Trans-Epithelial Corneal Cross-Linking with Ricrolin (without De-Epitheliazation)

There are various treatments in the eye laser surgery arena that can heal and vastly improve conditions for those who suffer with eye problems. Corneal collagen cross-linking is one such treatment, used to tackle conditions such as keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration and refractive surgery-induced corneal ectasia.

What is it?

Corneal collagen cross-linking is a surgical procedure that was developed to slow down or halt progressive corneal thinning. Studies in the late 1990’s demonstrated that collagen cross-linking augmented stromal rigidity by over 300% by increasing collagen fiber diameter and by inducing the formation of crosslinks in the collagen network.

How does treatment work?

Your Lasik clinic will be able to provide information on treatment, which entails exposure of the corneal stroma to ultraviolet A (UVA) light after saturating the corneal stroma with riboflavin. But since hydro soluble riboflavin is unable to cross the epithelial barrier, the cornea first needs to be de-epithelialized to a depth of at least 8mm in diameter for imbibtion of the stroma to be effective. The early post-operative period after conventional cross-linking treatment with riboflavin can therefore be painful, and visual rehabilitation usually takes two to four weeks.

Why choose this procedure?

With the use of the new trans-epithelial (TE) cross-linking with Ricrolin, the occurrence of a painful post-operative course and impaired vision during the first two to four weeks could be prevented. In addition, patients who don’t qualify for conventional cross-linking with riboflavin, because their corneas are less than 400 microns thick, can be treated with the use of trans-epithelial cross-linking and an eye drop solution Ricrolin. Ricrolin is composed of 0.1% riboflavin combined with enhancers which facilitate riboflavin penetration into the corneal stroma in an intact epithelium. A silicone corneal ring delivers the photosensitizing solution directly onto the intact cornea during the entire procedure.

Advantages

A few reasons to consider the new trans-epithelial cross-linking treatment with Ricrolin:
  • Patients with thinner corneas can be treated.
  • Pre-operative visual acuity is maintained.
  • Patients under 10 years of age may be treated.
  • No pain during the post-op period.
  • You may return to school or work the day after treatment.

For more information about the new trans-epithelial cross-linking procedure with Ricrolin, or any other treatments for Keratoconus, as well as any other information relating to eye laser surgery, feel free to contact us.

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