PROCEDURES
CROSS-LINKING FOR KERATOCONUS
Keratoconus is a disease causing the cornea to become thin and weak that leads to it gradually bulging outward into a cone shape. Durrie Vision offers Cross-Linking for Keratoconus, a non-invasive procedure combining ultra-violet (UV) light and Vitamin B2 eye drops. This treatment stiffens and strengthens the cornea. Since the cornea may continue to change for months, most patients still need glasses and/or contacts to correct their vision.
For Treating
Keratoconus
For Ages
Dependent on diagnosis

Is Cross-Linking Right for You?
This treatment is reserved for patients diagnosed with Keratoconus, which causes progressive, diminished vision. Cross-linking is a safe, effective treatment designed to stop the progression of the disease and preserve visual sharpness. If left untreated, patients may require a corneal transplant.

Cross-Linking for Keratoconus: What to Expect
On the day of the procedure, patients can expect to be in our office for two hours, and will need a driver following the procedure.
Step 1
Pre-op Prep
We run several tests confirming our data on your eye. You can have a mild sedative if you’d like, and you’ll receive numbing eye drops. A small, gentle eyelid holder is placed between the eyelids so you don’t blink during the procedure.
Step 2
Prep the cornea
The doctor applies a solution to the cornea to help remove the top layer of it.
Step 3
Treatment
Vitamin B2 eye drops saturate the corneal tissue and then while an ultra-violet (UVA) light is on, additional Vitamin B2 drops are put in the eye.
Recovery
Cross-Linking for Keratoconus Recovery
Cross-Linking for Keratoconus is performed on one eye at a time, typically at least 3-6 months apart. Our doctors monitor the patient’s vision and the eye’s corneal shape.
Day 1-Month 1: Initially patients will experience poor vision in the surgical eye and can’t wear a contact lens in that eye.
Months 1-3: Vision will gradually improve back to baseline and patients may begin wearing their contacts again, or may be referred to new contact lenses.
Months 3-12: As the corneal shape stabilizes, the patient’s vision quality and clarity will improve.
Year 1+: Corneal reshaping may continue during the healing process and our doctors continue following the patient’s progress with exams every 6-12 months.
Dr. Durrie’s Patient Experience: Refractive Lens Exchange with the Light Adjustable Lens
Renowned Surgeon and Founder of Durrie Vision, Dr. Dan Durrie, Selects Light Adjustable Lens™ for His Procedure Dr. Dan Durrie, retired surgeon and founder of Durrie Vision, dedicated his career to helping people improve their vision and enhance their quality...
How Can I Prevent Cataracts in My Eyes?
And Is There a Laser Vision Correction Procedure to Treat Them in Kansas City? Cataracts negatively affect your vision. If you or a loved one has developed them, then you know how hard they make it to see clearly, especially in dimly-lit environments. As you age, your...
Frequently Asked Questions: LASIK and RLE Laser Vision Correction Procedures
Popular Options for Vision Correction in Kansas City are Available at Durrie Vision LASIK surgery and refractive lens exchange (RLE) are two popular forms of laser vision correction. At Durrie Vision, we analyze patients’ vision and eye health regularly to determine...