Collagen Cross Linking for Keratoconus

What is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus, a progressive eye disorder causing the cornea to become conical in shape, can be treated in a number of different ways. The most common ways of treating it are with contact lenses, corneal transplant surgery or Intacs. Recently, another procedure has shown a lot of promise in treating keratoconus and may be a safer, less expensive and less invasive alternative for corneal transplants in the future. This procedure is called collagen cross linking.

How It Works

Collagen cross linking works on the theory that the structures within the cornea that link to each other and keep the cornea from bulging outward are weakened by keratoconus. By strengthening the links between these structures, the disease can be halted and reversed to some extent.

The procedure for collagen cross linking consists of applying specially formulated riboflavin (vitamin B2) eye drops to the cornea and using an ultraviolet (UVA) light to activate them. The process stimulates the connection of collagen fibers and helps restore the cornea to a proper shape and increase contact lens tolerance.

Combining Treatment Options:

Collagen cross linking can be done alone or in conjunction with the Intacs procedure to achieve an even flatter cornea. Contact lenses may or may not be required after the procedure. This treatment has been extensively performed abroad, but it still awaits FDA approval in the U.S. following the conclusion of several clinical trials. To date, no serious risks have been discovered.