Is Collagen Cross Linking A Must?

We know that keratoconus is a condition that progresses and can lead to possible corneal transplants. With scleral lenses, indeed we can delay that by still proving functional vision to patients, however, we still believe that collagen cross linking is a must to strengthen the chemical bonds in the cornea. It is a simple process where the ophthalmologist will expose your cornea to UV light and put riboflavin or Vit B2 drops on it for every few minutes. This can either be done with the corneal epithelium off or intact. After the procedure, your corneal collagen bonds will be stronger resisting the fast progression of the cone. This will give you stability of vision as well.

Who are candidates for collagen cross linking?

It is best for patients with keratoconus to have this procedure done earlier, before the cornea becomes too irregular and too thin.

When will it be a good time to wear contact lens again?

Well, it depends on the ophthalmologist who did the procedure. But normally it would take about 6 weeks to 6 months before we put back your contact lenses. You see, we need your cornea to completely heal, if we put contact lenses too early, healing will be delayed as you put on and off your contact lenses everyday. So if you need contact lenses to function, then we recommend doing collagen cross linking one eye at a time.

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