If you’ve been diagnosed with keratoconus or another corneal ectasia, you may be concerned about the long-term impact on your vision. Corneal cross-linking is an innovative, FDA-approved treatment designed to strengthen and stabilize the cornea, preventing further deterioration of vision. At Coastal Vision Medical Group, we offer iLink™ Corneal Cross-Linking, a proven procedure that can help preserve your eye health and reduce the need for more invasive treatments in the future.
Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition in which the cornea thins and weakens over time, causing it to bulge into a cone-like shape. This distortion leads to blurry vision, increased light sensitivity, and difficulty seeing clearly with glasses or contact lenses. Corneal ectasia, a condition that can develop after refractive surgery, also results in corneal weakening and irregular shape changes that impair vision.
Without intervention, these conditions can worsen, sometimes requiring a corneal transplant. Fortunately, iLink™ Corneal Cross-Linking offers a safe and effective solution to slow or halt progression.
iLink™ Corneal Cross-Linking is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that strengthens the cornea using a combination of riboflavin (vitamin B2) eye drops and controlled ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. This treatment enhances the cornea’s natural collagen fibers, reinforcing its structure and improving stability.
The procedure involves:
• Applying Riboflavin Drops: The eye is numbed with anesthetic drops, and riboflavin drops are administered to saturate the cornea.
• UV Light Activation: A controlled amount of UV light is applied to the cornea, triggering a reaction that strengthens and stabilizes the corneal fibers.
• Healing Process: Following the procedure, the cornea gradually stiffens over time, slowing or stopping the progression of keratoconus and preventing further vision decline.
• Halts Disease Progression: Unlike traditional corrective lenses that only compensate for vision changes, cross-linking directly addresses the underlying issue, preventing further deterioration.
• Preserves Vision Quality: By stabilizing the cornea, the procedure helps patients maintain better vision and reduces the likelihood of needing a corneal transplant in the future.
• Minimally Invasive and Safe: As the only FDA-approved cross-linking treatment for progressive keratoconus, iLink™ has been extensively studied for safety and effectiveness.
• Enhances Contact Lens Tolerance: Many patients find that their ability to wear contact lenses improves after the procedure, as corneal stabilization reduces irregularities that affect lens fit.
If you have been diagnosed with progressive keratoconus or corneal ectasia, early intervention with iLink™ Corneal Cross-Linking can make a significant difference in maintaining your vision. Our eye care specialists are committed to providing cutting-edge treatments to protect and enhance your eye health.
Schedule a consultation with Coastal Vision Medical Group to discover if iLink™ Corneal Cross-Linking is right solution for your needs. Contact our office in Chino, California, by calling (888) 501-4496 to book an appointment today.