Corneal Cross Linking

Corneal Cross Linking is a non-invasive procedure that has been proven to strengthen the weak corneal structure in keratoconus. This method works by increasing collagen cross-linking, which are the natural "anchors" within the cornea. These anchors are responsible for preventing the cornea from bulging out and becoming steep and irregular (which is the cause of keratoconus).

The 30-minute Corneal Cross Linking treatment is a one-time treatment. During the treatment, custom-made riboflavin eyedrops are applied to the cornea, which is then activated by a special light. This is the process that has been shown in laboratory and clinical studies to increase the amount of collagen cross-linking in the cornea and strengthen the cornea. The collagen cross linking with riboflavin has its roots in dermatology. Doctors were looking for a way to strengthen sagging skin and realized that triggering collagen cross linking was the way to achieve this.

Corneal Cross Linking treatments can also be combined with Intacs or Topography-guided laser treatment on the surface (LASEK) to flatten the keratoconus cone even more. In these cases, Corneal Cross Linking treatments stabilize keratoconus from getting worse as well as help the Intacs reverse the keratoconus steepening that had already occurred up to the time of the treatment.

The figures above show the parallel corneal layers (white) and the collagen cross-linking (red) which are increased after Corneal Cross Linking treatment.

To make an appointment with an eyecare professional at iSIGHT please phone 0845 602 2517 or contact iSIGHT


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