Corneal collagen cross-linking is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that combines UVA light and riboflavin eye drops to add firmness to corneas that have been weakened by disease or refractive surgery. Cross-linking has been performed in Europe since 2003 and is now considered the standard of care globally for keratoconus and corneal ectasia following refractive surgery.
Corneal Cross-Linking
- Creates new corneal collagen cross-links
- Shortens and thickens the collagen fibrils
- Leads to the stiffening of the cornea
Less Cross-Linking (Weaker)
Less Cross-Linking (Stronger)
Riboflavin
Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is essential for body growth and red blood cell production, and assists in releasing energy from carbohydrates. Food sources fortified with riboflavin include dairy products, eggs, bread, cereals, green leafy vegetables, lean meats, legumes, and nuts.
Under the conditions utilized for corneal collagen cross-linking, riboflavin 5’-phosphate functions as a photo enhancer that enables the cross-linking reaction to occur.
Ultra-Violet A (UVA)
UVA is one of three types of invisible light rays given off by the sun (along with ultra-violet B and ultra-violet C) and is the weakest of the three.
In the cross-linking process, a UV light source is used to irradiate the cornea after it has been soaked in the photo enhancing riboflavin solution. This help strengthen the cornea by increasing the number of molecular bonds, or cross-links, in the collagen.
Is Cross-Linking Right for Me?
Patients over the age of 14 who have been diagnosed with progressive keratoconus or corneal ectasia following refractive surgery should ask their doctor about corneal cross-linking.
The Laser Center Of Coral Gables offers our patients a consultation and the first and only therapeutic products for corneal cross-linking that have been approved by the FDA to treat progressive keratoconus. We provide an effective treatment for patients who, until recently, had no therapeutic options to limit the progression of this sight-threatening disease.
