Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL)
Are you struggling with keratoconus? Corneal cross-linking, or CXL, is the only known therapeutic treatment that stops progression of keratoconus. While CXL will not restore the cornea to its initial shape before keratoconus, the CXL procedure can preserve or even enhance the contour of your cornea. It is better to perform CXL as early as possible before the keratoconus progresses and causes vision loss.
“My initial consultation and following corneal cross-linking procedure from Dr. Waite was done with compassion and the highest skill set I’ve experienced.”
Corneal Cross-Linking Utah
How does CXL work?
CXL is a reaction that strengthens your cornea and stops keratoconus from getting worse. It requires riboflavin, UV light and oxygen to occur properly. Riboflavin eye drops are applied to your eye over a period of time to saturate the cornea. After checking to make sure there is enough riboflavin, the UV light is started. The light shines over a calculated period of time causing the reaction to take place. The UV light induces changes in the riboflavin molecule creating oxygen radicals. This reaction produces strong bonds between the molecules in the cornea creating “cross-links” which strengthen the cornea. This stops the progression of keratoconus and can even reverse some of the damage.
Can I get vision correction if I have keratoconus?
The short answer is YES! After CXL the cornea becomes strong and stable enough that in most cases, we can proceed with topography-guided PRK to improve your vision. Topography-guided PRK is where we create a “map” of your cornea, allowing the laser to customize the reshaping of your cornea uniquely to you. This allows for better vision. Some patients with stronger prescriptions can benefit from ICLs or RLE as well. Each case of keratoconus is individual. Some patients with keratoconus may not be good candidates for vision correction and may do better with contact lenses. The best method for vision correction can only be assessed by a comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Waite.
Top reasons patients choose Waite Vision for Corneal Cross-Linking.
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You’ll enjoy the benefits of your Corneal Cross-Linking procedure for years to come.
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If you show progression of keratoconus after CXL, we will repeat the CXL procedure with no extra charge.
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Dr. Waite is a specialist in the treatment of keratoconus, ectasia, and pellucid marginal degeneration.
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Corneal Cross-Linking can stop the progression of keratoconus, preventing the need for a corneal transplant in the future.
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You will have the most personable, caring staff throughout your Corneal Cross-Linking procedure and subsequent follow up care.
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You will meet directly with Dr. Waite, your surgeon, to discuss the needs of your eyes.
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Our Corneal Cross-Linking pricing is all-inclusive, which includes follow up appointments, case management, and eye medication.
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Your Corneal Cross-Linking procedure is performed with the most advanced technology and techniques available today.
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You receive personalized diagnostic testing of your eyes during your Corneal Cross-Linking consultation.
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When you arrive, you become the center of attention.
“Corneal Cross-Linking is the only treatment available that is able to slow or halt the progression of keratoconus, and corneal ectasia...”
CXL questions? We've got answers.
Is Corneal Cross-Linking Safe?
Corneal Cross-Linking is a safe procedure. The epi-on method has an impressive safety profile with almost no risk of scarring or infection. CXL stops the progression of keratoconus, which if left untreated, may lead to the need for a corneal transplant. CXL is a much safer procedure than a corneal transplantation.
Does Corneal Cross-Linking hurt?
Anesthetic eye drops are used to avoid any discomfort during your procedure. The CXL reaction is similar to a sunburn on your corneas. A few hours after the procedure, the eyes will burn and feel uncomfortable. By the next day, these symptoms significantly improve.
Will CXL improve my vision?
Corneal Cross-linking stabilizes your cornea, sometimes improving your vision. The main goal of CXL is to stop the progression of your keratoconus. Once the progression has been stopped, different procedures for vision correction may be possible.
How long does CXL take?
Corneal cross-linking takes about 1-hour per eye in most cases. If two eyes are being treated at once, the procedure takes approximately two hours.
Can you see after CXL?
You may find your vision is blurry immediately after CXL. This blurry vision is temporary and usually recovers in one to two days with the epi-on treatment method.
When can I return to work after CXL?
Most of our CXL patients return to work two days after the procedure. The day of the procedure, we recommend relaxing at home and the use of post-operative drops. The day after CXL, the vision may still be a little blurry and sensitive to light.
What is epi-on and epi-off?
CXL was developed in Dresden, Germany in the late 1990’s. It was first tested on pig corneas in a lab. In order for the riboflavin to adequately absorb into the corneal stroma, the epithelial cells (the first layer of the cornea) needed to be removed from the pig corneas. This practice of removing the epithleium (epi-off) eventually transferred over to the first trials in humans. Since then, newer formulations of riboflavin have been developed allowing appropriate absorption through the corneal epithelium. This allows us to perform CXL while leaving the epithelium in place (epi-on). Leaving the epithelium in place (epi-on) is a much safer procedure with a more rapid recovery and a much lower risk profile.
The majority of CXL performed at Waite Vision is epi-on and our results have shown excellent efficacy. There may be cases of keratoconus where the epi-off procedure is more appropriate, in which case the epi-off procedure will be performed instead. Dr. Waite will recommend the best procedure for you depending on the results of your comprehensive corneal evaluation.
Great vision starts with a consultation.
If you have keratoconus, the first step is to schedule an evaluation. This consultation is one of the most comprehensive eye exams available in Utah for only $150. During your visit, you will meet directly with Dr. Waite to determine the best plan for you.
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The beautiful simplicity of Waite Vision.
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Take the next step to securing your vision.
Don’t delay coming in for a consultation. Corneal Cross-Linking can prevent you from having to undergo a corneal transplant in the future. Our CXL patients always wonder why they waited so long to see us. Read what they have to say…