What Is Corneal Cross-Linking and How Does It Help Keratoconus?

Corneal cross-linking (CXL) is an innovative procedure that’s changing the way ophthalmologists manage keratoconus. It offers patients hope for better vision and long-term stability.

Diagnosing and treating keratoconus is one of our specialties at Marano Eye Care, a division of Ophthalmology New Jersey. Let’s take a closer look at what corneal cross-linking is, how it works, and why it can make a difference.

Understanding keratoconus

Keratoconus affects the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface at the front of the eye. In healthy eyes, the cornea holds a regular, round shape that helps focus light onto the retina for clear vision.

In keratoconus, the cornea gradually thins and bulges outward into a cone-like shape. This distortion causes blurry vision, increased sensitivity to light, and frequent adjustments to prescription glasses or contact lenses.

While mild keratoconus can sometimes be managed with specialty contact lenses, progressive cases can lead to significant vision problems and eventually require a corneal transplant.

Our treatment goal for keratoconus is to prevent progression while improving your vision.

What is corneal cross-linking?

Corneal cross-linking is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure designed to strengthen the cornea and stop keratoconus from worsening.

It works by creating new "cross-links" between the collagen fibers in the cornea, similar to adding extra support beams to a weak structure.

The treatment involves two main steps:

Applying riboflavin (vitamin B2) eye drops to the cornea
Exposing the cornea to controlled ultraviolet (UV) light, which activates the riboflavin and strengthens the corneal tissue

This process increases the cornea’s stability, making it more resistant to further bulging or thinning.

Benefits of corneal cross-linking

The most significant benefit of corneal cross-linking is that it can halt or slow the progression of keratoconus. CXL won’t correct your vision, but it helps preserve your current level of sight and prevents further deterioration.

Our team then prescribes contact lenses, eyeglasses, or other therapies to correct the blurry vision and other issues related to pretreatment keratoconus.

Other benefits of CXL include:

Reducing the need for corneal transplant

By stabilizing the cornea early, many individuals can avoid more invasive surgeries later.

Improved contact lens tolerance

With a stronger cornea, many patients find contact lenses more comfortable and effective.

Long-term results

Studies show that corneal cross-linking provides lasting stabilization for most patients.

Who is a good candidate for corneal cross-linking?

Corneal cross-linking is most effective for individuals diagnosed with progressive keratoconus or other corneal weakening conditions. Our team usually recommends treatment when changes in vision, prescription, or corneal scans show that the condition is worsening.

Keratoconus usually develops in older teens and young adults. Because timing is critical, early diagnosis is key. The sooner keratoconus is detected, the better the chance of preserving your vision with cross-linking.

Routine eye exams are essential for diagnosing and treating keratoconus, especially following therapies like CXL.

What to expect during and after the procedure

The procedure typically takes about an hour. You’re awake, but we use numbing drops to ensure comfort.

After treatment, your eyes may feel irritated or sensitive for one to two days. Most people can return to normal activities within a week, and follow-up visits help monitor progress.

Take the next step

Schedule an exam at Marano Eye Care in Denville, Livingston, or Newark, New Jersey, today. Early intervention can make all the difference in preserving your sight