Manage keratoconus with corneal cross-linking in Adelaide

Learn how corneal cross-linking works and how it may be used to stabilise the cornea in suitable candidates

Patients inquiring about corneal cross-linking will need a referral from their optometrist.

Manage keratoconus with corneal cross-linking in Adelaide

Learn how corneal cross-linking works and how it may be used to stabilise the cornea in suitable candidates

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Explore corneal cross-linking for keratoconus

Learn how this procedure is used to strengthen the cornea in suitable candidates

Corneal cross-linking suitability criteria

  • In cases of progressive keratoconus, corneal cross-linking (CXL) has become an important mode of treatment.1https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/corneal-cross-linking-for-keratoconus
  • Corneal cross-linking (CXL) is used to strengthen the cornea in people with keratoconus. Research shows that it can help slow or stabilise changes in the cornea for many patients2https://www.aao.org/eyenet/article/cxl-road-ahead . It is not a cure, and some individuals may notice changes in their vision over time, while others may not.
  • CXL is generally recommended before keratoconus becomes advanced, as earlier intervention may offer more predictable planning. Your clinician will discuss the potential benefits, risks and limitations based on your individual assessment.

  • During the CXL procedure UV light is used to strengthen the corneal collagen. This occurs at a cellular level by formation of “cross-links” or bonds between the collagen layers of the cornea. Riboflavin drops are used during the procedure which act as an absorber and protect the remaining layers of the eye from UV.

Possible advantages are:

Corneal cross-linking (CXL) is designed to strengthen the cornea, and research shows it may help slow or stabilise keratoconus in many patients. Your clinician will explain how the procedure works and what changes may be realistic for your eyes.

disadvantages

CXL does not reverse advanced keratoconus, and some people may still experience changes in their vision over time. Suitability depends on the stage of the condition, overall corneal health, and individual assessment.

The risks include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Infection
  • Delays in re-growth of the surface cells resulting in a foreign body sensation on occasion requiring more frequent and prolonged use of lubricant drops.
  • Corneal haze which usually clear by 3-6 months.
  • Corneal swelling.

At this stage, the duration of clinical studies and the number of treated cases is insufficient to be able to fully profile the longer-term risks of the procedure beyond 15 years.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

  • Kerarings – tiny plastic segments designed to be implanted in the cornea and reshape the cornea into a better shape.
  • Topography-guided PRK – a laser-based treatment where the aim is to regularise the surface of the cornea to allow better fitting of glasses or contact lenses post-operatively.
  • Corneal transplantation – a treatment for advanced cases of keratoconus ​​which involves removing all (penetrating keratoplasty) or part of the cornea (deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty) that is cloudy or abnormally shaped and replacing it with a healthy donor cornea.

  • The procedure is performed under local anesthetic drops and requires 30-40 minutes.
  • A central area of the surface cells of the cornea are removed to allow the Riboflavin to penetrate.
  • Riboflavin drops are applied for 30 minutes.
  • After confirming that the cornea is of sufficient thickness the UV light is applied for 10 minutes.
  • The cornea is then covered with a bandage contact lens (BCL) and drops are instilled.
  • The corneal surface cells re-grow after 3-5 days at which time there will be an appointment scheduled at IVISION LASER for BCL removal.

  • Our results show 100% efficacy at stabilising keratoconus at 2 years post-treatment. Approximately half of the patients experience an improvement in their astigmatism and contact lens fitting.

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Corneal collagen cross-linking is a procedure that aims to strengthen the cornea in order to slow or halt the progression of keratoconus. It achieves this through a chemical reaction using a combination of riboflavin (vitamin B2) and ultraviolet (UVA) light to strengthen the cross-links between the collagen fibres within the stroma layer of the cornea.

This post encompasses all things keratoconus, from symptoms, diagnosis and signs, to treatments involving cross-linking and eligibility. Click here for more information.

Corneal cross-linking is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure designed to treat progressive keratoconus (and, sometimes, other conditions that cause a similar weakening of the cornea).

The two basic types of corneal cross-linking are:

  • Epithelium-off cross-linking. The thin outer layer (epithelium) of the cornea is removed to allow the liquid riboflavin to penetrate the deeper corneal tissue with ease.
  • Epithelium-on cross-linking. The protective corneal epithelium is left intact, making it a less invasive procedure than cross-linking with epithelium removal.

Click here for more information.

Hi, I’m Dr Aanchal Gupta, your laser and cataract surgeon in Adelaide

Over the past 10 years, I’ve had the joy of helping thousands of patients of all ages gain clear vision and freedom from glasses and contact lenses.

Laser eye surgery is a skill. Performing vision correction at a world-class standard hinges upon the expertise of your surgeon and their access to state-of-the-art tools.

I understand that getting eye surgery is a serious decision. Your eyes are unique and you should demand a custom solution tailored to your needs, lifestyle and goals. That’s why we offer a free appointment so we can meet and I can take the time to answer your questions and talk through any concerns you have.

I am passionate about helping patients transform their lives. I look forward to spending time with you at our gorgeous eye clinic in the heart of Adelaide to see whether you could gain exceptional vision without the need for glasses or contacts.

Dr Aanchal Gupta

MBBS, M.Med. (Ophth. Sci.), Grad. Dip. (Refract. Surg.), FRANZCO
Expert Laser Eye and Cataract Surgeon