Corneal Cross-linking (CXL)
Corneal cross-linking strengthens the collagen bonds of the cornea using riboflavin and UVA light on the Avedro KXL. Added to LASIK, LASEK or SMILE - often called "LASIK Xtra" - it helps prevent corneal ectasia and curb myopic regression, and it is also used to treat keratoconus.
Why strengthen a cornea?
A firmer cornea holds its shape - which matters both for treating corneal disease and for protecting the result of laser vision correction.
Keratoconus care
Strengthening the corneal tissue treats keratoconus - and patients once refused laser surgery on suspicion of keratoconus may become eligible after cross-linking.
Thin corneas, high myopia
Gives patients with thin corneas (450μm or less) or high myopia a route to laser correction that would otherwise be closed to them.
Ectasia and regression prevention
Reinforcing the cornea helps prevent post-surgical corneal ectasia and reduces the likelihood of myopic regression after correction.
How does cross-linking work?
Performed on the Avedro KXL immediately after laser vision correction - a short, non-incisional add-on.
VibeX (riboflavin) solution is absorbed into the corneal stroma right after LASIK, LASEK or SMILE.
The solution is washed from the surface.
The KXL's corneal strengthening program applies UVA light, cross-linking the collagen fibers.
The technique has been reviewed and cleared in the U.S., Europe, Japan and Singapore, and by Korea's KFDA.
Who should consider cross-linking?
A few extra minutes in the same session - so the correction you traveled for stays corrected.
Cross-linking questions
As "LASIK Xtra" it is an add-on performed together with refractive surgery - SMILE, LASIK or LASEK. It cannot be combined with implantable lens surgery (ICL), since that method does not ablate the cornea.
Yes - patients who had vision correction in the past can undergo cross-linking to help hold back myopic regression.
The clinic points to heavy daily screen use as a factor raising the risk of myopic regression in modern life; cross-linking is its preventive answer for higher-risk eyes.
The add-on itself takes about 3 to 5 minutes within the same session: riboflavin absorption, a rinse, then UVA illumination. Your overall recovery plan follows the primary procedure it accompanies.