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

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

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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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Many people are unsure about which eye treatment can help them and which option they should choose. The first step is to get a clear answer on whether one of our treatments will suit your needs. Give our friendly team a call us on: 08 7082 2066 or request a call back.

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At our eye clinic in Adelaide, we offer a range of treatment options designed to address different vision needs. After your procedure, you will be guided through what to expect as you adjust to your vision. Many people find that this stage helps them return to their usual routines with more clarity about how to manage their eye health.

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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, a specialist laser eye and cataract surgeon in Adelaide.

For more than 15 years, I have had the privilege of helping thousands of patients achieve clearer vision and greater freedom from glasses and contact lenses, having performed more than 15,000 eye procedures.

Vision correction requires precision, experience and sound clinical judgement. Achieving consistently excellent outcomes depends not only on advanced technology, but also on the expertise of the surgeon using it.

I understand that choosing eye surgery is an important decision. Every person’s eyes—and visual needs—are different, so treatment should be carefully tailored to your eye health, lifestyle and goals.

Your complimentary initial assessment is an opportunity to explore your suitability, learn about the options available and have your questions answered without obligation.

I look forward to welcoming you to IVISION LASER in Adelaide and helping you discover what may be possible for your vision.

Dr Aanchal Gupta

MBBS, M.Med. (Ophth. Sci.), Grad. Dip. (Refract. Surg.), FRANZCO, FWCRS&VS
Specialist Laser Eye and Cataract Surgeon