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Corneal Collagen Crosslinking

Corneal Collagen Crosslinking

Corneal Collagen Crosslinking at The Sight Centre offers a groundbreaking solution for those diagnosed with keratoconus or other corneal ectatic disorders. 

This innovative treatment can help halt the progression of these conditions, preserving your vision and potentially avoiding the need for corneal transplantation.

By strengthening the corneal structure using a combination of riboflavin (vitamin B2) drops and controlled UV light, we can increase the cornea’s rigidity and resistance to further deformation. This procedure aims to stabilise the cornea’s shape and prevent further deterioration of your vision.

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Our experienced team of consultant ophthalmologists combines cutting-edge technology with personalised care to deliver this sight-saving treatment safely and effectively.

Benefits of Corneal Collagen Crosslinking

  • Halts or slows the progression of keratoconus
  • Potentially avoids the need for corneal transplant
  • Minimally invasive procedure
  • Can be combined with other treatments for vision improvement
  • Outpatient procedure with quick recovery
  • Long-lasting results
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What is Corneal Collagen Crosslinking?

Corneal Collagen Crosslinking (CXL) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to strengthen the cornea’s structure. It’s primarily used to treat keratoconus, a condition where the cornea becomes thin and bulges outward into a cone shape, causing distorted vision.

The procedure involves applying riboflavin (vitamin B2) drops to the cornea, which is then activated by controlled UV light. This process creates new bonds between collagen fibres in the cornea, effectively strengthening its structure.

The procedure typically takes about an hour and is performed on an outpatient basis under local anaesthesia.

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Why Choose Corneal Collagen Crosslinking?

This advanced treatment can help stabilise your cornea and protect your vision for years to come.

Halts Disease Progression

CXL can effectively stop or slow the progression of keratoconus, preserving your current vision.

Avoids Major Surgery

By treating keratoconus early, CXL may help you avoid the need for corneal transplantation in the future.

Improved Quality of Life

Stabilising your vision can significantly enhance your daily life and reduce anxiety about future vision loss.

Minimally Invasive

CXL is a relatively simple, outpatient procedure with a quick recovery time. Combinable Treatment CXL can be combined with other treatments like intracorneal ring segments for improved visual outcomes.

Long-lasting Results

The effects of CXL are long-lasting, with many patients maintaining stable vision for years after the procedure.

Safe and Effective

CXL has been extensively studied and has shown excellent safety and efficacy profiles in treating keratoconus.

Your Treatment Journey

Our team of expert ophthalmologists is dedicated to guiding you through every step of the Corneal Collagen Crosslinking process and ensuring your comfort and safety.

Preparation and Anesthesia

Before your procedure, we’ll administer anaesthetic eye drops to ensure your comfort. If you’re having epithelium-off CXL, we’ll gently remove the outer layer of your cornea.

Crosslinking Procedure

We’ll apply riboflavin drops to your cornea at regular intervals for about 30 minutes. Then, we’ll expose your eye to controlled UV light for approximately 30 minutes, continuing to apply riboflavin drops throughout this period.

Post-Procedure Care

Immediately after your procedure, we’ll provide detailed post-operative care instructions. These may include using prescribed eye drops, wearing a protective contact lens, and avoiding rubbing your eye. Most patients can go home the same day, but you’ll need someone to drive you.

Corneal Collagen Crosslinking FAQs

How long does it take to recover from CXL?

Most patients can return to work or normal activities within a week. However, your vision may be blurry for several weeks as your eye heals. Full visual recovery can take up to 6-12 months.

Is Corneal Collagen Crosslinking painful?

The procedure itself is painless due to anaesthetic eye drops. You may experience some discomfort, sensitivity to light, and a gritty sensation in your eye for a few days after the procedure, but this can usually be managed with prescribed medications.

Will CXL improve my vision?

The primary goal of CXL is to stop the progression of keratoconus, not to improve vision. However, some patients do experience vision improvement as their cornea stabilises.

How soon will I know if the treatment has been successful?

The stabilisation of your cornea is typically confirmed through corneal topography scans at follow-up appointments. It may take several months to a year to fully assess the treatment’s effectiveness.

Can CXL be repeated if necessary?

In most cases, CXL only needs to be performed once per eye. However, in rare cases where progression continues, the treatment can be repeated.

Preserve Your Vision with The Sight Centre

Ready to take control of your keratoconus? Contact our team to arrange your Corneal Collagen Crosslinking consultation.