Keratoconus can be a frightening diagnosis. What you may have thought was just slightly blurry vision or the need for frequent prescription changes can suddenly feel much more serious once your doctor puts a name to it. This progressive eye condition affects the cornea. The clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye, causing it to thin and gradually bulge into a cone-like shape. Over time, this can lead to distorted vision, increased light sensitivity, and challenges with everyday tasks you once took for granted.
Traditionally, keratoconus has been managed through vision correction. Early stages are often addressed with glasses or soft contact lenses, progressing to rigid gas permeable or scleral lenses as the cornea becomes more irregular. While these options can improve vision, they do not prevent keratoconus from progressing. Advances in ophthalmic care offer patients a way to address the condition earlier and more proactively through corneal crosslinking, a treatment that is uniquely available in Ark-LA-Tex at Willis Knight Eye Institute.
What Is Corneal Crosslinking?
Corneal crosslinking (often called CXL) is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure designed to strengthen the cornea and halt the progression of keratoconus. Unlike traditional treatments that focus on correcting vision, crosslinking focuses on stabilizing the disease so it doesn’t get worse over time.
The treatment uses a combination of riboflavin (vitamin B2) eye drops and controlled ultraviolet A (UVA) light to trigger the formation of additional collagen bonds within the corneal tissue. By creating new “crosslinks” between these fibers, the cornea becomes more rigid and resistant to the thinning and bulging that cause vision distortion. That added stiffness helps resist the abnormal bulging that defines keratoconus.
How Crosslinking Helps Protect Your Vision
- Stops disease progression: Corneal crosslinking is currently the only proven treatment that can significantly slow or halt keratoconus progression, preserving vision for years to come.
- Protects corneal structure: By strengthening the cornea, CXL reduces the risk of continued thinning and bulging, which can ultimately prevent more invasive procedures, like corneal transplants.
- Minimally invasive: The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, typically taking about an hour per eye with numbing drops for comfort.
- Durable results: Studies show that the effects of corneal crosslinking can last many years and may even be permanent, keeping keratoconus from advancing further.
Crosslinking works by helping keep keratoconus from getting worse, so it is important to understand that it does not undo changes that have already occurred. Many patients will still rely on glasses or contact lenses after treatment, but often with greater stability and protection moving forward.
Advancing Keratoconus Care across Ark-LA-Tex
At Willis Knight Eye Institute and The Cataract Surgeons, we’re proud to be the only facility in Ark-LA-Tex offering cutting-edge corneal crosslinking technology for patients with keratoconus.
This advanced technology allows our experienced ophthalmic team of Dr. Christopher L. Shelby, Dr. Wyche T. Coleman, III, and Dr. Kelli Coleman to deliver precise, personalized care tailored to each patient’s needs, whether you’ve just been diagnosed or are noticing rapid changes in your vision.
Who Should Consider Crosslinking?
Crosslinking is most beneficial for people whose keratoconus is actively progressing. This often includes individuals who experience frequent prescription changes, increasing visual distortion, or measurable changes in corneal shape over time. Younger patients are especially strong candidates, as keratoconus tends to progress more rapidly in teens and young adults, and early treatment can help preserve vision for the long term.
Crosslinking may also be recommended for patients who are still seeing well with glasses or contact lenses but show signs that the cornea is weakening. Treating the condition early can help prevent future complications and reduce the likelihood of needing more invasive procedures, such as corneal transplantation. A comprehensive eye exam, advanced corneal imaging, and a personalized evaluation are essential to determine whether crosslinking is the right option.
Let’s Talk About Your Options
If you or someone you love has keratoconus, it’s okay to have questions. You don’t have to wait for your vision to change further to take the next step. Schedule a consultation with the team at Willis Knight Eye Institute and The Cataract Surgeons, the Ark-LA-Tex leader in corneal crosslinking technology. We are here to help you understand your options and decide what’s right for you.
Contact us today to see how corneal crosslinking can help protect your vision.
