3 Facts About Corneal Cross-Linking

Corneal cross-linking in Littleton, CO is a procedure that strengthens your corneas with a precise combination of light and eye drops. If that description does little to answer your questions, though, you would be forgiven. We’ll look at what you should know about cross-linking and how to decide if it’s for you.

1. Cross-Linking Is an Outpatient Surgery

Though minimally invasive and safely performed since 2013, corneal cross-linking does technically fall under the surgical realm. Due to its proven results, it hasn’t taken long for it to become a best practice for people with keratoconus. An eye doctor in Littleton, CO might also use it to correct corneal ectasia, a condition that weakens the cornea and causes it to become misshapen. If a doctor has recommended it to you, you should know that the risks tend to be minimal. Around 97% of people can expect to see real results that can help them keep their vision for longer.

2. The Surgery Creates Collagen Cross-Links

The UVA light and riboflavin make it possible for collagen in the eye to bond together. During the procedure, the cornea is first soaked with the eye drop solution and then exposed to the light source. The more bonds you have, the stronger the cornea. The procedure can be performed on anyone over the age of 14 who has been diagnosed with one of the two major types of corneal disorders discussed above. As of now, this is the only FDA-approved treatment for progressive keratoconus.

3. You Can Find Treatment in Littleton

If you’re interested in having this procedure or you merely want to ask a few questions about it, the staff at Visionaire Eye Consultants can help. The actual procedure may last little more than an hour, but it’s important to do your research before you officially schedule the appointment. Keratoconus affects one in every 2,000 people, and its progression by the time a person hits their mid-30s can really affect a person’s quality of life. If your cornea is either weak or misshapen, contact our office to chat more about whether this procedure is right for you.