Collagen carries the load
Collagen makes up about 70% of the corneal stroma. It is what gives the cornea its elasticity and strength.
Corneal cross-linking
in Korea
Firming up a cornea that is thin or weak
Corneal cross-linking strengthens the cornea by reinforcing its collagen fibres with riboflavin and UVA light. The goal is to help prevent corneal ectasia, the condition known as keratoconus.
Sky Eye Clinic in Seoul uses the Avedro system, both on its own and as an added step after laser vision correction.
Principle
How a cornea gets stronger
Cross-linking tightens the bonds
The treatment enriches the collagen fibres and strengthens the links between them. That mechanical reinforcement can help keep the cornea from bulging. The disease itself is covered on the keratoconus treatment page.
Materials
Riboflavin and the Avedro KXL
Riboflavin is the active ingredient. UVA light switches it on, and it also shields the cornea during treatment. The clinic uses VibeX-Xtra, a stronger solution with about 2.5 times the riboflavin compound concentration. It absorbs quickly, wipes away cleanly and helps the flap settle back into place.
The Avedro KXL delivers 365nm UVA light for 90 seconds. It offers continuous or pulse mode, built-in calibration, a 92mm working distance and a touchscreen. It is listed on the equipment page.
Who it suits
Who the clinic recommends it for
Cross-linking is especially recommended if you
- Have hyperopia, which tends to regress more
- Have a cornea that is not thick enough
- Have irregular corneal topography
- Rub your eyes, or have atopic dermatitis
- Have concerns about ICL implantation surgery
- Have a family history of keratoconus
With laser surgery
Added to LASIK or LASEK
Laser correction thins the cornea. The clinic adds cross-linking to reinforce it, a step that standard LASIK or LASEK does not include on its own.
The stroma is corrected
Part of the stroma is reshaped, as in LASIK or LASEK.
VibeX-Xtra is applied
The cross-linking solution is placed on the cornea and absorbed.
Cleaned and repositioned
The surface is cleaned and the flap is laid back in place.
UVA is delivered
The Avedro KXL applies 365nm UVA for 90 seconds.
Eligibility
Limits and related options
For keratoconus, cross-linking can be combined with Co-Wave to partly correct irregular astigmatism, and followed by an ICL lens implant.
Intacs corneal rings
Intacs are thin, crescent-shaped plastic rings placed inside the cornea. They flatten its shape, reduce irregularity, improve vision and make contact lenses easier to wear. Rings and cross-linking may be used at different stages of the disease. Costs are on the pricing page.
FAQ
Questions about cross-linking
How does cross-linking make the cornea stronger?
It enriches the collagen fibres in the stroma and strengthens the bonds between them. Riboflavin, activated by UVA light, drives the process.
How long does the UVA step take?
The Avedro KXL delivers 365nm UVA light for 90 seconds.
Who should think about cross-linking?
People with a thin cornea, irregular topography, an eye-rubbing habit or atopic dermatitis, a family history of keratoconus, or hyperopia that tends to regress.
Is it suitable for everyone?
No. It can only be done when the cornea is thick enough.
