Corneal Cross-Linking

Stop the Progression of

Keratoconus

Corneal Cross-Linking: Halting Progression- Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL) is a minimally invasive medical procedure designed to strengthen the cornea and stop the progression of Keratoconus. It does not reverse the existing bulging but aims to prevent it from getting worse, thereby preserving the current level of vision. The procedure works by creating new chemical bonds, or "cross-links," between the collagen fibers within the cornea. Think of it like adding rungs to a ladder, making the entire structure much more rigid and stable.

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What to

Expect

Corneal cross-linking (CXL) is a safe, in-office procedure designed to strengthen the cornea and prevent further progression of keratoconus. Here’s what you can expect during treatment:

Step 1: Numbing the Eye

To ensure your comfort, anesthetic drops are applied to numb the eye before the procedure begins.

Step 2: Preparing the Cornea

The thin outer layer of the cornea, called the epithelium, is gently removed to allow better absorption of the medication. This is known as the Epi-Off method, although an Epi-On method, where the epithelium remains intact, may also be used in some cases.

Step 3: Applying Riboflavin Drops

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) eye drops are applied to the cornea for about 30 minutes. This step allows the tissue to fully absorb the solution, preparing it for activation.

Step 4: UV Light Activation

A controlled amount of ultraviolet (UV-A) light is then applied to the cornea. The light activates the riboflavin, creating new, stronger collagen cross-links that stabilize the cornea’s structure.

CXL is the only treatment proven to effectively halt the progression of keratoconus. It is often recommended for patients, especially younger ones, whose condition is still advancing. After the procedure, glasses or specialty contact lenses, such as scleral lenses, may still be needed for clear vision, but the underlying disease is stabilized.

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