Collagen Crosslinking
What is collagen crosslinking?
This is a minimally-invasive procedure that is performed to strengthen the cornea. It is used to prevent or halt the progression of Keratoconus and other conditions that also weaken the cornea, such as pellucid marginal degeneration.
In has become the standard treatment for Keratoconus and reduces the chances of requiring cornea transplant surgery.
Further Information
What does it involve?
This surgery combines the use of vitamin B and ultraviolet (UV) light to strengthen the cornea and is performed as a day case using local anaesthetic eye drops.
After cleaning the eye with antiseptic drops, the cornea is soaked with vitamin B drops, followed by the application of UV light. At the end of the procedure, antibiotic drops are placed on the eye together with a contact lens.
What happens after the surgery?
After treatment, you may experience pain and light sensitivity in the treated eye for 3-5 days. You will be given drops and medications to take which will help to ease the pain, aid healing and prevent infections. The bandage contact lens will be removed at the one-week follow-up appointment and patients should take at least a week off work/school/college and other activities.
