Corneal cross-linking (CXL) is a minimally invasive ophthalmic procedure that strengthens the cornea by creating new bonds between collagen fibers using riboflavin (vitamin B2) drops and ultraviolet-A (UV-A) light, primarily to halt the progression of keratoconus and other corneal ectasias.[1][2][3]Developed in the late 1990s, CXL was first described in 1997 by Spoerl et al., who demonstrated that riboflavin and UV-A could increase corneal stiffness by inducing photochemical cross-links in stromal collagen, enhancing biomechanical stability and resistance to enzymatic degradation.[4][3] The procedure works by activating riboflavin with UV-A light (typically 365 nm wavelength at 3 mW/cm² for 30 minutes), generating reactive oxygen species that form covalent bonds between collagenfibrils without significantly altering corneal transparency.[5][3]The standard "epi-off" Dresden protocol involves numbing the eye with anesthetic drops, mechanically removing the corneal epithelium to expose the stroma, applying riboflavin drops for approximately 20-30 minutes to saturate the tissue, and then irradiating with UV-A light for 30 minutes while continuing riboflavin application; the process is outpatient and lasts about one hour per eye.[1][2][3] Post-procedure, a bandage contact lens is placed, and patients receive antibiotic and steroid drops; recovery typically involves blurry vision and light sensitivity for 1-2 weeks, with full stabilization occurring over 3-6 months, during which activities like swimming or rubbing the eyes should be avoided.[1][2]CXL is indicated for progressive keratoconus (where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape), post-LASIK ectasia, and in some cases pediatric keratoconus or infectious keratitis, with FDA approval for progressive keratoconus in patients aged 14 and older using the epi-off method, and as of October 2025, for patients aged 13 and older using the epi-on method with Epioxa.[1][3][6] Clinical studies show high efficacy, with approximately 95% success in halting disease progression and potential improvements in maximum keratometry (Kmax) by about 1-2 diopters and uncorrected visual acuity over 1-2 years, often delaying or preventing the need for corneal transplantation.[1][7][3]While generally safe, potential complications include temporary corneal haze (resolving in most cases within months), infection, scarring, endothelial cell loss if not properly dosed, and rare instances of disease progression or vision loss; epi-on variants (without epithelium removal), including the FDA-approved Epioxa as of October 2025, aim to reduce these risks.[1][2][8][6] Ongoing research explores accelerated protocols (shorter UV exposure with higher intensity), pulsed light, and alternative photosensitizers like rose bengal for thinner corneas or antimicrobial applications.[3][9]
Overview
Definition and Purpose
The cornea is the eye's anterior, dome-shaped, transparent layer that serves as the primary refractive surface, accounting for approximately 70% of the eye's total focusing power.[10] Composed mainly of collagen fibrils in the stroma, it maintains structural integrity to ensure clear vision, but conditions involving progressive weakening, such as ectatic disorders, can lead to thinning and irregular curvature, impairing refraction and potentially advancing to severe visual impairment.[11]Corneal cross-linking (CXL) is a minimally invasive photochemical procedure that employs riboflavin (vitamin B2) as a photosensitizer and ultraviolet-A (UV-A) light to generate new covalent bonds between collagen molecules in the corneal stroma.[12] This process stiffens the corneal tissue by inducing intra- and interfibrillar cross-links, thereby enhancing its biomechanical rigidity by up to 300%.[13]The core purpose of CXL is to stabilize the cornea in cases of progressive ectasia, halting further thinning and deformation to preserve visual function and avert the need for more invasive interventions like corneal transplantation.[11] Primarily targeting conditions such as keratoconus, where the cornea progressively thins and bulges into a cone shape, CXL aims to restore sufficient mechanical strength without altering the eye's refractive profile significantly.[14]
Indications
