Corneal Crosslinking
Corneal Crosslinking
Corneal crosslinking (CXL) has emerged as a revolutionary treatment for keratoconus, a progressive eye condition that leads to a cone-shaped bulge in the cornea, causing distorted vision.
Understanding Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a debilitating eye disorder characterised by the thinning and weakening of the cornea, the window of the eye. This weakening leads to the cornea bulging outwards in a cone shape, which can distorts and blurs vision. The condition usually manifests during the teenage years or early adulthood and can progress over time, often resulting in some visual impairment.
The Science Behind Corneal Crosslinking
Corneal cross-linking is a minimally invasive procedure designed to strengthen the cornea. The treatment involves the application of riboflavin (vitamin B2) eye drops to the cornea, followed by controlled exposure to ultraviolet (UVA) light. This combination stimulates the formation of covalent bonds between collagen fibers in the cornea, which enhances its biomechanical strength and stability. The cross-linking process serves to halt the progression of keratoconus by preventing further thinning and bulging of the cornea.
The Procedure and Recovery
Dr Li performs corneal crosslinking as an outpatient procedure. She performs the accelerated Dresden protocol which has been shown in previous clinical trials to be as effective as the Dresden protocol. This means the procedure is done in half an hour rather than an hour. First, your eye will be numbed with local anesthetic to ensure comfort throughout the treatment. Dr Li then applies riboflavin drops to the cornea for 20 minutes. Subsequently, the eye is exposed to UV light for 10 minutes. Patients generally experience slight discomfort or light sensitivity following the procedure, but these symptoms usually subside within a few days. Dr Li will ensure that you are given pain relief tablets and applies a bandage contact lens for pain relief.
Efficacy and Potential Risks
Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of corneal cross-linking in stabilizing keratoconus and preserving visual function.
As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks associated with corneal cross-linking. These may include temporary discomfort, infection, or corneal haze. Serious complications are rare.
While not a cure for keratoconus, corneal cross-linking has been shown to halt the progression of the disease in 90% of patients, thereby reducing the need for more invasive interventions like corneal transplantation.