Corneal Cross Linking in Dallas, TX | Insight Complete Eye Care

What is Corneal Collagen Cross Linking (CXL) ?

Corneal cross-linking (CXL) is a procedure to prevent progression of keratoconus. It does not treat or cure keratoconus. Keratoconus is a condition in which the cornea becomes weak, thin, and irregularly shaped. This causes the cornea to bulge forward in the shape of a cone, resulting in poor vision.

Normal corneas have cross-links between their collagen fibers. These keep the corneas strong and prevent them from developing irregular shapes. In those with keratoconus, the cross-links are too few, and the resulting lack of structure allows the cornea to bulge outward. During the cross-linking procedure, additional cross-links are added, which provides a more significant structure to the cornea and makes it more stable.

CXL is the most effective treatment to prevent the progression of keratoconus, but it must be diagnosed relatively early. If the condition becomes too advanced, the corneas will be too thin or scarred, and CXL may no longer be an option.

How is CXL performed?

CXL is an outpatient procedure that must be performed by a corneal specialist. During the procedure, you will lie flat on your back while looking up at a soft blue light. The surgeon will apply vitamin eye drops (riboflavin) in your eyes and then expose the eyes to ultraviolet light.

Candidates

Candidates for CXL cannot have corneas that have become too thin or scarred. Your doctor will be able to determine if you are a good candidate for crosslinking based on the testing performed at your eye exam.

Cost

Because of regulatory environment in the US, this procedure is investigational so CXL treatment is not covered by insurance at this time.

Convenient, affordable financing is available to help our patients get the treatment they need before their keratoconus, or other similar conditions, progresses to the point where they can no longer have CXL. Remember, CXL is the only procedure we can offer that halts keratoconus or other similar corneal thinning diseases in its tracks. This is certainly proven to prevent what may be an inevitable future corneal transplant.