Corneal Collagen Crosslinking (CXL)

Strengthen and stabilise your cornea with Corneal Collagen Crosslinking and look forward to a bright, promising future.

Strengthening vision to preserve clarity

Keratoconus and corneal ectasia are progressive conditions that cause the cornea to thin and bulge, leading to distorted vision and worsening astigmatism. As the cornea weakens, light cannot focus properly on the retina, causing symptoms such as:

• Blurry or distorted vision
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Frequent prescription changes
• Difficulty with night vision
• Eye strain and discomfort

Without treatment, these conditions can worsen, leading to further vision impairment or even the need for a corneal transplant. However, Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL) offers a minimally invasive solution to halt progression and improve corneal stability. At SEON Vision, we use advanced technology to provide safe, effective treatment, helping to preserve your vision and reduce the need for more invasive procedures.

What is CXL surgery?

CXL is a cutting-edge, minimally-invasive procedure aimed at strengthening and stabilising the cornea. It is particularly beneficial for conditions like keratoconus and post-surgical ectasia, where the cornea becomes thin and distorted.

During the procedure, riboflavin (Vitamin B2) eye drops are applied to the cornea, followed by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. This process triggers the formation of additional cross-links between collagen fibres to increase the cornea’s rigidity and halt further degeneration which helps preserve vision and hopefully prevent the need for a corneal transplant.

How can CXL surgery help?

Prevents progression
CXL is most effective when applied early in conditions like keratoconus or post-refractive surgery. It helps prevent further thinning and irregularity of the cornea to preserve long-term vision health.

Non-surgical solution
For many patients, CXL offers a viable alternative to more invasive procedures, such as a corneal transplant, by stabilising the cornea without the need for surgery.

Enhances corneal stability
By strengthening the cornea, CXL improves its stability and reduces the likelihood of ongoing vision deterioration.

Long-term results
The effects of CXL are typically highly effective with up to 90% of patients experiencing significant stabilisation. Additionally, vision improvements may continue for several months following treatment.

Types of corneal transplant procedures

Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) is a highly advanced, minimally invasive corneal transplant surgery that replaces only the damaged endothelial layer of the cornea. This tissue-sparing procedure improves visual outcomes by using a thin graft of healthy Descemet’s membrane and endothelial cells. DMEK offers faster recovery, lower rejection rates and a reduced risk of complications compared to traditional full-thickness corneal transplants.
Used to treat conditions like Fuchs' dystrophy and bullous keratopathy, Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK) is a specialised corneal transplant procedure that replaces the damaged inner layer of the cornea. This minimally-invasive technique offers faster recovery, reduced risk of rejection and better visual outcomes when compared to traditional full-thickness corneal transplants.
The Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK) corneal procedure targets the damaged or diseased front layers of the cornea, while preserving the healthy endothelial layer at the back. Unlike traditional corneal transplants, DALK leaves the inner corneal layers intact, reducing the risk of rejection. This approach offers faster recovery, better visual outcomes and improved long-term graft survival, especially for conditions like keratoconus, corneal scarring and anterior corneal dystrophies.

Can we help?

If you would like to know more about us, or want to make an appointment, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Tel: 0203 411 1820

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Meet our Corneal specialists

Mr Nizar Din

BBS (AICSM) BSc (Hons) PGDipCRS FRCOphth

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Miss Maria Phylactou

MD MSc(Dist) FEBO PGDipCRS(Dist) CertLRS

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What to expect

Before your CXL procedure, your ophthalmologist will conduct a thorough eye exam to assess the condition of your cornea during a consultation. At SEON Vision, we take the time to thoroughly evaluate your eye health and discuss all treatment options to ensure that CXL is the best choice for your specific condition.
On the day of the procedure, numbing eye drops will be administered to keep you comfortable during the treatment. The CXL procedure is minimally-invasive and performed under local anaesthetic. Your cornea’s surface may be gently removed, allowing riboflavin drops to penetrate deeper. After application, UV light is directed onto the cornea for about 10 minutes, stimulating the formation of cross-links to strengthen the corneal tissue.
Following the procedure, you will be given anti-inflammatory and antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection and promote healing. A protective contact lens may be placed temporarily to aid recovery. It is important to attend follow-up appointments for monitoring and you may experience gradual vision improvement over several months.