CCL (CORNEAL CROSS-LINKING)
What is CCL?
Keratoconus is a disease caused by deformity as a result of the increase and thinning of the transparent layer (cornea) that forms the front part of the eye. CCL is one of the treatment methods for keratoconus disease. Corneal Cross-Linking (CCL) treatment aims to strengthen the corneal structure and stop the progression of the disease.
What is CCL (CORNEAL CROSS-LINKING) treatment process?
Application of riboflavin (B2 vitamin) drops
Before the procedure, the eye is anesthetized with topical anesthetic drops. After topical anesthetic drops are applied, the corneal epithelium is mechanically lifted with a blunt spatula. Riboflavin solution is dripped on the epithelium removed cornea, 2 drops at 5 minutes intervals, for 30 minutes.
How is UV light applied?
After 30 minutes, the patient is seated under the slit lamp. After the riboflavin fluorescence is seen in the anterior chamber, the patient is taken back to the operating room. 370 nm UV is applied at a distance of 4-5 cm from the corneal surface, in an area of approximately 7 mm, for 5-10 minutes. During the UV application, 2 drops of Riboflavin are added every 1 minute. After the procedure, a bandage contact lens is attached to the eye, the eye is not closed.
UV Cross-Linking (Molecular-level cross-linking) treatment
UV Cross-Linking surgery can stop the progression of keratoconus disease by increasing corneal mechanics by acting on the collagen molecules of the cornea using UVA light and Riboflavin.
Results of performed CCL operations
The first scientific study of Dünyagöz Hospitals on this subject was presented at the European Cataract and Refractive Surgery Congress (ESCRS, 8-12 September 2007) in Stockholm and accepted to be presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Congress.
Which examination and analyses are performed before surgery?
- Visual level with and without glasses
- Refractive error with drops and without it
- Corneal topography (Orbscan II, Oculus Topography)
- Corneal thickness (Sonogage 50Hz)
- Endothelial count (Specular Microscope, Conan)
- Fundus examination
Importance of CCL treatment at Dünyagöz
For the first time in Turkey, CCL treatment was performed at Dünyagöz Hospitals. The first "Keratoconus Diagnosis and Treatment Center" was established in Dünyagöz Hospitals.
Dünyagöz is a center with experience in CCL in Turkey. Over 20,000 CCL treatments have been performed at Dünyagöz so far. Work continues with the IROC Clinic (Zurich, Switzerland Prof. Seiler, and his team), where CCL was discovered and developed.
Because of the importance of follow-up in keratoconus disease, the archive system is very important.
Prepared by the Dünyagöz Hospital Editorial Board.
*The content of this page is for informational purposes only. See your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
