update my glasses?

Accepted Answer

Your spectacle prescription will likely fluctuate for the first few months. We will test your prescription at 6-months following your surgery. Although most spectacle prescriptions stabilise after 3 months, evidence suggests that for some patients it can take up to 1 year. Speciality contact lenses called sclerals are usually prescribed 6 months after the procedure as these give a much better visual outcome than spectacles.

CORNEAL CROSS LINKING (CXL) FAQS

My eyes are quite painful and difficult to open. Is this normal?

My vision is blurred. Is this normal?

How long will my vision be blurred after surgery?

When can I update my glasses?