Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL) for Keratoconus
Protect Your Vision with CXL
If you’ve been diagnosed with keratoconus or corneal ectasia, early treatment can help preserve your vision. At Wellish Abrams Vision Institute, we offer Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL)—the first FDA-approved treatment designed to strengthen the cornea and slow or stop the progression of keratoconus before permanent vision loss occurs.
Dr. Kent Wellish participated in the clinical trials that helped bring this groundbreaking treatment to patients in the United States. Our team is proud to continue providing advanced corneal care using proven, evidence-based technology to help patients protect their vision.
What Is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that causes the cornea—the clear front surface of the eye—to become thinner and weaker over time. As the cornea loses its normal shape and begins to bulge outward into a cone-like shape, it can affect the eye’s ability to focus light properly.
This can lead to blurry or distorted vision, increasing astigmatism, glare, halos around lights, light sensitivity, and frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescriptions.
Without treatment, keratoconus may continue to progress and impact your quality of vision.
How Does Corneal Cross-Linking Work?
Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to strengthen and stabilize the cornea.
During treatment, riboflavin (vitamin B2) eye drops are applied to the cornea and activated with a specialized ultraviolet (UVA) light. This process creates new connections between collagen fibers within the cornea, increasing its strength and helping prevent further thinning and bulging.
Although CXL does not reverse keratoconus or restore the cornea to its original shape, it is the first FDA-approved treatment proven to slow or stop disease progression.
Don’t Wait For Keratoconus To Progress
Schedule an evaluation with our specialists to learn how CXL can help stabilize your vision.
Benefits of Corneal Cross-Linking
CXL can help preserve your vision by strengthening the cornea before keratoconus causes more significant changes.
Potential benefits include:
Slows or stops keratoconus progression
Strengthens weakened corneal tissue
Helps preserve existing vision
May reduce the likelihood of needing a corneal transplant
Performed as an outpatient procedure
What to Expect During CXL Treatment
Corneal Cross-Linking is performed as an outpatient procedure and typically takes about one hour per eye.
During treatment:
- Numbing eye drops are applied to keep you comfortable.
- Riboflavin (vitamin B2) drops are placed on the cornea to prepare the tissue.
- The riboflavin is activated with controlled UVA light to strengthen the corneal collagen fibers.
- A soft bandage contact lens is placed on the eye to protect the cornea during initial healing.
Most patients require only one treatment to stabilize the cornea.
Recovery After Corneal Cross-Linking
Recovery after CXL varies from patient to patient. It is common to experience temporary blurry vision, light sensitivity, tearing, redness, or mild discomfort during the early healing period.
As the cornea stabilizes, vision may gradually improve over the following weeks and months. Your doctor will monitor your progress and provide personalized instructions for returning to normal activities and wearing contact lenses.
Other Treatment Options for Keratoconus
While CXL focuses on stabilizing the cornea and preventing progression, additional treatments may help improve vision depending on your individual needs.
Options may include:
2
Specialty contact lenses, including scleral lenses
3
Hybrid or rigid gas permeable lenses
4
Corneal implants (Intacs®)
5
Corneal transplant surgery for advanced cases
Schedule a Keratoconus Consultation
If you have keratoconus or changes in your vision, early evaluation can help protect your sight. The specialists at Wellish Abrams Vision Institute can determine if Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking is right for you.
Schedule your exam today to explore your treatment options.
