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Corneal Collagen Crosslinking (CXL) for Keratoconus
CLINICAL TRIALS OF CORNEAL COLLAGEN CROSSLINKING BEGIN: We are pleased to announce that we are conducting U.S. clinical trials of corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL). The clinical trials are designed to study the benefits and safety of corneal collagen crosslinking in patients with either progressive keratoconus or corneal ectasia after previous refractive surgery.
At the Cornea and Laser Eye Institute's CLEI Center for Keratoconus, we have been participating in the CXL trials for nearly two years and have performed over 100 procedures to date.
FDA Backs Launch of Collagen Crosslinking Trials (See FDA Clinical Trials for general information regarding clinical trials.)
For further information and inquiries regarding your candidacy for CXL, call 201-883-0505 or email info@vision-institute.com.
CORNEAL COLLAGEN CROSSLINKING (CXL): Collagen crosslinking using UV radiation combined with riboflavin (Vitamin B2) is an experimental procedure currently being performed in Europe and elsewhere outside the United States. It is not approved for general clinical use in the United States. However, here at the CLEI Center for Keratoconus, we are participating in a formal study of CXL using the UV-XTM Illumination System that is being conducted under FDA guidelines. We began actively treating patients in February, 2008 and have performed over 100 procedures to date. The goal of the study is to assess the safety and efficacy of crosslinking for the treatment of keratoconus as well as corneal ectasia after LASIK.
The primary goal of collagen crosslinking in the keratoconic patient is to strengthen and stiffen the corneal fibers in order to decrease the progression of keratoconus, and to decrease the cone steepness in some patients. The safety and efficacy of crosslinking, as yet, is unclear, although results from European studies are encouraging.
THE CROSSLINKING PROCEDURE: Anesthesia drops keep you comfortable and a lid retainer prevents you from blinking. The surface epithelial cells of the cornea are then removed and riboflavin drops are administered for 30 minutes. The riboflavin acts both to enhance the crosslinking effect and to protect the rest of the eye from the UV exposure.
The patient then looks at a UV emitting light (wavelength = 365 microns, power = 3.0 mW/cm2) for 30 additional minutes with continued administration of riboflavin drops. At the conclusion of the procedure, a soft contact lens bandage is applied. The contact lens is left in place to improve healing for approximately 5 days and is then removed. Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops are used for two weeks afterwards.
Here at the CLEI Center for Keratoconus, we have treated approximately 90 patients with CXL in the clinical trial over the past 2 years. Analysis of results of safety and efficacy of the procedure is currently underway.
In the News:
Dr. Hersh discusses Corneal Collagen Crosslinking for Keratoconus on NJN News
Cross-linking technology for keratoconus yields positive early results - December 18, 2009
