context: Corneal cross-linking is a treatment for an eye problem called keratoconus. In this condition, the front part of your eye, called the cornea, thins out and gets weaker over time. This makes it bulge into a cone shape, which can distort your vision and make it hard to see. If the symptoms of keratoconus get severe, you may need a corneal transplant. In corneal cross-linking, doctors use eyedrop medication and ultraviolet ( UV) light from a special machine to make the tissues in your cornea stronger. The goal is to keep the cornea from bulging more. It's called âcross-linkingâ because it adds bonds between the collagen fibers in your eye. They work like support beams to help the cornea stay stable. Corneal cross-linking is the only treatment that can stop progressive keratoconus from getting worse. And it may help you avoid a corneal transplant, which is major surgery. Your doctor can do the corneal cross-linking procedure in her office. First, you'll get drops that numb your eyes and a medicine to calm you. Then, she'll put in riboflavin (vitamin B2) eyedrops, which allow your cornea to better absorb light. It takes about 30 minutes for the drops to soak into your cornea. Then, you'll lie back in a chair and look up at a light. You shouldn't feel any pain during the procedure because your eyes will be numb. The entire treatment takes about 60-90 minutes. There are two types: epi-off and the experimental epi-on. (â Epiâ is short for epithelium, the outer layer of the cornea.) The epi-off technique means your doctor removes the epithelium before she puts the drops in. Many studies have found that this technique works well, but it may also raise your risk of infection and can lead to clouding in your cornea. With epi-on, your doctor loosens your epithelium with eyedrops or a sponge before she puts the eyedrops in. There may be fewer side effects, but some experts question whether the epi-on treatment can stop keratoconus. Scientists are still studying the procedure to see how well it works. Doctors have debated which of these methods is better, but for now, the FDA has approved just the epi-off procedure. Corneal cross-linking works best if you've recently been diagnosed with keratoconus. The procedure doesn't reverse cornea changes that have already happened -- it just keeps them from getting worse. Your doctor can let you know if this treatment would help you. Your doctor might tell you not to wear contact lenses for a couple of weeks before your treatment. Also, ask her if there are any foods or medicines you should avoid during this time. The day of the procedure, don't wear eye makeup, perfume, or after-shave. In most cases, you'll be able to eat a light meal and drink fluids beforehand. You'll also need someone to drive you home after your procedure since your eyesight will be affected. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Your doctor will put a special contact lens on your eye right away to protect it while it heals. When the numbing drops from the procedure wear off, you'll probably feel a burning sensation, like something is stuck in your eye. But it's important not to rub your eyes. Instead, you can use artificial tears and a pain reliever to ease your symptoms. If you have sudden, severe pain in your eye or a sudden loss of vision, call your doctor right away. If the contact lens falls out or gets dislodged, don't try to replace it yourself -- call your doctor ASAP. After a cross-linking procedure, your eyesight will be blurry at first. You may notice changes in your vision as your cornea heals. You may be more sensitive to light and have poorer vision for about 1-3 months after the surgery. The goal of corneal cross-linking is to slow your disease and prevent future vision problems, but in some cases, your eyesight may get better over time. Once you've had corneal cross-linking, you might need new glasses or contacts. Like most surgeries, corneal cross-linking can sometimes cause problems, such as: An eye infection Eye pain or swelling Damage to the cornea or epithelium Blurred vision, hazy vision, or other vision problems Before you have the procedure, ask your doctor about your chances of having these issues.