Corneal cross-linking is primarily indicated for the treatment of progressive keratoconus, a condition characterized by bilateral corneal thinning and steepening that leads to irregular astigmatism and vision impairment.[15] The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it in 2016 for patients aged 14 years and older with progressive keratoconus; subsequent approvals for additional systems, such as Epioxa in 2025, have expanded options.[15][6] Progression is typically defined in clinical practice as one or more of the following changes over 24 months: an increase of at least 1.0 diopter (D) in the steepest keratometry (K2), or other metrics such as a 0.5 D myopic shift in spherical equivalent.[16] Progression is typically confirmed through serial corneal tomography, such as increases in maximum keratometry (Kmax) greater than 1 D per year or elevated indices on tomographic devices like the Pentacam (e.g., BAD-D >1.5) or biomechanical devices like the Corvis ST (e.g., SP-A1 <0.75).[16][17]Secondary indications include corneal ectasia following refractive surgery, such as post-LASIK ectasia, where progressive thinning and steepening occur after procedures like laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis.[15] It is also used off-label for other ectatic disorders like pellucid marginal degeneration, which involves inferior corneal thinning and against-the-rule astigmatism, and early bullous keratopathy, where it may reduce corneal edema and improve visual acuity by stabilizing the endothelium.[18][19][20]In pediatric patients with progressive keratoconus, corneal cross-linking is recommended for those as young as 8 years old, particularly when disease onset is early and aggressive, as it effectively halts progression in this high-risk group.[21] Long-term studies report stabilization rates of approximately 90% in children and adolescents followed for up to 10 years, with early intervention preserving vision and reducing the need for corneal transplantation.[21]The procedure is not indicated for stable, non-progressive ectasias or advanced keratoconus with significant central scarring, where penetrating keratoplasty may be more appropriate.[22] Patient selection emphasizes those aged 10 to 40 years, as progression is most rapid in this demographic, though approvals and guidelines extend to older adults without active advancement.[23][24]
Mechanism of Action
Biochemical Process
Corneal cross-linking (CXL) involves the photochemical interaction of riboflavin, acting as a photosensitizer, with ultraviolet-A (UV-A) light at wavelengths of 365-370 nm and an irradiance of 3 mW/cm² applied for 30 minutes. This process generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), primarily singlet oxygen, which induce the formation of covalent bonds between collagen fibrils and proteoglycans in the corneal stroma. The ROS mediate oxidative reactions that create new intermolecular cross-links, enhancing the structural integrity of the extracellular matrix without significantly altering the collagen's secondary structure.[25]The cross-link formation occurs through mechanisms analogous to the Maillard reaction, where ROS oxidize amino groups on lysine residues in collagen, leading to the production of reactive carbonyl intermediates such as glyoxal. These intermediates react with nucleophilic groups on adjacent collagen molecules or proteoglycans, forming advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and Schiff base linkages that stabilize the tissue. This oxidative deamination and subsequent bonding primarily affect the ϵ-amino groups of lysine, resulting in a network of intra- and interfibrillar connections.[26]The biomechanical outcome of this process is quantified by an increase in corneal rigidity, with ex vivo stress-strain testing of human corneas showing a 328.9% enhancement in stiffness compared to untreated controls. This stiffening is measured through the Young's modulus E = \frac{\sigma}{\varepsilon}, where \sigma is stress and \varepsilon is strain; in treated human corneas, stress at 6% strain rises from approximately 0.053 MPa to 0.227 MPa, corresponding to a modulus increase from about 0.9 MPa to 3.8 MPa. The effect is depth-limited to the anterior 300 μm of the stroma due to UV-A absorption by riboflavin, thereby sparing deeper layers including the endothelium when preoperative corneal thickness exceeds 400 μm.[27]
Protocol Variants
The standard epithelium-off (epi-off) protocol, known as the Dresden protocol, involves mechanical removal of the corneal epithelium to facilitate deeper penetration of riboflavin into the stroma, making it the preferred method for corneas thicker than 400 μm.[28] In this approach, 0.1% riboflavin solution is applied for 30 minutes, followed by ultraviolet-A (UVA) irradiation at 3 mW/cm² for 30 minutes, achieving a total energy dose of 5.4 J/cm² and enabling cross-linking effects up to 300 μm in stromal depth.[29]The epithelium-on (epi-on) or transepithelial variant avoids epithelial debridement to minimize postoperative pain and infection risk, relying on enhanced riboflavin formulations such as high-concentration solutions or iontophoresis for stromal penetration.[30] In October 2025, the FDA approved Epioxa (riboflavin 5'-phosphate 0.177% and 0.239%) as the first incision-free, epi-on option for keratoconus treatment in adults and patients aged 13 years and older, administered topically without epithelial removal.[31] This method typically limits cross-linking to shallower depths of approximately 200 μm due to the epithelial barrier.[32]Conventional protocols use low-intensity UVA (3 mW/cm² for 30 minutes), while accelerated variants employ higher intensities (9–30 mW/cm² for 10 minutes or less) to deliver the same 5.4 J/cm² dose in shorter times, reducing patient discomfort without compromising efficacy.