Corneal Cross-Linking CXL for Keratoconus Disease Treatment
CXL Discount Offer 60000
What is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus is a progressive disease of the cornea—the transparent front part of the eye that covers the iris and pupil. In this condition, the cornea thins and bulges forward into a cone-like shape. As a result, light entering the eye is not focused properly on the retina, leading to blurred vision and light sensitivity.
This irregular vision can affect daily activities such as:
Driving
Reading
Using a computer
Watching television
Causes of Keratoconus
Keratoconus occurs when the collagen fibres that hold the cornea together weaken, causing the cornea to lose its natural shape. Usually, keratoconus affects both eyes and is more common in young people between 10 to 25 years old.
Risk factors include:
Family history of keratoconus
Excessive UV exposure from the sun
Poorly fitting contact lenses
Vigorous eye rubbing
Chronic eye irritation
Other eye disorders such as retinitis pigmentosa
Therefore, keratoconus is considered a degenerative condition with unpredictable progression.
Symptoms of Keratoconus
In the early stages, patients may experience:
Blurred or distorted vision at all distances
Poor night vision
Glare and halos around lights
Increased light sensitivity
Mild eye irritation
As the disease progresses, symptoms may worsen to include:
Frequent changes in glasses prescription
Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Sudden worsening of vision
Multiple “ghost” images
Significantly worse vision in one eye
👉 If you suspect keratoconus in yourself or your child, consult us for diagnostics reports.
Corneal Collagen Crosslinking (CXL) for Keratoconus
What is CXL?
Corneal Collagen Crosslinking (CXL or C3R) is a proven treatment that strengthens the cornea and prevents keratoconus from worsening. The treatment works by making the cornea stiffer, reducing the risk of further shape changes and vision loss.
Without treatment, keratoconus may progress to the point where glasses no longer help and a corneal transplant is required. However, performing CXL early can prevent the need for transplantation and preserve vision.
How CXL Works at Smile Laser Eye Centre Multan
At Smile Laser Eye Centre Multan:
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) eye drops are applied to the cornea for 20 minutes.
A special UV light is shone onto the cornea for 10 minutes.
The combination of Riboflavin and UV light creates new cross-links between collagen fibres.
As a result, the cornea becomes stronger and more stable.
Why Do I Need Corneal Collagen Crosslinking?
CXL is recommended for patients with:
Signs of keratoconus progression
Pellucid marginal degeneration
Abnormal corneal topography (mapping of the cornea)
Currently, CXL is the only treatment scientifically proven to stop keratoconus from worsening. In addition, it can improve the corneal shape, and in many cases, improve vision with glasses.
👉 The sooner CXL is performed, the better the chances of preserving long-term vision.