Crosslinking
Corneal cross-linking is a safe, minimally invasive procedure that halts the progression of keratoconus, helping you maintain clear, stable vision for years to come.
What is Keratoconus?
Additional content available at www.Livingwithkeratoconus.com/what-is-keratoconus/
Keratoconus, often referred to as ‘KC’, is a non-inflammatory eye condition in which the typically round dome-shaped cornea progressively thins and weakens, causing the development of a cone-like bulge and optical irregularity of the cornea. This causes ‘static’ in your vision and can result in significant visual impairment.
Symptoms
Keratoconus typically first appears in individuals who are in their late teens or early twenties, and may progress for 10-20 years, and then slow or stabilize. Each eye may be affected differently. In the early stages of keratoconus, people might experience:
- Slight blurring of vision
- Distortion of vision
- Increased sensitivity to light
The cornea is responsible for focusing most of the light that comes into the eye. Therefore, abnormalities of the cornea, such as keratoconus, can have a major impact on how an individual sees the world, making simple tasks such as driving a car or reading a book very difficult.1
What is Corneal Cross-Linking?
Additional content available at www.Livingwithkeratoconus.com/what-is-cross- linking/
Cross-linking is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that combines the use of UVA light and riboflavin eye drops to add stiffness to corneas which have been weakened by disease or refractive surgery. Cross-linking, which has been performed in Europe since 2003, is considered the standard of care around the world for keratoconus and corneal ectasia following refractive surgery2.
Riboflavin
Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is important for body growth, red blood cell production and assists in releasing energy from carbohydrates. Its food sources include dairy products, eggs, green leafy vegetables, lean meats, legumes, and nuts. Breads and cereals are often fortified with riboflavin.
Under the conditions used for corneal collagen cross-linking, riboflavin 5’- phosphate, vitamin B2, functions as a photoenhancer which enables the cross- linking reaction to occur.
Ultra-Violet A (UVA)
UVA is one of the three types of invisible light rays given off by the sun (together with ultra-violet B and ultra-violet C) and is the weakest of the three.
A UV light source is applied to irradiate the cornea after it has been soaked in the photoenhancing riboflavin solution. This cross-linking process stiffens the cornea by increasing the number of molecular bonds, or cross-links, in the collagen.
Is Cross-Linking right for me?
Patients over the age of 14 who have been diagnosed with progressive keratoconus or corneal ectasia following refractive surgery should ask their doctor about corneal cross-linking.
Our practice is proud to offer patients in our practice the first and only therapeutic products for corneal cross-linking which have been FDA approved to treat progressive keratoconus. This approval offers an effective treatment for patients who, until recently, had no therapeutic options to limit the progression of this sight-threatening disease.
For information on the FDA approved corneal cross-linking procedure for the treatment of keratoconus and corneal ectasia following refractive surgery, visit www.Livingwithkeratoconus.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is keratoconus?
Keratoconus (KC) is a non-inflammatory eye condition in which the normally round cornea thins and bulges into a cone-like shape. This causes optical irregularities, blurred or distorted vision, and increased sensitivity to light. It often begins in the late teens or early twenties and may progress for 10–20 years before stabilizing.
What are the symptoms of keratoconus?
Early symptoms may include:
- Slight blurring of vision
- Distorted or irregular vision
- Increased sensitivity to light
Each eye can be affected differently, and the condition may make everyday activities like reading or driving difficult.
What is corneal cross-linking?
Corneal cross-linking is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that strengthens weakened corneas using a combination of riboflavin (vitamin B2) eye drops and ultraviolet A (UVA) light. This process increases collagen cross-links in the cornea, stiffening it and helping to halt the progression of keratoconus.
How painful is corneal cross-linking?
Corneal cross-linking is generally well tolerated. Numbing eye drops are applied before the procedure, making it relatively painless. Some patients may experience mild discomfort or sensitivity afterward, which can be managed with medication.
What is the success rate of corneal cross-linking?
Corneal cross-linking is considered the standard of care for progressive keratoconus worldwide. It is highly effective in slowing or stopping disease progression, especially when performed early in the course of the condition.
Who is suitable for corneal cross-linking?
Patients over the age of 14 who have progressive keratoconus or corneal ectasia following refractive surgery are candidates. Your doctor at Cali Eye will evaluate your corneal thickness, shape, and disease progression to determine if cross-linking is appropriate.
Which surgery is best for keratoconus?
For progressive keratoconus, corneal cross-linking is the preferred first-line surgical treatment because it stabilizes the cornea. In advanced cases, other options such as corneal implants or transplant may be considered.
What is the latest treatment for keratoconus in 2026?
The latest treatment available at Cali Eye is FDA-approved corneal cross-linking, which is the first therapeutic option to effectively limit the progression of keratoconus and prevent further vision loss.
When should someone be referred for corneal cross-linking?
Referral should be made for patients over age 14 who show signs of progressive keratoconus or corneal ectasia after refractive surgery. Early intervention helps preserve vision and reduces the need for more invasive procedures later.
Can cross-linking prevent corneal transplants?
Yes. By halting the progression of keratoconus, corneal cross-linking can reduce the likelihood of requiring a corneal transplant, especially if performed before significant thinning or scarring occurs.
Schedule Your Consultation
Rediscover sharp, vivid vision with advanced cataract surgery at Cali Eye Institute.
Dr. Babak Shabatian and his team are committed to providing compassionate, customized care in Torrance, Ventura, and Lancaster.
We Are Members of:
