Collagen Cross Linking (CXL) treatment

Collagen Cross Linking treatment CXL (recommend if condition is caught early)

CXL is Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking with Riboflavin. Ultraviolet light is used to promote increased cross-linking between collagen fibres within the cornea (the front transparent structure of the eye). Increasing the amount of cross-linking results in increased strength or rigidity of the cornea. Strengthening the cornea by cross-linking its building blocks (collagen) can arrest progression of keratoconus and has also been reported to reverse partially the corneal steepening that has already taken place.

What does the procedure involve?

The cornea is first anaesthetised using drops. The procedure is performed in the clinic in a semi-reclined chair or stretcher. Strong antibiotics are also used to prevent infection. The mucous surface of the cornea (epithelium) is disrupted using a special instrument and then Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) drops are placed in the eye every few minutes. The drops are yellow and become adsorbed by the cornea and the front of the eye.

The eye is checked at the slit lamp biomicroscope by medical personnel to ensure the Riboflavin has been absorbed. A clip is placed in the eye to keep the lids open and the calibrated ultraviolet device is then focused on the eye and switched on for 30 minutes. It is important not to move during the procedure and medical personnel will check periodically to make sure the device is in the correct position. The yellow pigment of the Riboflavin absorbs the Ultraviolet A light.


Glasses or soft contact lenses

After having CXL treatment the majority of people would still need glasses or soft contact lenses. In most cases the recovery before you can have an eye test again is about 3/4 weeks.

Once both of my eyes had recovered it took at least 6/12 months until my sight had stopped shifting. I found myself having to attend regular eye appointments to adjust my lenses which became an expensive process.

A year and a half after my treatment my consultant confirmed my eyes had completely stabilised, with the left eye (severe eye) slightly improving.

I now wear glasses for VDU and contact lenses for other occasions.