C3-R - Corneal Collagen Crosslinking with Riboflavin
Corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) is a safe, minimally invasive treatment used to strengthen and stabilize the cornea in patients with progressing keratoconus or corneal ectasia. The procedure works by applying riboflavin (Vitamin B2) eye drops and activating them with controlled UV-A light, which helps reinforce the corneal structure.
Preparation: To ensure comfort, numbing eye drops are applied before the procedure begins.
Epithelium Removal (when necessary): The thin outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) may be carefully removed to allow better absorption of riboflavin.
Riboflavin Saturation: Riboflavin eye drops are applied regularly for about 30 minutes until the cornea is fully saturated.
UV-A Activation: The cornea is then exposed to a controlled UV-A light source for 10–30 minutes, activating the riboflavin and promoting collagen crosslinking.
Completion: A protective contact lens may be placed after the procedure to support healing and reduce discomfort.
Recovery: Mild discomfort, blurred vision, and light sensitivity are common in the first few days and generally improve as the cornea heals. Prescribed eye drops help prevent infection and support recovery.
CXL effectively slows or halts the progression of keratoconus, helps preserve existing vision, improves long-term corneal stability, and significantly reduces the likelihood of needing a corneal transplant.
While the procedure is considered very safe, there is a small risk of temporary irritation, light sensitivity, corneal haze, or infection. These complications are uncommon and can usually be managed with appropriate care.
