Customized Cross Linking was first introduced in India at Narayana Nethralaya.
Collagen Cross Linking is a procedure to stop the progression of Keratoconus which involves removing the skin (epithelium) from the surface of the cornea either manually or by a Laser and custom-made riboflavin eye drops that are applied to the cornea every 2 mins for 20 mins. The eye is then exposed to UVA light for 10 minutes. After the treatment, an eye-pad is worn for 1-3 days and antibiotic drop is applied to the treated eye four times a day until the surface of the eye has healed.
The prime point that should be acknowledged is that the collagen cross-linking procedure does not cure Keratoconus. It does not help in regularising the irregularities of your keratoconic cornea and for that purpose Collagen Cross Linking is often combined with (preceded by) either a Laser Procedure or INTACS.
Collagen Cross Linking aims to slow or even halt the progression of the condition thus preventing further deterioration of vision and need of corneal transplantation.
But it is expected that following treatment, the use of spectacles and contact lenses is essential with a change in prescription occasionally.
Customized Collagen Cross Linking- This procedure is the same as standard Cross linking, except the treatment area is directed only at the Keratoconic cone itself, rather than to the entire cornea.
