Corneal cross-linking is a treatment for an eye problem called keratoconus.
In this condition, the front part of your eye, called the cornea, thins out and gets weaker over time. This makes it bulge into a cone shape, which can distort your vision and make it hard to see.
In corneal cross-linking, doctors use eyedrop medication and ultraviolet (UV) light from a special machine to make the tissues in your cornea stronger. The goal is to keep the cornea from bulging more.
It’s called “cross-linking” because it adds bonds between the collagen fibers in your eye. They work like support beams to help the cornea stay stable.
Corneal cross-linking is the only treatment that can stop progressive keratoconus from getting worse. And it may help you avoid a corneal transplant, which is major surgery.
During the Procedure:
First, you’ll get drops that numb your eyes and a medicine to calm you if needed.
Then, your doctor will put in riboflavin (vitamin B2) eyedrops, which allow your cornea to better absorb light. It takes about 30 minutes for the drops to soak into your cornea.
Then, you’ll lie back in a chair and look up at a light. You shouldn’t feel any pain during the procedure because your eyes will be numb.
The entire treatment takes about 60-90 minutes.
Types of Corneal Cross-Linking
There are two types: epi-off and the experimental epi-on. (“Epi” is short for epithelium, the outer layer of the cornea.)
The epi-off technique means your doctor removes the epithelium before she puts the drops in. Many studies have found that this technique works well, but it may also raise your risk of infection and can lead to clouding in your cornea.
With epi-on, your doctor loosens your epithelium with eyedrops or a sponge before she puts the eyedrops in. There are fewer side effects.
Who Should Get Corneal Cross-Linking?
Corneal cross-linking works best if you’ve recently been diagnosed with keratoconus.
The procedure doesn’t reverse cornea changes that have already happened -- it just keeps them from getting worse.
Your doctor can let you know if this treatment would help you.
What Happens Afterward?
It depends on the type of procedure you have.
With the epi-on procedure, recovery is usually painless. You’ll be able to go about your regular activities as soon as the next day, including wearing contacts.
If you had an epi-off procedure, you’ll probably have a fair amount of pain for several days or more after the numbing drops wear off. It’s important not to rub your eyes. You’ll need pain medications. It will be about 4-10 days before you’re back to your usual routine, but it could take several weeks, since the epithelium needs time to heal. If the contact lens falls off, call your doctor ASAP. Don’t try to put it back in yourself.
You’ll probably need to wear a soft contact lens for about a week after epi-off surgery and use antibiotic and steroid eye drops for up to 2 weeks. You can usually start wearing your regular contacts again after about 2-4 weeks, but your vision will change over 3-6 months.
Risks
Like most surgeries, epi-off corneal cross-linking can sometimes cause problems, such as:
An eye infection
Eye pain or swelling
Damage to the cornea or epithelium
Blurred vision, hazy vision, or other vision problems
Such problems are rare with epi-on cross-linking. Before you have the procedure, ask your doctor about your chances of having these issues
About Dr V Praneeth (MBBS DNB FAEH) Medical Director, Consultant Cornea, Cataract & Refractive surgeon Dr. Praneeth Vaddadi completed his basic medical education from Kakatiya Medical College, Warangal. He then