Cross linking

Cross-linking is a technique that uses riboflavin to strengthen the chemical bonds of the cornea.
The purpose of the treatment is to stop progressive changes of the cornea into an irregular shape (known under the name of ectasias), which are characterized by variations in the corneal thickness and curvature, often resulting in high levels of myopia and astigmatism. The most common form of ectasia is keratoconus.

To allow riboflavin to spread in the cornea, the epithelial barrier of the cornea is removed and the drug administered in drops at different times is exposed to UV light to enable fixing in covalent bonds. The time of light exposure is about 30 minutes.

The patient is subjected to antibiotic therapy both before and after treatment.

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