CROSS-LINKING TREATMENT
A revolutionary breakthrough
in the treatment of keratoconus
Cross-linking treatment is the only available procedure to halt the progression of keratoconus.
Modern
diagnosics
equipments
Quick and
painless
Experienced
specialists
What is keratoconus?
Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that has a significant impact on the quality of life of those affected. This pathological condition causes thinning of the cornea and a cone-shaped deformation, leading to visual disturbances.
In recent years, the treatment of keratoconus has undergone significant advances, and corneal cross-linking has revolutionized the management of this condition.
Keratoconus symptoms
Early symptoms
In the early stages of keratoconus, patients typically experience mild visual deterioration. This often presents as blurred vision or a gradual decline in visual quality. Many people first seek help from an ophthalmologist or optometrist at this point to obtain new glasses or contact lenses. Early symptoms may also include increased light sensitivity and heightened sensitivity to glare, which can be particularly problematic during night driving. At this stage, visual acuity can still be corrected with glasses or soft contact lenses; however, patients may notice that the correction is not optimal and that visual quality can deteriorate rapidly. A characteristic symptom is the frequent need to change eyeglass prescriptions.
Signs of advanced stages
As keratoconus progresses, symptoms become more severe. Vision deteriorates further and may reach a point where it can no longer be adequately corrected with glasses. Patients often experience distorted vision, ghosting, and frequent squinting. Reduced contrast sensitivity is also common, which can be particularly problematic in low-light conditions. In advanced cases, the corneal deformation may become visible to the naked eye. Additionally, patients may experience increased eye fatigue, itching, and light sensitivity.
Diagnostic methods
To diagnose keratoconus, the most important tool is corneal topography, which provides a detailed map of the cornea’s shape and curvature. At our ophthalmology clinic, the Orbscan topographer can detect curvature irregularities and asymmetry with micrometer precision, which is crucial for early detection of keratoconus.
During a slit-lamp examination, the doctor looks for specific signs that become visible in the more advanced stages of the disease. Keratometry is also used to measure the corneal curvature, providing additional important diagnostic information.
Modern diagnostic tools, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), allow simultaneous examination of the anterior and posterior surfaces of the cornea, as well as precise measurement of corneal thickness. These tools are particularly important for detecting early-stage keratoconus and monitoring its progression.
When establishing a diagnosis, the ophthalmologist also considers the patient’s medical history, family history, and subjective complaints. Keratoconus often shows familial clustering, so a family history increases the suspicion of the disease. Diagnosing keratoconus is not always straightforward, especially in the early stages. The disease progresses slowly, and initial symptoms may be mild.
Regular eye examinations are crucial, especially for individuals at risk or with a family history of the disease.
Treatment of Keratoconus with Cross-Linking
Corneal cross-linking (CLX) is a procedure aimed at preventing the weakening of the cornea. This treatment represents a revolutionary breakthrough in the management of keratoconus and is currently the only available method capable of halting the progression of the disease. The procedure uses ultraviolet (UVA) light and riboflavin (vitamin B2) eye drops to strengthen, or “cross-link,” the protein fibers of the cornea. This reinforcement prevents further thinning and deformation of the cornea.
This innovative method offers numerous benefits that can significantly improve patients’ quality of life and vision, but its primary goal is to halt the progression of the disease.
If keratoconus is diagnosed and treated in time, there is a good chance that the procedure can halt the progression of the disease and, in most cases, help avoid or delay the need for a corneal transplant.
In many cases, the treatment can also improve vision. Improvements usually occur gradually over the months following the procedure as the cornea stabilizes and strengthens. The degree of visual improvement may vary from person to person.
The effectiveness of the treatment depends on the stage of the disease and individual factors, so a personalized medical consultation is always necessary to determine the best treatment strategy. Early detection of changed eye condition such as cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration is an important step in maintaining eye health. If there are signs of a general medical problem, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, treatment is needed as soon as possible, as more serious eye problems can develop if left untreated.
How is cross-linking treatment performed?
