Corneal Cross Linking

Corneal cross linking (CXL) is a treatment for people who suffer from a cornea that becomes unstable and weak. The cornea begins to steepen or protrude, causing blurred and distorted vision.

Corneal cross linking is a method used to slow the progression of corneal changes. Corneal cross linking uses UV light to strengthen chemical bonds inside the cornea. Topical anaesthetic will be instilled in the eye which is to be treated.

The surgeon will then proceed to remove the superficial epithelial cells of the cornea. Riboflavin drops will be instilled onto the cornea at a rate of one drop every two minutes, for 30 minutes consecutively. After 30 minutes the patient’s corneal thickness will be checked again.

Riboflavin drops are then allowed to saturate the cornea for another 30 minutes while being exposed to a careful dose of ultraviolet (UVA) light. The UVA light causes a chemical reaction with the riboflavin that creates link and bonds to form in the collagen within the cornea to make it stiffer. Antibiotic eye drops or ointment is then applied to the eye.

The procedure attempts to make the cornea stronger in hopes to prevent the condition from worsening and in some cases, causes the cornea to return somewhat to its natural curved shape.