What Is Cross-Linking?

Cross-linking is a medical procedure that combines the use of ultra-violet light and riboflavin eye drops.

What is the purpose of cross-linking?
The last two years have seen a marked increase in the prominence of corneal collagen cross-linking as a treatment strategy for progressive Keratoconus. This interest has arisen from a body of evidence documenting the biomechanical and cellular changes induced by cross-linking. The findings of this research provide a rationale for its use in Keratoconus to retard the progression of this common disease. A rapidly growing number of clinical reports suggest a consistent stabilizing effect of cross-linking along with a variable improvement in corneal shape and visual function in some patients. As a first-line treatment the greatest aim of cross-linking is to reduce and stop Keratoconus in the early phase of the condition, and to treat the progressive vision loss that occurs which can lead to corneal transplantation.