Cornea Collagen Crosslinking

What is Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking?

Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) is a treatment that brings new hope for keratoconus patients by strengthening the front layers of the cornea using riboflavin and ultraviolet light. This procedure creates new bonds between the corneal fibers and thus strengthens the cornea. CXL is proven to slow or stop progressive keratoconus and is also effective in treating corneal ectasia in post LASIK and PRK patients. Since it began in 2003, thousands of patients around the world have been successfully treated.

How is Treatment Performed?

Before treatment begins, numbing drops are applied to the eye to ensure patient comfort. The corneal epithelium is then removed in some cases. The treatment begins with the saturation of the corneal surface with riboflavin eye drops for about 30 minutes. Next, the surgeon illuminates the eye with ultraviolet (UV) light for 5-30 minutes. The time of treatment may vary from patient to patient.

How Does It Work?

When riboflavin is activated by ultraviolet light, it creates new bonds or crosslinks between the collagen fibers. With each additional new crosslink, the cornea becomes stronger. This helps slow and stop the progression of keratoconus or corneal ectasia. The image below demonstrates this visually.

Collagen Cross-Linking Benefits

Slows or Stops the Progression of Keratoconus
Single One-Hour In-Office Treatment
No Injections or Stitches
No Incisions Required
Fast Recovery Time

Who is a Candidate?

To be a candidate, you must:

Be 14 years of age or older
Have been diagnosed with progressive keratoconus or have had previous LASIK or PRK surgery and be currently diagnosed with corneal ectasia
Possess corneal thickness greater than 300 microns at the thinnest point
Not be pregnant
Be able to leave your contacts out for at least four weeks before and after treatment.

Please call our office at 713-521-3937 if you have any questions or want to arrange an evaluation for treatment.