LASIK and CXL

Corneal cross-linking is a safe and minimally invasive procedure that involves topical application of liquid riboflavin (vitamin B2) to the cornea, followed by irradiation treatment using a precise ultraviolet light source.

This treatment aims to strengthen and stabilize the cornea, preventing it from further thinning and bulging, and in some cases, even reversing the effects of keratoconus.

How does CXL work? Keratoconus gets worse because the cornea weakens. With CXL, ultraviolet light and riboflavin (vitamin B2) eye drops are used to stiffen, or "cross-link", the protein fibres in the cornea. CXL mimics the natural corneal stiffening that occurs with ageing. This is why keratoconus rarely progresses in people aged 30 and over, and why CXL is not normally needed for older patients.

Studies have demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of corneal cross-linking in halting the progression of keratoconus. While the primary goal of the procedure is to halt the progression of keratoconus and prevent further vision loss, in some cases, it has been shown to not only stabilize the cornea but also improve visual acuity and reduce the need for other interventions.

Ufa Eye Research Institute have been successfully using its own developments "UFalink" corneal cross-linking system and "Dextralink" Riboflavin solution for CXL since 2009.