Corneal Cross-Linking

Stop your keratoconus progression in its tracks

Corneal Cross-Linking

The only effective and safe procedure to stop your keratoconus from progressing further. It may also make your vision slightly better.

Sight Saving Surgery

Who is Suitable for Corneal Cross-Linking?

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What treatment suits me best?

1 Min. Assessment

It is for patients who have a condition called keratoconus. You will only need this if there’s evidence the keratoconus is progressing. We can monitor your eye with Pentacm tomography scans which shows even if there was minute progression of the disease. Other signs or symptoms of Keratoconus progression are:

  • Frequent changes in glasses prescription, especially an increase in astigmatism
  • Your glasses prescription may not feel right
  • Worsening of vision
  • Getting glare and haloes especially at night time

How is corneal cross-linking is done?

It is a two-step procedure: First riboflavin (vitamin B2) eye drops are applied to the surface of the eye followed by a controlled exposure of the eye to ultraviolet light. The procedure strengthens and stabilizes the cornea by creating new links between collagen fibres within the cornea. Dr. Arbabi offers cutting edge high fluence Avedro Collagen Crosslinking. The main benefit of this technology is that the treatment takes just a few minutes to perform on each eye, making the whole experience more comfortable. Conventional non-Avedro treatments can take up to an hour for each eye.

After the procedure your eye will be very sore and uncomfortable, especially for the first 2 days after surgery. Dr. Arbabi will provide you with many drops and painkillers to make this as comfortable as possible for you. You will have either an eye patch or contact lens on the eye to help with comfort.

What to Expect

On the Day of Your Treatment

laser eye surgery
1. Warm welcome
You will meet with Dr. Arbabi who will review your clinical measurements, examine you and make you feel at ease.
laser eye surgery
2. Ensuring you are comfortable
Local anaesthetics eye drops will be instilled in your eyes to ensure they are completely numb and comfortable throughout the procedure.
3. Cross-linking

The superficial skin of the eye (called epithelium) is removed with dilute alcohol solution. This will be followed by instilling Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) drops in the eye. You will then be staring at an ultraviolet light for a few minutes. You will then either have an eye patch or a bandage contact lens will be inserted in the eye.

After the Treatment

after treatment care
1. What to Expect
The eye will be very sore and uncomfortable soon after the procedure. The vision will be blurry and light sensitive until the surface skin grows back. Your eye and vision should feel much better after 2-5 days.
after treatment care
2. Aftercare drops and advice
You will be given aftercare drops and advice. You will also be given pain killer medications to take for 2 days. You will be asked to lie down in a dark room with your eyes shut for most of the next 2 days to speed up the recovery following your vision correction surgery. Avoid makeup on face for one week and on your eyes for two weeks.
after treatment care
3. The future
You will be seen in the next 2-5 days. You should be able to resume most normal activities and sports within 1 to 2 weeks. As part of our unique service you will be given Dr. Arbabi’s personal phone number so you can call or WhatsApp him directly if you had any concern or wanted to discuss anything about your procedure.


Dr Arbabi is a very kind, compassionate and highly recommended surgeon. He really puts patients at ease and help you through every step of your journey towards a better sight

More information

Corneal Cross-Linking: Step by step answer to all your questions

You only need this if your eyes are progressing. If there is evidence of progression it is crucial you consider cross-linking. Without this treatment the cornea may continue to weaken and progress to the point where you may require a major corneal transplant to restore vision. This minimally invasive procedure is highly effective in stopping the progression of keratoconus before it is too late. Keratoconus eventually stabilises by itself but in some people, it causes a significant decrease in vision before it stabilises naturally.

It is a safe procedure but like any other operation there are risks. The eyes will be very uncomfortable or painful for one to two days after the procedure. You will be given pain killer medicine and drops to ease the discomfort during this period. There is a small risk of infection, inflammation or scarring that could make vision worse. Other risks include, dry eyes, light sensitivity, increases eye pressure and intolerant to contact lenses. Cross-linking improves the shape of the cornea in 30% of cases. This improved shape may also improve your vision slightly.

Stop eye rubbing. Eye rubbing is a major risk factor particularly in patients who have hay fever and itchy eyes. It is crucial if you have itchy eyes you do not rub your eyes and see a specialist who may prescribe eye drops to prevent itching.

Discover the freedom from glasses or contact lenses

Am I Suitable
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Call us on +971 2 635 6161

Email us on Contactusad@Moorfields.ae

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