Add-on care
Corneal strengthening (CXL) in Korea
Riboflavin and controlled UV light strengthen the collagen fibers in the cornea. It is commonly paired with vision correction when the cornea is thin.
Does this sound like you?
- Your cornea is thin and you worry about stability after surgery.
- You have keratoconus or were told you are at risk.
How CXL works
Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking applies vitamin B2 (riboflavin) to the cornea, followed by controlled ultraviolet light. This strengthens collagen fibers within the cornea.
The clinic notes that the safety and effectiveness of the treatment have been validated through U.S. FDA approval.
Who it is recommended for
Some SMILE tiers include corneal strengthening, such as Triple SMILE and Core SMILE.
- Patients with thin corneas.
- Patients who need a large amount of corneal tissue removed.
- Patients with keratoconus, to prevent or slow progression.
- Patients at risk of myopic regression.
Frequently asked questions
What is corneal strengthening treatment?
Corneal strengthening, formally known as Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL), is a procedure that applies Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) to the cornea followed by controlled ultraviolet light exposure. This process strengthens the collagen fibers within the cornea. CXL is commonly recommended for patients with thin corneas or those who require significant corneal tissue removal. Strengthening the cornea helps protect against external stress and can prevent or slow the progression of keratoconus and myopic regression. The safety and effectiveness of this treatment have been validated through U.S. FDA approval.
Can my vision worsen again after surgery? Is an enhancement possible?
If vision decreases after surgery, it is most commonly due to myopic regression or dry eye. Myopic regression occurs when changes in the cornea lead to a partial return of nearsightedness and is typically identifiable within days after surgery. Vision changes related to dry eye are more common and may develop due to postoperative dryness, lifestyle factors, or environmental conditions. These symptoms can usually be improved with proper dry eye management and care. If necessary, enhancement options may be considered depending on the amount of remaining corneal tissue. These may include procedures such as LASEK or Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) surgery. Additionally, presbyopia (age-related difficulty with near vision) is not directly related to whether vision correction surgery has been performed and may still occur naturally over time.
Which vision correction procedure is right for me?
Vision correction procedures include LASEK, LASIK, SMILE, and Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) surgery. Each option differs based on how the cornea is treated. The best procedure is determined after a comprehensive eye examination, which evaluates factors such as corneal thickness, the amount of tissue that can be safely removed, corneal endothelial cell health, eye anatomy, astigmatism, and overall ocular condition. Your lifestyle and visual needs are also carefully considered before recommending the most appropriate treatment.