This page gives general information. The written instructions you receive after treatment always take priority.

The first days

If the surface layer of the cornea was removed, a protective bandage contact lens is placed on the eye to help it heal. Do not remove it yourself; it is taken out at your check-up.
Pain, stinging, watering and light sensitivity are expected for the first two or three days. Painkillers recommended by your doctor and cold compresses can help.
Sunglasses and resting at home help during these days.

Drops and protection

Use the antibiotic and other drops at the times and for as long as prescribed.
Never rub the eye. Rubbing can contribute to keratoconus progression, so this rule applies after treatment too; tell your doctor if your eyes itch.
Keep water out of the eye and avoid pools, the sea and dusty places for as long as advised.

How vision recovers

Vision may be blurry and fluctuate in the first weeks; this is expected.
Once the surface has healed, usually within a few weeks, glasses or contact lenses are adjusted.
Cross-linking aims to stop the disease from progressing. Topography measurements over the following months show whether it has worked.

Follow-up visits

The first check-up is usually within a few days, to remove the bandage lens. Later visits are planned in the first months and then once or twice a year to monitor progression.