Eye Co Ophthalmic Surgeons

Corneal Cross-linking

What is corneal cross-linking?

Corneal cross-linking is a treatment performed on the cornea to stop the keratoconus worsening.

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) drops are applied to the cornea and the cornea is exposed to ultraviolet light (UVA). This causes a chemical reaction which results in chemical bonds (cross links) to form between the collagen fibers in the cornea.

Corneal cross-linking results in the cornea becoming stiffer. As a result, the keratoconus is much less likely to progress.

There is very good evidence from large studies around the world that this is an effective treatment in stopping keratoconus progression.

Without cross-linking, at least 20% of all patients with keratoconus will eventually require a corneal transplant. One of the goals of cross-linking is to avoid the need for a corneal transplant.

Corneal Cross-linking Treatment

Does cross-linking improve my vision?

No.  The goal of cross-linking is to stop keratoconus worsening, not to improve vision.

What happens during corneal cross-linking?

Cross linking is performed with local anaesthetic drops so there is minimal discomfort felt during the procedure.

You will be awake during the procedure.

The procedure is performed with you lying down.

In the first step, the surface layer of the cornea is removed. This is an unusual sensation but is not painful.

After this riboflavin eye drops are placed on the cornea every few minutes for 30 minutes.

Following this, a small clip is inserted to keep the eyelids open and the UV light is applied to the cornea for 10 minutes.

Following this a soft contact lens is placed on the cornea. This helps to reduce pain and speeds up healing.

Corneal Cross-linking Treatment

Get Lasting Vision Stability with Treatment Using Corneal Cross-links

Should you have been diagnosed with keratoconus or another corneal problem, Corneal Crosslinking Treatment presents a successful means of stopping the advancement of these illnesses. Strengthening the corneal structure helps this minimally invasive operation preserve the integrity of your eyesight for many years to come.

By strengthening weaker collagen fibres in the cornea, Corneal Cross-linking Treatment tackles the underlying cause of the disease, unlike conventional corrective lenses or procedures. The technique increases the stiffness of the cornea by combining UV radiation with a riboflavin solution, therefore halting more deformation and vision loss. For patients with keratoconus, this may slow down or halt the development of the condition, therefore improving their long-term prospects.

Many patients find that Corneal Crosslinking Treatment is a necessary step in maintaining their sight and preventing more intrusive operations down ahead. This is a reliable, well-known operation that produces long-lasting effects so you may keep good eyesight with the least disturbance to your regular life.

Corneal Crosslinking Treatment can be the best option for you if you have corneal diseases causing declining eyesight. Get in touch right now to find out how this cutting-edge procedure could protect your vision in the future.