Corneal Stabilization for Keratoconus & More
If you’ve been diagnosed with keratoconus or another condition that causes progressive corneal thinning, corneal cross-linking may help stop its progression. This minimally invasive, FDA-approved procedure strengthens the cornea and reduces the risk of needing a transplant later.
At American Eye Associates, our cornea specialists perform cross-linking using advanced technology and evidence-based protocols. Our goal is simple: help you preserve your vision and avoid more invasive procedures down the road.
What Is Corneal Cross-Linking?
Corneal cross-linking is a safe, non-surgical treatment that strengthens the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped front part of the eye. It’s most often used to treat keratoconus, a progressive eye disease that causes the cornea to bulge outward and distort vision.
The procedure involves applying vitamin B2 (riboflavin) drops to the cornea and activating them with UV light. This creates new, stronger bonds between collagen fibers in the cornea, essentially “cross-linking” them to increase corneal rigidity and stability.
Who Is a Cross-Linking Candidate?
You may be a good candidate for cross-linking if you:
- Have been diagnosed with keratoconus or post-LASIK ectasia
- Experience increasing changes in your vision or prescription
- Have thinning or steepening of the cornea seen on imaging
- Are age 14 or older (cross-linking is FDA-approved for teens and adults)
- Have not yet reached the point of needing a corneal transplant
Our cornea specialist will perform detailed scans to evaluate the shape and thickness of your cornea and determine whether cross-linking is the right option to help protect your vision.
How the Procedure Works
Corneal cross-linking is done in-office and usually takes about an hour. You’ll remain awake, but comfortable throughout. Here’s how it works:
- You’ll receive numbing eye drops to keep the procedure painless
- We’ll gently remove the thin surface layer of your cornea (the epithelium) to allow for better treatment absorption
- We will apply riboflavin eye drops (vitamin B2) to the cornea
- A low-dose ultraviolet (UV) light activates the riboflavin and creates new collagen cross-links, strengthening the cornea’s structure
- We may place a protective contact lens after treatment to promote healing
What to Expect After Treatment
After corneal cross-linking, most patients experience mild discomfort, light sensitivity, or a gritty sensation for a few days as the eye's surface heals. We’ll provide prescription eye drops and detailed aftercare instructions to support healing.
You can wear the bandage contact lenses for several days, and we recommend taking a few days off from work or school, especially if your eyes feel dry or sensitive to light.
Follow-up appointments will help us monitor healing and ensure your cornea remains stable.