Corneal Collagen Crosslinking

A Breakthrough for Patients Diagnosed with Keratoconus & Corneal Ectasia

The Eye Guys are now performing an FDA-approved procedure called Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking. This in-office light-based procedure is primarily used to treat individuals with two rare, but progressive vision-threatening eye conditions known as keratoconus and corneal ectasia. 

In keratoconus, the cornea, the outer portion of the eye, becomes weak, thin, and unevenly shaped. As opposed to the normal round shape, corneas with keratoconus can bulge forward into the shape of a cone, causing poor vision. It typically occurs in individuals in their late teens or early twenties who are experiencing progressive distorted or blurred vision. Corneal ectasia is similar to keratoconus because it also steepens and thins the cornea, resulting in worsening of vision. 

The procedure is called ‘Cross-Linking’ because normal, healthy corneas have ‘cross-links’ between their collagen fibers that help the cornea maintain its normal shape. In keratoconus, the cornea is weak with fewer cross-links. This weakening allows the cornea to thin and bulge outward. 

Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking is a procedure that combines the use of riboflavin eye drops and ultraviolet light to strengthen the cornea by adding cross-links.  This stabilizes the cornea, allowing it to hold its shape, thereby halting further loss of vision.  

Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking is not a cure for keratoconus, but studies have shown that cross-linking halts the progression of keratoconus and stops further worsening of vision. Most importantly, this treatment will prevent patients from needing a corneal transplant. The treatment does not normally improve vision and thus, glasses or contact lenses will still be needed after Cross-Linking.