CXL in Nashville, TN

Wang Vision Institute was one of the nations FDA clinical trial centers for research for cross-linking.

Our Wang Vision Institute ophthalmologists and their dedicated team are proud to offer our patients in Nashville, TN and beyond an innovative new procedure to treat and manage keratoconus called corneal cross-linking. Corneal cross-linking, also called UV riboflavin CXL, addresses keratoconus by strengthening the cornea, resulting in a reduction of the risk of its progressive weakening and the patient's eventual loss of sight. This treatment works by combining riboflavin (Vitamin B2) drops and UV light to enhance the cornea and stimulate the growth of its internal collagen cross-links. Wang Vision Institute was the first optical care center in the state of Tennessee to perform corneal cross-linking for patients with keratoconus, and our eye surgeons continue to improve the eye health and vision of those who trust their care to our capable team.

Keratoconus can significantly affect the overall health and function of the eyes. Fortunately, corneal cross-linking is an innovative solution performed at Wang Vision Institute that is designed to help with this problem. Our patients in Nashville, TN prefer this treatment for its many benefits, including:

• Regression or a total stop of the condition's progression
• Prevents vision loss
• Makes contact lenses more comfortable
• Significantly reduces the likelihood of needing for corneal transplant surgery

Typically, the ideal candidate for corneal cross-linking is a keratoconus patient aged 14 or older. While people may receive this procedure at any age, many ophthalmologists agree that early treatment is preferred for improved vision and lasting results. This is because young patients with keratoconus usually have not experienced a high degree of progression of the disease when compared to adults, making the condition easier to manage or even stop. Before we can fully determine your candidacy for the procedure, one of our eye surgeons will need to assess your eye health and medical history. This includes determining if you have had a documented progression of keratoconus over the past 12 – 18 months.

Corneal cross-linking is typically performed in an outpatient setting and is known to not cause any discomfort for the patient. To start, we will apply numbing eye drops to the eyes. Once you are fully numb, we will carefully remove the epithelium cells from the surface of your cornea and distribute the riboflavin eye drops (Photrexa). After about 15 – 30 minutes, the drops will fully absorb into the eye. From there, we will expose your eyeballs to the UV light, which will interact with the riboflavin to produce special oxygen molecules. These molecules will ultimately cause collagen fibers to develop within the cornea, making it stronger and hindering the progression of corneal weakening (keratoconus).

The general recovery period for a CXL surgery is 3 – 5 days. During this time, your treated eyes will be protected with a bandage contact lens. One of our doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatory eye drops for you to use for a predetermined amount of time as you heal. In many cases, patients receive relief from their keratoconus symptoms as early as a week following their procedure with their results continuing to improve up to 12 months post-op. Patients who receive this surgery will experience a frequent change in their eyeglass prescription until the condition of their cornea has fully stabilized.

What causes keratoconus?

The cause of keratoconus is unknown, but it may be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is thought to be more common in people with certain medical conditions, such as Down syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Keratoconus may also be associated with frequent eye rubbing.

Is corneal cross-linking safe?

Corneal cross-linking is a safe and effective treatment for keratoconus. It has been used for many years, and there are no known long-term side effects. Our eye surgeon in Nashville, TN, is an expert in corneal cross-linking and has performed this procedure on countless patients with excellent results.

How do you prepare for corneal cross-linking?

No special preparation is needed for corneal cross-linking. You will need to have a thorough eye exam prior to the procedure to make sure you are a good candidate. Our Nashville eye center will go over all the details of the procedure with you and answer any questions you may have beforehand.

Is corneal cross-linking painful?

Corneal cross-linking is generally well tolerated, with most patients experiencing little to no pain during the procedure. Numbing eye drops are applied before the treatment to ensure your comfort. After the procedure, you may experience mild discomfort, dryness, or irritation, which typically resolves within a few days. Our team at Wang Vision Institute will provide aftercare instructions to help you manage any post-procedure symptoms.

How long does the corneal cross-linking procedure take?

The entire corneal cross-linking procedure typically takes about 60 – 90 minutes. This includes the application of riboflavin eye drops, which are absorbed into the cornea, and exposure to ultraviolet light to activate the cross-linking process.

What is the recovery time after corneal cross-linking?

Recovery time after corneal cross-linking varies from patient to patient, but most people can return to normal activities within 3 – 7 days. During the initial healing period, it is normal to experience some blurriness, light sensitivity, or mild discomfort. Full visual recovery may take several weeks to a few months as the cornea continues to stabilize.

CXL, more popularly known as corneal cross-linking, is an innovative new treatment that can produce positive, life-changing results for patients suffering from the effects of keratoconus. Along with protecting your vision, this procedure can also prevent Nashville, TN patients from requiring a corneal transplant later in their life. Our skilled eye surgeons, Dr. Wang, Dr. Jones, and Dr. Guduru have performed a number of successful cross-linking treatments with Dr. Wang overseeing Tennessee's very first CXL procedure. If you think you may have keratoconus, we encourage you to get in touch with Wang Vision Institute at your earliest convenience.