Keratoconus and Corneal Cross Linking
How is Keratoconus Treated?
Medical Contact Lenses
Custom contact lenses such as rigid gas permeable lenses and scleral lenses can help provide clear, comfortable vision in keratoconus patients. These lenses are designed to mask the irregular corneal curvature, resulting in improved vision. The doctors at Summit Eye Center work with several doctors who specialize in the fitting of these unique lenses.
Corneal Cross-Linking
Corneal cross-linking is a minimally invasive, FDA approved, treatment for keratoconus. It is an outpatient procedure that involves applying the combination of riboflavin (vitamin B2) eye drops and ultra-violet A (UVA) light to the eye. The effect of this treatment is to reinforce the collagen fiber links within the cornea. The goal of this treatment is to stabilize and strengthen the cornea in order to decrease or possibly halt the progression of keratoconus. By doing so, we hope to prevent the need for more aggressive treatments like a corneal transplant.
Corneal Transplant
A corneal transplant or penetrating keratoplasty (PK) is the most aggressive treatment for keratoconus. It involves removing the damaged tissue from one’s cornea and replacing it with donor tissue, which is sutured into place. This procedure is performed when no other treatment is an option. Recovery is quite long, up to a full year much of the time.
Summit Eye Center has been performing corneal cross-linking since 2015 through participation in clinical trials and now as a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved procedure. Cross-linking is a perfect fit for our doctor’s ongoing commitment to improving and protecting our patient’s vision for their lifetime.
Day of Procedure Expectations
Plan on being at the office for around 2 hours
- Numbing drops will be instilled in the eye
- The cornea will be prepared for the procedure
- Riboflavin drops will be applied to the eye
- The cornea will be exposed to UVA light source
- A bandage contact lens will be applied to the eye
- You will return to the comfort of your home to recover
Corneal Cross-Linking FAQ
How long does the procedure take?
Am I awake during the procedure?
Does the procedure hurt?
What is riboflavin?
What is ultra-violet A (UVA) light?
Will I need to stay out of my contact lenses after cross-linking?
Content reviewed by Kelsey J. Kleinsasser, O.D.