RALEIGH, NC CORNEAL CROSS-LINKING FOR THE TREATMENT OF KERATOCONUS AND CORNEAL ECTASIA

The Raleigh Eye Center now offers the only FDA approved corneal cross linking treatment in Raleigh NC, using iLink. Detailed content can be found at livingwithkeratoconus.com and nkcf.org.

What is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus, often referred to as "KC" is a non-inflammatory eye condition in which the typically round dome-shaped cornea progressively thins and weakens, causing the development of a cone-like bulge and optical irregularity of the cornea. This causes "static" in your vision and can result in significant visual impairment. Keratoconus is a progressive disease that typically affects both eyes and starts in teenage years, or earlier in severe cases. This progression typically stops when patients are in their forties.

During the early stages of Keratoconus, people might experience:

• Slight blurring of vision
• Distortion of vision
• Increased sensitivity to light

The cornea is reponsible for focusing most of the light that comes into the eye. Therefore, abnormalities of the cornea, such as keratoconus, can have a major impact on how an individual sees the world, making simple tasks such as driving a car or reading a book very difficult.

Keratoconus:

• Can result in significant vision loss
• May lead to corneal transplant in severe cases
• Affects both males and females
• 10% of people with "KC" have affected relatives

​​​​​​​How do you treat keratoconus?

Eye rubbing has been demonstrated to increase the chances of progression of keratoconus. Because of this, it is very important to stop eye rubbing, as a first step. An eye doctor will take very precise topographicial photographs of the cornea at multiple visits to assess the severity and progression of the disease. Often, hard lenses are worn to help improve a patient's vision. Early, progressive keratoconus is now treated with an in-office procedure named cross-linking. Advanced keratoconus can require a cornea transplant. The Raleigh Eye Center offers the only FDA approved treatment for Keratoconus using iLink corneal cross-linking.

What is iLink Corneal Cross-Linking?

iLink corneal cross-linking is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that combines the use of ultraviolet light and specially formulated eye drops to stiffen and strengthen corneas that have weakened by disease or refractive surgery. Cross-linking is considered the standard of care around the world for progressive keratoconus and corneal ectasia following refractive surgery.

How does iLink Corneal Cross-linking work?

The iLink procedure combines the use of specially formulated prescription eye drops called Photrexa (riboflavin 5'-phosphate ophthalmic solution) and Photrexa Viscous (riboflavin 5' -phosphate in 20% dextran ophthalmic solution) with ultraviolet light from the KXL System to help stiffen and strengthen the cornea that has been weakened by disease.

What are the benefits of Corneal Cross-linking?

• Slows or halts the progression of disease to help us preserve vision
• Reduces maximum corneal curvature (as measured by Kmax)
• Widely covered by commercial insurance providers in the United States

Is iLink Covered by Insurance?

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SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A RALEIGH CORNEA SPECIALIST TO SEE IF CORNEAL CROSS-LINKING IS RIGHT FOR YOU

Our Raleigh ophthalmologists suggest annual eye exams in order to receive the most effective treatment. Contact us at Raleigh Eye Center today to schedule your appointment.

Our ophthalmology center is proud to provide cornea disease treatment in Raleigh, NC and surrounding cities, including Apex, Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham, Fuquay-Varina, Henderson, Oxford, Garner and Wake Forest.