Corneal Cross Linking

Our ophthalmologist office near San Diego is available for corneal cross-linking.

What is Cross-Linking? 

Corneal Cross Linking Diagram

Corneal cross-linking is a minimally invasive procedure that treats degenerative conditions of the cornea such as keratoconus. The outpatient procedure strengthens the cornea by adding new links in the collagen fibers within the cornea.

Corneal cross-linking is a two-step process. First, Vitamin B drops are placed on the surface of the eye. Next, the eye is exposed to ultraviolet light. The procedure can be performed with the thin outer layer of the eye, or epithelium, in place or Nathan Anderson may opt to remove it. Removing the epithelium allows the drops to more easily penetrate the cornea. 

Benefits of Cross-Linking

Cross-linking has been shown to retain corneal shape which prevents severe vision loss among patients with progressive keratoconus. For these patients, cross-linking is most beneficial when the cornea is relatively regular in shape and the patient still retains vision. If conducted early enough, cross-linking can stabilize the cornea, improving vision, and making it more comfortable to wear contact lenses. Patients who had radial keratotomy in the 1980s and 1990s may also experience fewer daily fluctuations by having cross-linking performed. 

Cross-linking may also be beneficial to patients with corneal infections and ulcer which are unresponsive to topical treatments. Some patients who are planning to have LASIK surgery at  Ophthalmology Demo Account should also consider cross-linking as a form of pre-treatment that strengthens the cornea. 

What to Expect Before, During and After Corneal Cross-Linking

Before the procedure, Anderson will measure the thickness of your cornea and map its shape using a process called corneal topography. You may also have a general eye exam and vision test to determine the overall health of your eye.

The procedure itself takes about an hour and is conducted in an outpatient setting. Patients remain awake during the procedure, which shouldn't cause discomfort. However, a mild sedative can be provided. If applicable, anesthetic drops will be applied and the epithelium will be removed. Vitamin B Drops will be added to your eye(s). After a period of time has passed, Anderson will measure the thickness of your cornea and determine if it has absorbed enough of the Vitamin B solution. Then, ultraviolet light will be applied to your eye(s) for up to 30 minutes. 

Most patients wear a bandage contact lens to reduce irritation and speed healing. Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops will also be prescribed. Patients should avoid rubbing their eyes for several days after cross-linking and may experience sensitivity to light and gritty sensation in their eyes. 

Call Ophthalmology Demo Account at 800-462-8749 today if you think you may benefit from corneal cross-linking procedure.

Sign up now

New Patients receive complementary consultation!

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

San Diego Office

Monday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Los Angeles Office

Monday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Locations

Find us on the map

Testimonials

Reviews From Our Satisfied Patients

  • "We use Anderson Ophthalmology for all of our family's vision needs. Recently we had to have our youngest fitted for new glasses and he made the experience fun for her and informative for us. We know Dr. Anderson will always take good care of our family's eye care and that's why we wouldn't go to anywhere else."
    The Harrison Family
  • "Dr. Anderson and his staff are so patient and friendly. Dr. Anderson prescribed me glasses and I had the toughest time picking out frames. They didn't rush but instead made helpful suggestions and now I have an awesome pair of frames not to mention the fact that I can see ten times better than before. You guys are the best!"
    Shelly
  • "I've been going to Dr. Anderson for over five years now and even though I only see him once a year for my annual exam he and his staff always make me feel very welcome and take care of all my eye care needs. Anderson Ophthalmology is the best at what they do and make you feel right at home."
    Anthony

Featured Articles

Read up on informative topics

  • December Newsletter: Does Dehydration Affect Your Eye Health?

    Could your eye symptoms be related to dehydration. ...

    Read More
  • November Newsletter: The Link Between Dry Eyes and Lupus

    Wondering if your dry eye symptoms could be related to Lupus? ...

    Read More
  • October Newsletter: The Benefits of PRK Eye Surgery

    Considering your refractive surgery options? PRK might be the perfect option for you. ...

    Read More
  • Stress and Vision

    Did you know that your eyes are an extension of your brain? There are six muscles connected to each eye, and they receive signals from the brain. These signals direct the eyes movements and, thus, control their ability to focus. When you are stressed, your brain goes through a number of changes and signals ...

    Read More
  • Pain Management

    We take a lot of aspects of our vision for granted. We expect to see nearby and faraway objects clearly, even if we require our eye care provider to prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses to do so. A huge degree of the information we take in about our world and our surroundings takes place visually, ...

    Read More
  • Nutrition for Eye Health

    Eating right is essential for keeping your body healthy. This is as true for your eyes as it is for your heart. A diet that is rich in fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and is low in saturated fat, can reduce your risk of heart disease. This will also keep your arteries healthy, so they can ...

    Read More
  • Lifestyle Practices for Eye Health

    Protecting your eyesight is an important part of staying healthy overall. Maintaining sound eye health will also help you preserve your quality of life as you age. To keep your eyes as healthy as possible, follow these simple lifestyle practices. Get regular eye exams. Some eye problems — including ...

    Read More
  • Glare and Halos

    Glare and halos are both eye symptoms that some people experience around bright lights. Halos show up as bright circles around a light source. Glare is light that interferes with your vision, making it difficult to see or sometimes making your eyes water. These symptoms can show up at any time of the ...

    Read More
  • UV Radiation and Your Eyes

    Optometry warnings about the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation on our eyes have not yet reached the degree of public awareness of that of skin damage. Yet, the sun can be just as damaging upon our eyes with unprotected exposure. Short-term exposure to very bright sunlight can result in a type ...

    Read More
  • Pediatric Ophthalmology

    Ophthalmology addresses the physiology, anatomy and diseases of the eyes. Pediatric ophthalmology focuses on the eyes of children. Pediatric ophthalmologists examine children’s eyes to see if they need corrective lenses or other treatments to improve their vision. Training for Pediatric Ophthalmologists Pediatric ...

    Read More

Newsletter Signup

Sign up for more articles