Corneal Cross-Linking (Keratoconus)

Corneal Cross-Linking (Keratoconus)

Literally meaning “cone-shaped cornea”, keratoconus is a degenerative eye disorder in which the normally round, dome-like cornea thins and develops a cone-like bulge.

The condition usually affects both eyes, but fortunately, patients with progressive keratoconus can be treated and stabilised by means of corneal cross-linking, a simple, effective and relatively inexpensive technique to arrest its progression.

Prior to the procedure, patients require a corneal scan to determine whether the eye is suitable for cross-linking, an office procedure during which riboflavin (vitamin B2) drops are applied to the cornea and then activated by ultraviolet light to “crosslink” or strengthen the structural corneal collagen proteins which are weakened in keratoconus.

Some studies have even found that corneal crosslinking can even reverse some of the changes of keratoconus resulting in improved visual function.