# Crosslinking Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/treatments/crosslinking **Author:** Kudret Eye İstanbul | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-10 > **Summary:** Crosslinking strengthens the corneal layer that weakens and bulges forward in keratoconus: riboflavin (vitamin B2) drops are applied and controlled UV-A light is delivered for 10-30 minutes per eye, creating new bonds between the corneal fibres. No incision is made, only the surface layer is removed, and the aim is to stop progression rather than to improve vision; it is used in eyes where topography measurements taken months apart show the keratoconus is advancing. ## Quick Facts - **UV application:** 10-30 minutes per eye, depending on the protocol - **Anaesthesia:** Anaesthetic drops; awake, no general anaesthetic - **Incision:** None; only the surface layer is removed - **Hospital stay:** Home the same day with a protective bandage contact lens - **Goal:** Halt progression; vision correction (glasses, contact lenses, intracorneal ring) may still be needed afterwards - **Repeatable:** Yes, if corneal stability is not achieved --- ## What is Crosslinking? A keratoconus treatment in which UV-A light is applied to the cornea after riboflavin drops. The weak, forward-sagging corneal layer is exposed for 10-30 minutes (depending on the protocol) and its cross-links are strengthened. In patients whose glasses prescription keeps increasing, the aim is to stop the increase. It can be applied before or after corneal ring implantation and after corneal transplantation. ## Who is Crosslinking For? - Eyes where keratoconus has been shown to be progressing; progression is established by comparing corneal topography measurements taken months apart, not by a single measurement. - The condition usually advances in the teenage and young adult years, when treatment most often comes up. - Corneal thickness must be above a certain limit. A cornea that has thinned too far, an eye with an active infection, a cornea that has lost its clarity, or severe vision loss may make it unsuitable; the pre-surgery measurements decide. ## Does Crosslinking Improve Vision? The aim is not to improve vision but to stop progression. In some patients the corneal shape improves somewhat over time, but that is not the goal and does not happen in every eye. Glasses, contact lenses or an intracorneal ring may still be considered afterwards, decided with the measurements taken after surgery. ## Risks and Possible Side Effects A low-risk treatment; most side effects are limited to the first few days. - Stinging, watering and light sensitivity for the first 2-3 days, eased by the bandage contact lens, drops and painkillers. - Temporarily blurred vision or corneal haze, fading over weeks or months. - Infection: very rare; following the drop and bandage lens instructions keeps it to a minimum. - Progression not halted: uncommon; the treatment can be reconsidered if check-ups show continued progression. ## Crosslinking Treatment Price Prices vary with the underlying cause, the special examination and the detailed measurements needed; the plan created by the specialist ophthalmologist after the detailed examination may vary from person to person. --- ## The Treatment Journey ### 1. Before Treatment - Corneal topography measurements taken months apart to confirm progression; corneal thickness, infection and clarity are assessed. ### 2. During Treatment - Anaesthetic drops; the patient stays awake. - Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is applied to the corneal surface; once absorbed, the eye is exposed to controlled ultraviolet light for 10-30 minutes per eye; light and riboflavin create new bonds between the corneal fibres and the tissue stiffens. - A protective bandage contact lens is placed at the end; home the same day. ### 3. After Treatment - The first days are less comfortable than after other corneal procedures: stinging, light sensitivity and watering are expected. - The bandage contact lens is removed by the surgeon once the surface has closed; do not remove it yourself. - Vision can stay blurred through the first weeks; follow the surgeon's drop schedule and check-up dates, do not rub the eyes, observe hygiene. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: Who is crosslinking suitable for?** A: Keratoconus patients, to prevent corneal thinning and deformity; it may not suit very thin corneas or severe vision loss. **Q: How is crosslinking performed?** A: The eye is numbed with drops, riboflavin is applied to the cornea, then UV-A light for 10-30 minutes depending on the protocol, strengthening the biochemical structure of the cornea. **Q: Is crosslinking painful?** A: No pain during the procedure thanks to local anaesthesia; there can be marked stinging and watering for the first 2-3 days afterwards, eased by painkillers. **Q: Can crosslinking be repeated?** A: Yes, if corneal stability is not achieved after the procedure. **Q: What should be considered after crosslinking?** A: Use the eye drops regularly, do not rub the eyes, observe hygiene to prevent infection and follow the doctor's instructions.