Crosslinking – when to start treatment?

Crosslinking ensures that progressive corneal ectasia is stopped.
The treatment should be carried out when the disease progresses.
When the right time is, however, depends on the individual.

Crosslinking in adults

Crosslinks are responsible for collagen cross-linking in the body.
If the cross-links decrease, the tissue becomes stiffer.

Crosslinks naturally decrease with age.
The tissue in the body becomes firmer – as does the cornea.
This is why the progression of keratoconus stagnates with advancing age.
The risk of the disease worsening decreases.
A reduction in crosslinks can be expected from the age of 35 – but for some people this is the case much later.

The ideal time for CXL treatment is as soon as progression of the ectasia is recognizable.
The earlier intervention is carried out, the more vision can be preserved.
The deterioration is determined by means of corneal topographies or by comparing past spectacle or contact lens strengths.

Crosslinking in children

The rate of progression is particularly high in children and adolescents.

Treatment is always recommended for children and adolescents.
According to a study, the probability of keratoconus worsening is around 90 percent.
Therefore, unlike in adults, the progression is often not checked first, but treated as quickly as possible.