Corneal Cross-Linking Specialist
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Smart Eye Care
Ophthalmologists located in Brooklyn, NY
Blurry or distorted vision due to keratoconus and other corneal diseases can make ordinary activities, such as driving or reading, extraordinarily difficult. The highly experienced ophthalmologists at Smart Eye Care in the Brooklyn neighborhood of New York City have state-of-the-art solutions, including corneal crosslinking treatments. To see if corneal crosslinking can help you, book an appointment online or over the phone at one of their two Brooklyn locations today.
Corneal Cross-linking Q & A
What is corneal crosslinking?
Corneal crosslinking is a minimally invasive, in-office procedure that strengthens a weakened cornea. The procedure is most common for patients who have keratoconus, a disease that causes their cornea to become thinner and bulge out like a dome, thus impairing their vision. Corneal crosslinking is also a possible treatment for patients with:
- Complication from laser eye surgery
- Corneal infections
- Corneal ulcers that are not responsive to antibiotic treatments
- Instability of the cornea after radial keratotomy
How is corneal crosslinking performed?
The doctors at Smart Eye Care perform corneal crosslinking in one of two ways. One way is the epithelium-off CXL procedure, which involves removing the outer layer of your cornea and applying liquid riboflavin, which is vitamin B. The riboflavin increases collagen production, which will strengthen your cornea. After this, an ultraviolet light is aimed at your eye for up to 30 minutes.
The second way is the epithelium-on CXL procedure, which does not require the removal of the outer layer of your cornea. With this treatment, riboflavin is applied to your cornea, but since the outer layer of your cornea is not removed, the riboflavin is kept on your eye longer so it can penetrate. Once the riboflavin has penetrated, an ultraviolet light is applied to your eye.
Both ways of performing corneal crosslinking aim to strengthen the cornea and reduce any bulging.
Who is a good candidate for corneal crosslinking?
Corneal crosslinking is most effective for patients who are in the early stages of keratoconus or other corneal diseases, because the cornea isn’t too irregularly shaped, and there isn’t a significant amount of vision loss. The ophthalmologists at Smart Eye Care will examine your visual acuity, the thickness of your cornea, and your overall eye health to determine if you are a good candidate.
What happens after the procedure?
Corneal crosslinking is very effective at stabilizing and improving the shape of the cornea. As a result, most patients can see better and are better able to wear contact lenses. You may experience some initial eye irritation, but your eye should feel normal within several weeks.
Call Smart Eye Care or schedule an appointment online to see if you are a good candidate for corneal crosslinking.