Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL)

CXL can be performed painlessly as a day-only clinic procedure, or in-hospital, and takes about one hour. There are variations on the procedure, including epi-on (transepithelial) or epi-off, but it involves the use of a special eyedrop (riboflavin) followed by exposure to a specific UV light.

After the procedure, there can be some pain for 1-2 days, and the vision is often worse in the operated eye for about one month, although this can last longer.

Corneal Collagen Cross-linking (CXL) is most commonly used to stabilise the cornea in patients with progressive keratoconus. It is very effective, and the likelihood of further vision loss from keratoconus once CXL is performed is very low.

CXL is also used occasionally for other conditions of the cornea including post-LASIK ectasia, pellucid marginal degeneration and occasionally for corneal infections.