Before the procedure, the surface of the eye is cleaned with a disinfectant solution and then numbed with anesthetic eye drops, so you will not feel any pain during the treatment. The procedure is performed while lying down. A small eyelid speculum is used to keep the eye open.
The corneal epithelium is carefully removed after applying a solution that helps loosen the surface of the cornea. This allows the riboflavin (vitamin B2) drops to penetrate the collagen fibers of the cornea. Additional anesthetic eye drops are used during the procedure to keep the eye numb.
Next, six drops of riboflavin eye solution are applied to the cornea, which is then exposed to ultraviolet (UVA) light for approximately 30 minutes.
After the treatment, a special contact lens is placed on the eye to support healing and reduce discomfort. This protective lens typically remains on the eye for about a week while the corneal epithelium regenerates. Following a short rest and discussion of home care instructions, the patient can leave the clinic with a companion.
After the treatment
Immediate aftercare is crucial following a cross-linking procedure. The treating physician will prescribe topical antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops, which must be applied regularly to prevent infection and support the healing process.
In the first few days after treatment, patients may experience mild pain, a burning sensation, and increased light sensitivity. These symptoms are generally temporary and can be managed with proper aftercare. It is important for patients to follow the doctor’s instructions and avoid rubbing the eye for at least five days after the procedure. Showering and bathing are allowed, but care must be taken to prevent water from directly entering the eye.
Prices
Keratoconus Cross-Linking Treatment with UV-X Light
145.000 HUF
Apply
"*" indicates required fields
Read more on this topic
Frequently asked questions
How should I prepare for keratoconus cross-linking treatment?
Eat and drink as usual before the procedure.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
Make sure someone can accompany you and take you home after the treatment.
Remove contact lenses one day before the cross-linking treatment, unless instructed to do so earlier.
Ask someone to help you administer eye drops after the procedure if it is performed on your only seeing eye or both eyes. Your vision will be very blurry in the treated eye during the first three days.
Plan at least one week off work (ideally two weeks) after the procedure.
What can I expect in the days following the cross-linking treatment?
During the first three days after the procedure, you may experience discomfort, eye pain, stinging or itching, and light sensitivity. These symptoms gradually decrease day by day. Vision may be blurry, and it can take 7–14 days for visual acuity to return to pre-treatment levels.
Regular use of painkillers can help relieve discomfort. It is important to use the prescribed eye drops consistently as instructed. Avoid getting water in your eye while showering. You may engage in sports, but avoid swimming until the surface of the eye has fully healed (usually about two weeks). Do not rub your eye after the procedure, as this can worsen the keratoconus condition. To prevent infection, avoid using cosmetics around the eye for at least two weeks or until your doctor advises otherwise.
When can I return to normal activities, drive, or work?
You should take at least one week off work until most of the surface healing has occurred. If your job involves extensive computer work and the procedure was performed on your better-seeing eye, aim for up to two weeks off.
You should take at least one week off work until most of the surface healing has occurred. If your job involves extensive computer work and the procedure was performed on your better-seeing eye, aim for up to two weeks off.
Watching TV or using a computer will not harm your eye, but you may find it more comfortable to rest with your eyes closed during the initial period.
Your vision will be checked at the ophthalmology clinic approximately two weeks after the procedure to confirm whether it is safe for driving.
Contact lenses can be safely worn once the epithelium has healed, usually about two weeks after the procedure. This will be confirmed at your first follow-up appointment.
If you wear glasses, it is recommended to wait at least three months after the procedure to determine whether your prescription needs updating.
Is cross-linking treatment safe?
Although cross-linking is generally a safe and effective procedure for treating keratoconus, like any medical intervention, it may have side effects.
The most common side effects include increased light sensitivity, which can persist for 1–3 months after the treatment. Temporary vision changes and general discomfort in the treated eye may also occur.
Serious complications are rare, as cross-linking typically carries a low risk of adverse effects.
If you experience severe pain, sudden vision loss, or any unusual symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Prompt medical attention is essential to prevent and manage potential complications.
