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Corneal Crosslinking

A Breakthrough Treatment: Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL)

Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) is a new FDA-approved treatment that helps prevent keratoconus from worsening. While it doesn’t cure the condition, it can prevent vision from deteriorating further—and in many cases, it can even improve vision.  This treatment is particularly beneficial for individuals with keratoconus, a condition where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone-like shape, leading to distorted vision.

CXL has demonstrated a success rate of approximately 80% in stabilizing keratoconus, especially when performed in the early stages of the disease. Studies  show sustained effectiveness over several years.

Cornea

CorneaKeratoconus

How the Procedure Works

CXL is done right in your eye doctor’s office, usually in just one session per eye.

Here’s what to expect:

  1. You’ll lie down and receive numbing eye drops and a mild sedative.

  2. For 30 minutes, vitamin B2 (riboflavin) drops are placed in your eye.

  3. Then, a special UV light shines on the eye for another 30 minutes while drops continue.

  4. This process strengthens the cornea by creating new bonds (cross-links) in the collagen fibers.

  5. A soft contact lens is placed on your eye afterward as a protective bandage.

 

Recovery

  • Vision may seem blurry for a few weeks.

  • Most people begin to notice improvement by week 4, with continued improvement over a few months.

  • Side effects like eye discomfort, light sensitivity, or the feeling of something in your eye are common but usually temporary.

  • You may need to wear glasses or contact lenses afterward, depending on your vision.

Interested in CXL or other keratoconus treatments?

Schedule an appointment to consult with an M&M eye doctor.

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Other Ways to Manage Keratoconus

Before or after CXL, you may benefit from other vision correction options, including:

  • Special contact lenses, like:

    • Rigid gas permeable lenses

    • Soft lenses made with new materials

    • Hybrid lenses (hard center, soft edges)

    • Scleral lenses (larger lenses that vault over the cornea)

  • Surgical Inserts: Small ring-shaped inserts can be placed in the cornea to help reshape it.

  • Corneal Transplant: If needed, this surgery has become more advanced thanks to precision lasers that offer faster healing and better results.