5 Things You Should Know When Considering Corneal Crosslinking
May 13, 2025
Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that affects the cornea, which is the clear, dome-shaped surface at the front of the eye. Over time, this condition causes the cornea to thin and bulge outward into a cone shape, leading to distorted vision, increased light sensitivity, and difficulty with glasses or contact lenses.
Fortunately, corneal crosslinking is a clinically proven treatment designed to halt the progression of keratoconus and related corneal ectasias. At Anh Nguyen Ophthalmology in Falls Church, VA, we provide expert evaluation and care for patients in Washington, DC, Arlington, Alexandria, Annandale, Springfield, and surrounding communities.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with keratoconus or suspects its symptoms, here are five important things to know before considering corneal crosslinking.
1. You Must Have a Diagnosis of Keratoconus or Related Corneal Ectasia
Keratoconus often develops gradually and can be mistaken for other vision issues in its early stages. Common symptoms include:
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Sensitivity to light and glare
- Seeing halos around lights
- Frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Corneal crosslinking works by using ultraviolet (UV) light and riboflavin (vitamin B2) drops to strengthen the collagen fibers in your cornea. This stabilizes the cornea and helps stop further progression of the disease.
While crosslinking doesn’t reverse keratoconus or restore lost vision, it plays a crucial role in preserving your current vision and preventing future deterioration.
2. Your Cornea Must Meet Minimum Thickness Requirements
To be eligible for standard corneal crosslinking, your cornea must typically be at least 400 microns thick. This is important because a minimum thickness is needed to safely perform the procedure and protect the deeper layers of the eye.
If your cornea is thinner than this, there may still be options. In some cases, hypoosmolar riboflavin can be used to temporarily swell the cornea before treatment. Other techniques, like epi-on crosslinking, are being explored for thinner corneas.
A detailed corneal mapping is part of your evaluation at our practice to determine your candidacy and select the safest treatment approach.
3. Age Can Be a Factor in Eligibility
Keratoconus most commonly begins during the teenage years or early adulthood and can continue to progress into your 30s or 40s.
The FDA has approved corneal crosslinking for patients aged 14 and older, and early intervention is key. Treating the condition early, before significant corneal distortion occurs, offers the best chance to preserve clear vision and avoid the need for more invasive procedures in the future. That said, even older patients may benefit from crosslinking, especially if the disease is still active and progressing.
4. Symptoms of Keratoconus May Prompt Early Evaluation
If you’re experiencing symptoms like frequent changes in your glasses or contact lens prescription, worsening night vision, or increasing discomfort with contact lenses, don’t delay a consultation.
These signs could point to the early stages of keratoconus. Getting a timely diagnosis and starting treatment early can prevent more serious vision issues and help maintain your quality of life.
5. You Will Need to Be Prepared for Postoperative Care
Corneal crosslinking is an outpatient procedure that typically takes about one hour per eye. Most patients go home the same day, but some temporary side effects are expected, including:
- Mild to moderate eye discomfort
- Hazy or blurry vision during healing
- Light sensitivity
Full recovery can take several weeks to months. During this time, it’s important to follow your ophthalmologist’s instructions, including using prescribed eye drops, avoiding eye rubbing, and attending regular follow-up visits to monitor your healing progress.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Corneal crosslinking is a powerful tool in halting the progression of keratoconus, but understanding your candidacy is essential. At Anh Nguyen Ophthalmology in Falls Church, VA, we specialize in personalized care for patients dealing with keratoconus and other corneal conditions. We proudly serve the greater Washington, DC, Arlington, Alexandria, Annandale, and Springfield areas.
If you think you may be a candidate for corneal crosslinking, we invite you to schedule a consultation by filling out the online contact form on our website.
