What is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus is a medical condition where the cornea—the clear front surface of the eye—gradually becomes thinner and bulges outward into a cone-like shape.
Normally, the cornea has a smooth, rounded curve that helps focus light clearly onto the retina.
When the cornea changes shape, light cannot focus properly. As a result, vision may become:
- Blurry
- Excessively sensitive to glare
- Difficult to see clearly at night
- Frequently needing changes in eyeglass prescriptions
Keratoconus usually develops during the teenage years or early 20s and may continue to worsen without proper treatment.
What Does Keratoconus Feel Like?
Many patients experience persistent blurry vision even while wearing glasses. They may also notice excessive glare from lights and difficulty focusing on objects such as blackboards, computer screens, or roads while driving at night.
Without treatment, keratoconus can progress and may eventually require corneal transplantation.
Crosslinking: A Treatment to Slow Keratoconus Progression
Corneal Crosslinking is a non-surgical procedure that strengthens the corneal tissue and helps prevent keratoconus from worsening.
How Is the Procedure Done?
Crosslinking involves two main steps:
- Special eye drops containing vitamin B2 (riboflavin) are applied to the eye.
- The cornea is then exposed to UV light for several minutes.
The combination of UV light and riboflavin creates strong bonds between collagen fibers in the cornea, making it stiffer and more stable.
Benefits of Crosslinking
- Prevents keratoconus from getting worse
- Maintains corneal shape stability
- Reduces the risk of needing corneal transplantation
- Quick, safe procedure with minimal discomfort
Who Is Suitable for Crosslinking?
Crosslinking is most effective for patients who:
- Are diagnosed with early-stage keratoconus
- Have adequate corneal thickness
The earlier the treatment, the better the outcomes.
Crosslinking at Mayapada Eye Centre
We utilize internationally standardized crosslinking technology, supported by experienced eye specialists.
Each patient is assisted by VIA (Vision Assistant), our personalized service that guides you from initial examination through post-procedure care.