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Categories - Eye Treatment - Corneal Collagen Cross-linking with Riboflavin

Corneal Collagen Cross-linking with Riboflavin

Corneal Collagen Cross-linking using Riboflavin (also called C3-R, UVX or CXL) involves application of Riboflavin drops to the cornea, followed by exposure of the cornea to low dose ultraviolet A light. The activated riboflavin induces collagen fibrils (glue that holds the body together) to thicken, stiffen, & re-attach i.e. cross-link to each other creating new bonds between the adjacent collagen molecules leading to increase in the rigidity and thereby rendering cornea less malleable.

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.