Corneal collagen cross-linking (KXL) is a proven treatment that strengthens the cornea and slows or halts progressive vision loss caused by conditions that weaken corneal structure. At West Texas Eye Associates, we offer FDA-approved corneal cross-linking in Lubbock, TX, to help protect vision and reduce the risk of future, more invasive procedures.
Many patients come to us after noticing their vision changing more quickly than expected, or after being told they have a condition such as keratoconus. Cross-linking focuses on stabilizing the cornea rather than just correcting vision, making it an important option for patients whose vision continues to worsen despite glasses or contact lenses.
Corneal Collagen Cross-linking Candidacy
Corneal cross-linking is most often recommended for patients with progressive corneal thinning or weakening, especially when vision changes are happening over time. You may be a candidate if you are experiencing:
Blurred or distorted vision that keeps getting worse
Frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescriptions
Increased sensitivity to light or glare
Halos, ghosting, or starbursts around lights
Difficulty seeing clearly at night
These symptoms are often associated with corneal conditions that weaken and distort the cornea’s natural strength and shape. Cross-linking is used to stabilize the cornea before vision loss becomes more severe.
How the Cross-Linking Procedure Works
KXL can be performed in the cornea specialist’s office. Most patients only require one treatment.
The painless treatment is performed while you are lying on your back. Drops will be used to numb your eye, and you’ll be given a mild sedative like a Valium tablet. You’ll be asked to look at a soft light above your head throughout the treatment. KXL takes approximately 1 hour per eye. For the first 30 minutes, a drop of a riboflavin (vitamin B2) solution will be placed into your eye every few minutes. The riboflavin is then activated by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light for 30 minutes. During the activation time, riboflavin drops are again placed into your eye every few minutes. This process creates new collagen cross-links (bonds) in the stroma, shortening and thickening the collagen fibers and stiffening and strengthening the cornea. At the end of the treatment, a contact lens will be placed on your eye to protect it like a bandage.
After KXL, your vision may seem worse for a few weeks. Around week four, you should begin to notice some improvements. Further improvements can occur over several months. Like any medical procedure, KXL can produce side effects, which your doctor will discuss with you. Most potential side effects resolve within a month, while others may take longer to go away. Some patients experience eye discomfort or the sensation that something is in the eye after the procedure. The eye may feel sensitive to light. (Wearing sunglasses can help.) If you experience severe eye pain, a sudden decrease in vision, or the bandage contact lens falls out or becomes dislodged, call your eye doctor immediately. Your doctor will also discuss with you whether you can return to your usual activities the next day or whether you’ll need to wait a few days. If you were wearing glasses or contact lenses to correct your vision prior to KXL, you may or may not have to continue wearing them or have them updated after the recovery period.
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