Corneal cross-linking & keratoconus heroCorneal cross-linking & keratoconus hero

Corneal Cross-Linking / Keratoconus

Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL)

Strengthens the cornea's biomechanical integrity by reinforcing collagen fibre bonds in the stroma.

Cornea before and after cross-linking

After LASIK / LASEK

Reinforces the corneal tissue that
becomes thinner after refractive ablation.

Structurally fragile cornea

For thin corneas or those at risk of distortion
from chronic eye-rubbing or other strain.

How CXL works

  • Riboflavin infusion
    STEP 1

    Riboflavin (vitamin B2) infusion

    Riboflavin solution is applied to the stroma

    so it permeates the collagen fibres.

  • UVA exposure
    STEP 2

    UVA exposure

    A specific UVA wavelength triggers

    a photochemical reaction with the riboflavin.

  • Stronger tissue bonds
    STEP 3

    Stronger tissue bonds

    Collagen fibres cross-link as a result,

    raising the cornea's physical strength.

Who CXL is for

Pre-LASIK / LASEK patients

To prevent post-op ectasia risk before refractive surgery

High myopia / astigmatism

Patients needing extra biomechanical support due to deeper ablation

Long-term vision stability

Those who want to minimise myopic regression and keep clear vision longer

Thin cornea

Patients whose thinner cornea requires reinforced post-op stability

Keratoconus

A progressive disease in which the central cornea thins,
bulges into a cone shape under intraocular pressure.
Early signs are astigmatism and reduced vision;
progression causes irregular astigmatism and haze.
Untreated, it risks corneal rupture and may ultimately
require a corneal transplant.

Normal cornea — round like a basketball
Normal cornea
Keratoconus — protruded like a football
Keratoconus
Keratoconus

Keratoconus treatment & surgery

  • Collagen cross-linking

    Collagen cross-linking (CXL)

    Firmly stabilises the cornea to suppress

    further bulging and disease progression —

    the standard treatment.

  • Intracorneal ring segments

    Intracorneal ring segments

    Thin rings are inserted to correct abnormal curvature

    and flatten the corneal shape.

  • Combined treatment

    Combined treatment

    Depending on stage, we combine refractive surgery or post-op hard contact lenses to restore vision.

Who keratoconus surgery is for

Progressive keratoconus

Patients needing urgent stabilisation as the cornea thins and bulges

Abnormal screening results

Asymmetry on corneal topography or suspected keratoconus

Family history

Genetic predisposition that warrants pre-emptive care and progression control

Sudden astigmatism change

When glasses and lenses no longer correct vision due to corneal shape change