Corneal Collagen Cross Linking – Keratoconus treatment

Collagen Cross Linking (C3R/CXL) technique:

A new and extremely promising therapeutic approach for facing and eliminating keratoconus is collagen cross linking technique, using riboflavin (B12) and ultraviolet (UVA) radiation (Corneal Collagen Cross Linking C3R/CXL). Via this method, the creation of new bonds between corneal collagen fibers is performed, resulting in corneal stiffness stabilization. So continuous corneal thinning is prevented and keratoplasty option is avoided.

During treatment, after local anesthetic use and part of epithelium (the outer membrane of the cornea) removal, riboflavin drops are applied to cornea, usually for half an hour and finally the keratoconic eye is exposed to UV-A (ultraviolet) radiation (while continuing riboflavin B12 instillation) for extra 30 minutes. At the end of procedure a protective contact lens is placed on the eye preventively.

It is worth mentioning that corneal collagen cross linking technique can be appropriately combined with excimer laser, more specifically with topo-guided (T-CAT) PRK (Photo Refractive Keratectomy) treatment method for simultaneous refractive error (diagnosed with keratoconus progress) restoration and vision recovery.