Source :
Corneal Collagen Crosslinking with Riboflavin (CXL) is a developing keratoconus treatment. CXL works by increasing collagen crosslinks which are the natural “anchors” within the cornea. These anchors are responsible for preventing the cornea from bulging out and becoming steep and irregular.
Corneal Crosslinking System
During the corneal crosslinking treatment, custom-made riboflavin drops saturate the cornea, which is then activated by ultraviolet light. This process has been shown in laboratory and clinical studies to increase the amount of collagen cross-linking in the cornea and strengthen the cornea
Collagen crosslinking is not a cure for keratoconus. The aim of this treatment is to arrest progression of keratoconus, and thereby prevent further deterioration in vision and the need for corneal transplantation. Glasses or contact lenses will still be needed following the cross-linking treatment (although a change in the prescription may be required) but it is hoped that it could limit further deterioration of vision.
This procedure, developed at the Technische Universität Dresden, Germany has been shown to slow or arrest the progression of keratoconus in published European studies. CXL is currently in US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clinical trials.
CXL Presentation
At the recent Vision Symposium sponsored by The Discovery Eye Foundation, Dr. Ronald N. Gaster presented this lecture on Corneal Crosslinking.
First US Corneal Collagen Crosslinking Study
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently permitted the start of three clinical trials in the United States to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of riboflavin/UVA light corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) in patients with progressive keratoconus or corneal ectasia after previous refractive surgery.