Corneal Cross-Linking in Fairfax, VA

Patients seeking an ophthalmologist in Fairfax, VA can rely on our team of board-certified ophthalmologists and eye surgeons at Anh Nguyen Ophthalmology. We are located in Falls Church, VA, less than twenty minutes from Fairfax, making us easily accessible to patients in need of vision care in the larger Fairfax County area.

Cornea Diseases

The cornea is a clear, dome-shaped tissue composed of many layers that aid in vision and protect the eye from outside irritants. Injuries, corneal abrasions, UV exposure, and natural aging can all lead to the development of corneal diseases or conditions like keratoconus, Fuch’s dystrophy, keratitis, and pterygium. Our eye specialists offer a variety of treatments from eye drops and medications to minimally invasive surgical procedures, each designed for specific conditions.

Corneal Cross-Linking 

Corneal cross-linking (CXL) is typically used to treat keratoconus, a condition that causes the cornea to bulge outward into a cone shape; this significantly impacts vision. During the CXL treatment, riboflavin eye drops (vitamin B2 drops) will be placed into the cornea and then the cornea will be exposed to UV light for about 30 minutes. This creates a photochemical reaction that triggers new collagen cross-links to develop; this heals and strengthens the cornea tissues.

Corneal Transplant

A corneal transplant can be done in two ways: penetrating keratoplasty (PK) or Descemet’s Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK). PK is a full-thickness corneal transplant that replaces all of the affected corneal tissue while DMEK only replaces the innermost layer of cornea tissue. Corneal transplant in Fairfax, VA is typically used to treat Fuch’s dystrophy, which is caused by the gradual death of endothelial cells and the buildup of fluid in the cornea. PK and DMEK use healthy donor tissue to replace the diseased cornea tissue, preventing the progression of Fuch’s dystrophy.

Other Types of Eye Conditions We Treat

At Anh Nguyen Ophthalmology, we specialize in cutting-edge treatments for a wide range of eye conditions, including:

Retina Problems

The most common retinal diseases include age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and flashers and floaters, which can be caused by several underlying factors. Dry AMD occurs due to thinning of macular tissue or pigmentation in the macula while wet AMD involves abnormal blood vessel growth beneath the retina. Dry AMD can be treated with medications or photodynamic therapy. Although flashers and floaters are generally harmless, they may indicate underlying issues like retinal detachment. Our ophthalmologists can assess your eyes to determine the underlying causes of your vision problems to create an effective treatment plan.

Cataracts 

Cataracts are clumps of proteins in the lens of the eye. They develop over time as the eye ages and are one of the most common visual problems for individuals over the age of 60. Cataracts progressively affect your vision, causing cloudy vision, less vivid color vision or yellowing of colors, and poor night vision. Laser cataract surgery in Fairfax, VA is a cutting-edge procedure that uses a laser and 3D mapping to carefully remove the cataract and affected lens. The natural lens of the eye will be replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL), which lasts many years.

Glaucoma 

Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that often develops undetected over many years. The most common form, open-angle glaucoma, results from gradual fluid buildup in the eye which increases ocular pressure. Glaucoma treatment in Fairfax, VA may include prescription eye drops, laser procedures, or surgeries like trabeculectomy and glaucoma drainage device placement, which aim to drain excess fluid and prevent further vision loss.

Refractive Errors

Refractive errors occur when a misshapen cornea cannot properly refract light into the retina at the back of the eye. Refractive errors include nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia. These vision problems can be easily corrected with glasses and contact lenses in Fairfax, VA. However, patients with severe vision loss or those who don’t want to rely on daily use of eyewear can consider laser eye surgery like PRK or LASIK in Fairfax, VA. EVO ICL (implantable collamer lenses) is also a great option for patients who are not good surgical candidates.

Fairfax, Virginia

Fairfax, VA is also known as Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, Old Town Fairfax, and Fairfax Courthouse, due to the historical former Fairfax County Courthouse located in its quaint downtown area. Residents and visitors can also enjoy other historical sites like the Civil War Interpretive Center at Historic Blenheim along with small parks in this mixed urban-suburban city.