Corneal Collagen
Cross Linking (CXL)
Increase in the cross linking between
the collagen fibers of the corneal stroma
What exactly is corneal collagen cross linking (CXL)?
In corneal collagen cross linking (CXL) procedure, a combination of photosensitizing factors is used, more specifically ultraviolet A (UV – A) radiation and vitamin B2, known as riboflavin. The result of this chemical reaction occurring on a diseased – weakened cornea is an increase in the cross linking between the collagen fibers of the corneal stroma. This phenomenon leads to increased levels of strength, resilience, and rigidity in the cornea.
What are the indications for choosing corneal collagen cross linking (CXL) as a treatment?
The most important indications for performing corneal collagen cross linking (CXL) on a patient are the following:
Pellucid Marginal Degeneration (PMD): a transparent peripheral degeneration of the cornea
Postoperative keratectasia (as a complication, following laser refractive procedure)
Infectious keratitis (using the pack – CXL technique)
What are the steps in the corneal collagen cross linking (CXL) treatment for a cornea with keratoconus?
The steps for treatment in a keratoconic cornea are:
Instillation of local anesthetic drops
Deciding whether or not to remove the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium)
Instillation of riboflavin drops (a special vitamin B2) for a few minutes to soak the cornea (stroma)
Application of UV – A radiation for a few minutes to the keratoconic eye, using special and cutting-edge equipment. The profile (shape) of the radiation is determined with the help of advanced software (protocol selection), based on the diagnostic corneal topography examination
At the end of the treatment, a therapeutic contact lens is placed on the eye temporarily (it boosts recovery after the procedure)
It is worth noting that corneal collagen cross linking (CXL) treatment can be appropriately combined with laser refractive procedure (PTK or trans PRK methods) to correct refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism). This specific approach effectively improves visual acuity (VA) and halts the progression of keratoconus. Furthermore, many surgeons decide to remove the corneal epithelium with an excimer laser using also the PTK method, without scraping, before performing corneal collagen cross linking (CXL).
Ophthalmic
Conditions
Learn everything about the most important eye diseases and conditions. Our fully upgraded eye clinic combines cutting-edge technology with modern facilities. Your eyes are our priority.
Refractive
Laser Surgery
Get rid of glasses and contact lenses for good. Laser refractive procedures are the most popular surgical procedures for correcting common refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism), offering excellent post-operative results.