Austin TX Corneal Crosslinking for Keratoconus

About Corneal Crosslinking

Treatment for keratoconus varies depending on the severity of the condition. In its early stages, keratoconus can be managed with eyeglasses or soft contact lenses. Advanced stages of keratoconus may require corneal transplant surgery. To determine the proper treatment option, the eye doctors at Austin Eye conduct several tests. They also utilize computerized corneal topography to measure the curvature of the cornea.

For mild cases of keratoconus, corneal crosslinking can be used to slow down the progression of the condition. Collagen cross-links are naturally occurring “anchors” in the cornea which prevent it from bulging. Corneal crosslinking involves strengthening the corneal tissue, in turn stopping the cornea from bulging.

During treatment, special riboflavin (vitamin B2) drops are placed in the eye and activated by ultraviolet (UV) light. This increases the number of collagen cross-links in the cornea, which helps the cornea maintain its shape and focusing ability.

There are two types of corneal crosslinking. Epithelium-off crosslinking involves removing the thin layer that covers the surface of the eye, allowing the riboflavin to penetrate the cornea faster. In epithelium-on crosslinking, the epithelial surface is left intact, resulting in the riboflavin taking longer to penetrate the cornea.

Studies have shown that corneal crosslinking can often eliminate the need for corneal transplant surgery. In most cases, patients will still need to wear glasses or contact lenses. However, many patients find that wearing contact lenses becomes more comfortable following corneal crosslinking.