Corneal Collagen Crosslinking

What is Corneal Cross-Linking?

Corneal collagen cross-linking is a medical procedure that combines the use of ultra-violet light and riboflavin (vitamin B2) drops to help strengthen the cornea or ” windshield” of the eye in case of corneal ectasia. CXL can be used to help patients with keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration, or post-refractive surgery corneal ectasia.

Corneal cross-linkingĀ¹:

  • Creates new corneal collagen cross-links
  • Results in a shortening and thickening of the collagen fibrils
  • Leads to the stiffening of the cornea

CXL is performed in the office and uses topical anesthesia. It can be performed either one eye at a time, or bilaterally depending upon the patient’s clinical scenario and indications as determined by our South Shore Eye Care surgeons.Ā 

Corneal collagen cross-linking is performed to help stabilize corneas and to prevent progression of ectasia. After the treatment, the patient will be guided as to the best method for visual rehabilitation by the doctor.