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Treatments

Corneal crosslinking

Un oftalmólogo practica crosslinking corneal, una operación de queratocono
Crosslinking slows down the progression of keratoconus in over 90% of cases.
It is an effective alternative to many corneal transplants.
It consists of applying a type of vitamin and ultraviolet radiation to the eye.

What is corneal crosslinking keratoconus surgery?

Crosslinking is a technique that aims to harden the cornea in order to prevent it from deforming. We achieve this by applying riboflavin (vitamin B2) in the form of drops, which is activated when it comes into contact with a beam of low-powered ultraviolet radiation. As a result of this chemical reaction on the eye surface, the links between the collagen fibres that make up the cornea become stronger and the biomechanical strength of this tissue increases.

This is a procedure that we perform in the operating room under local anaesthesia, without the need for subsequent admission to the clinic.

Cases in which we apply crosslinking as a keratoconus operation

Corneal crosslinking, which we pioneered at the Miranza clinics, has made it possible to significantly reduce the number of corneal transplants due to keratoconus, as it allows us to halt the disease in over 90% of cases, preventing it from reaching severe stages. However, if the disease has greatly evolved and is very advanced or the cornea is already very thin due to its thinning (less than 400 microns), we cannot opt for crosslinking and it is necessary to carry out the transplantation.

Crosslinking is also indicated in other types of ectasias or deformations of the corneal curvature, apart from keratoconus.


Recovery


Risks

Frequently Asked Questions

Corneal crosslinking is a procedure designed to strengthen the collagen fibers of the cornea to increase its resistance. It is mainly used to halt the progression of keratoconus and other diseases in which the cornea loses structural stability.

Crosslinking may be indicated when progression of keratoconus is detected, with the aim of strengthening the structure of the cornea and halting its progression. The indication is determined by monitoring corneal parameters and assessing each patient individually.

Crosslinking does not eliminate keratoconus, nor does it restore the normal shape of the cornea by itself. Its main aim is to increase the strength of the cornea and halt or slow the progression of the disease. If there are visual problems, other treatments may be needed to improve vision.