A new hope for Keratoconus patients

Collagen cross-linking is a new treatment for keratoconus, which uses a photosensitizing agent, riboflavin (vitamin B2) and ultraviolet light (UVA, 365μm) exposure. Ultraviolet light is used to promote increased cross-linking between collagen fibres within the cornea.

The treatment is performed under topical anaesthesia. The skin (epithelium) of the surface of the cornea is partially scratched, followed by application of Riboflavin eye drops for 30 minutes. The eye is then exposed to UVA light for 30 minutes.

After treatment, antibiotic drops are applied, a bandage contact lens is put in place and a clear eye shield is worn overnight until the next day when the surface of the eye has healed. Oral analgesics are required for the first 1-2 days.

What is keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a common bilateral corneal condition, occurring in more than 1 in 2000 people. It is characterised by progressive corneal thinning and stretching which gradually progresses in both eyes allowing the corneas to bulge forward and adopt an irregular cone shape. As a result, the eye develops astigmatism and the vision may become severely blurred.

The condition typically starts in adolescence and early adulthood. Initial management is with glasses or rigid contact lenses.

In the past patients with keratoconus would have been told that they were not suitable for refractive surgery (lasik) however there are a number of possible options available now.

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