The causes of the disease are still unclear, but it has been demonstrated that keratoconus involves collagen fibers degradation, which leads to the loss of intramolecular bonds. These phenomena of thinning and deformation have a faster evolution at a young age and may progress for the entire life. In advanced keratoconus stages, the apex of the corneal cone can become opaque and, rarely, perforate. Corneal deformation can cause irregular astigmatism, usually myopic, with progressive and invalidating visual loss, which can hardly be corrected by glasses or contact lenses.
CORNEAL CROSS-LINKING TREATMENT (CXL)
Corneal Cross-linking (CXL) is a para-surgical technique developed in Dresden in 1998. It consists of a photodynamical polymerization of the corneal stroma, aimed at increasing its strength by multiplying collagen fibers, thereby stabilizing the cornea and halting keratoconus’ progression. CXL is performed using a riboflavin (vitamin B2) based solution combined with an ultraviolet light source (UV-A).
Cross-linking increases and strengthens collagen fibers bonds, stiffening corneal tissues, and halting the ectasia progression. Many clinical and experimental studies demonstrated a significant increase in corneal stiffness after CXL. The technique can be performed with (CXL EPI-OFF) or without corneal epithelium removal (CXL EPI-ON).
Our corneal cross-linking product line:
CF X-LINKER. Corneal Cross-Linking System
The CF X-LINKER ® system has advanced technical features, along with a wide treatment choice for a complete and smooth surgical experience.
RIBOFLAVIN. Ribocross te & Ribofast
The only riboflavin solutions that use Vitamin E TPGS as a penetration enhancer. Safe and effective results in both EPI-OFF and EPI-ON. In addition, they are the only solutions that can be used with Custom Fast CXL protocol.