The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Corneal Collagen Crosslinking

Photochemical procedure that strengthens corneal tissue to halt progression of ectasia.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Göz Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is Corneal Collagen Crosslinking?

Corneal collagen crosslinking is a minimally invasive procedure in which the cornea is saturated with riboflavin and exposed to ultraviolet-A light to induce additional crosslinks between collagen fibers, increasing biomechanical stability.

It is the standard treatment to slow or stop progression of keratoconus, post-LASIK ectasia and pellucid marginal degeneration in selected patients with adequate corneal thickness.

It is performed as an epithelium-off or epithelium-on protocol with topical anesthesia and contact lens bandage, usually under hospital outpatient conditions.

Symptoms

Progressive blurred vision
Frequent change of glasses prescription
Increasing astigmatism
Glare and halos
Eye rubbing in keratoconus
Difficulty wearing standard contact lenses
Distorted images

Risk Factors

Documented progression of keratoconus
Post-laser refractive surgery ectasia
Pellucid marginal degeneration
Adequate corneal thickness
Young age with active ectasia
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis
Frequent eye rubbing

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Rapidly worsening keratoconus on tomography
  • Sudden vision loss after refractive surgery
  • Severe pain after the procedure
  • Persistent epithelial defect
  • Suspected infection in the treated eye
  • Significant glare hampering activity
  • New scarring or haze

Treatment Methods

01
Detailed corneal tomography and biomechanical assessment
02
Selection of epithelium-off or epithelium-on protocol
03
Riboflavin instillation followed by controlled UV-A exposure
04
Bandage contact lens and topical antibiotics
05
Lubricants and topical corticosteroids during healing
06
Regular tomographic follow-up to confirm stability
07
Subsequent visual rehabilitation with glasses or specialty lenses

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Göz Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Göz Hastalıkları Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Anaemia is a low haemoglobin level that reduces oxygen delivery, causing fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath. It is not a disease itself but a sign of many underlying conditions. Most cases are correctable with appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Iron deficiency anaemia develops when dietary intake, absorption, or losses create an iron shortfall, most often affecting women and children. Identifying the underlying cause is the core of management, alongside iron replacement.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia, neurological symptoms, and cognitive impairment. Early treatment with intramuscular or oral B12 largely prevents irreversible complications.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Management

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hypertension is often called the silent killer because it progresses symptom-free for years and can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Regular monitoring, lifestyle change, and evidence-based drug therapy dramatically reduce cardiovascular risk.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common complications of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and can be silent in its early stages.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis B is a DNA virus infection causing acute and chronic hepatitis with risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; diagnosis integrates HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBc, and HBV DNA with management based on disease phase using nucleos(t)ide analogues (entecavir, tenofovir) and universal infant vaccination.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis C is an RNA virus causing chronic hepatitis that may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) pangenotypic regimens (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) achieve sustained virologic response over 95% in 8–12 weeks with universal adult screening and cure for nearly all patients.

Fatty Liver Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to obesity and metabolic syndrome and is largely reversible with early treatment.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.