Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking

Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) is a noninvasive one-hour treatment for progressive keratoconus and post-LASIK corneal ectasia. Remarkably, this treatment uses only a riboflavin solution and ultraviolet light to strengthen corneal bonds. CXL treatments not only slow the progression of keratoconus, but also improve vision in more than 50% of patients treated!

Q: How is collagen cross-linking performed?

AAfter numbing drops are placed in each eye to ensure patient comfort, the corneal epithelium is saturated in riboflavin solution eye drops for about thirty minutes. Special keratoconus or ectasia cases may require removal of superficial corneal epithelial cells before saturation. After riboflavin has been added, the eye is illuminated with ultraviolet (UV) light for 5-30 minutes depending on equipment used and patient condition.

Q: How does collagen cross-linking work?

AWhen ultraviolet light reacts with riboflavin on the corneal surface, the result is bond creation between collagen fibers. Every crosslink created makes the cornea stronger. Strengthening the cornea in this way slows, and for some patients stops, progressive keratoconus and corneal ectasia.

Slows or stops progressive keratoconus
Requires only a single one-hour treatment
No injections
No stitches
No incisions
Rapid recovery

Be at least 14 years old
Have a diagnosis of progressive keratoconus or post-LASIK/post-PRK corneal ectasia
Have corneal thickness greater than 300 micrometers where thinnest
Not be pregnant
Be able to leave your contacts out for at least four weeks before and after treatment

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