top of page

KERATOCONUS & CROSS-LINKING
Keratoconus (KC) is a progressive, noninflammatory, bilateral

(but usually asymmetrical) ectatic corneal disease, characterized

by paraxial corneal thinning and weakening that leads to corneal

surface distortion. 
Visual loss occurs primarily from irregular astigmatism and later from

induced myopia. In advanced cases corneal scarring may also appear. 
Typically commences at puberty and progresses to the mid-thirties

at which time progression slows and often stops.  
In general young patients with advanced disease are more likely to progress

to the point where they may ultimately require some form of surgical

intervention.
Subclinical Keratoconus(KC) normally causes no visual impairment, the patient may require glasses

or nothing to achieve 20/20 vision.
Clinical Keratoconus is classified in several stages according to the conus severity.

Staging and proper follow up of KC is achieved by performing in regular intervals Corneal Topography examinations.
Staging of 

Cross-Linking
nih_150506_corneal_cross_linking_800x600

A non-invasive treatment CXL (corneal collagen cross-linking riboflavin) treatment has been proven to strengthen the weak corneal structure in Keratoconus.This method works by increasing collagen cross-linking, which are the natural "anchors" within the cornea.These anchors are responsible for preventing the cornea from bulging out and becoming steep and irregular (which is the cause of Keratoconus).During the 30-minute, in-office treatment, custom-made riboflavin eyedrops are applied to the cornea, which are then activated by a special light. This is the process that has been shown in laboratory and clinical studies to increase the amount of collagen cross-linking in the cornea and strengthen the cornea.In published studies, such treatments were proven safe and effective in patients with Keratoconus.

bottom of page