[33] A 2023 meta-analysis confirmed equivalent long-term stabilization rates between accelerated and conventional epi-off protocols in progressive keratoconus.[33]For thin corneas under 400 μm, hypo-osmolar riboflavin solutions (e.g., 0.1% riboflavin in dextran-free saline) are used to temporarily swell the stroma to a safer thickness before UVA exposure, maintaining stability in keratoconic progression.[34] Contact lens-assisted cross-linking applies a riboflavin-soaked soft contact lens after epithelial debridement in thin or irregular ectatic corneas, providing a uniform fluid reservoir to increase effective thickness and enable treatment in uneven topography.[35]Comparative studies indicate epi-off achieves stabilization in about 95% of cases with deeper stromal reinforcement, whereas epi-on yields around 85% stabilization but with reduced demarcation line depth, potentially limiting biomechanical strengthening in advanced ectasia.[1][36]
Procedure
Preoperative Preparation
Prior to corneal cross-linking, patients undergo a comprehensive ophthalmologic evaluation to confirm eligibility and assess risks. This includes slit-lamp biomicroscopy to identify keratoconic signs such as Fleischer rings, Vogt striae, and Munson's sign, along with corneal topography using devices like Scheimpflug imaging (e.g., Pentacam) to document ectatic progression through metrics like maximum keratometry (Kmax) increase or thinning.[37] Pachymetry is essential, with a minimum stromal thickness of at least 400 μm after epithelial removal required to protect the endothelium from ultraviolet-A damage.[37] Endothelial cell density is also evaluated via specular microscopy to ensure corneal safety.[11]Informed consent involves a detailed discussion of expected outcomes and potential temporary effects. The procedure halts keratoconus progression in approximately 90-95% of cases, based on long-term stabilization data.[38] Patients are advised of possible vision fluctuations, including haze or reduced acuity, which may persist for 3-6 months post-treatment before resolving.[37]Anesthesia consists of topical proparacaine or tetracaine drops applied to numb the ocular surface, avoiding the need for general anesthesia. Prophylactic topical antibiotics (e.g., fluoroquinolones) and corticosteroids (e.g., prednisolone acetate) are administered postoperatively to minimize infection and inflammation risks.[11]For epithelium-off variants, preoperative epithelial preparation entails mechanical debridement of the central 8-10 mm corneal epithelium using a trephine or, alternatively, phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) laser to facilitate riboflavin penetration.[39]The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, lasting 1-2 hours total including preparation, with no fasting required due to the use of local anesthesia.[1]
Intraoperative Steps
The intraoperative phase of corneal cross-linking begins with the instillation of riboflavin, a photosensitizing agent, to saturate the corneal stroma. A 0.1% riboflavin solution, typically formulated with 20% dextran or as a viscous preparation like Photrexa Viscous, is applied topically every 2 minutes for approximately 30 minutes to achieve stromal impregnation.[40] Saturation is confirmed by observing a yellow flare in the anterior chamber via slit-lamp biomicroscopy, indicating adequate penetration; if absent, additional drops are instilled for 2-3 more cycles until visible.[40] For thinner corneas, hypotonic riboflavin may be used intermittently to swell the stroma and ensure sufficient thickness.[11]Intraoperative monitoring focuses on corneal pachymetry to verify a minimum thickness of 400 μm prior to and during the procedure, preventing potential endothelial damage from ultraviolet light penetration.[40] In select protocols, particularly accelerated or transepithelial variants, supplemental oxygen is delivered to the ocular surface via a nasal cannula or enclosure to enhance reactive oxygen species generation and improve cross-linking efficacy.Following saturation, ultraviolet-A (UV-A) irradiation is initiated using a wavelength of 365-370 nm at an irradiance of 3 mW/cm² for 30 minutes in the conventional Dresden protocol, delivering a total surface dose of 5.4 J/cm² to induce collagen cross-linking while minimizing toxicity to deeper ocular structures.[11] Riboflavin drops continue every 2 minutes during irradiation to maintain stromal concentration.[40] Accelerated protocols employ higher irradiances, such as 9 mW/cm² for 10 minutes or 30 mW/cm² for 3 minutes, to achieve the same total energy in shorter durations, selected based on patient-specific corneal characteristics as outlined in protocol variants.[41] Irradiation is performed using FDA-approved devices like the KXL System (Glaukos Corporation, formerly Avedro), which ensures precise dosimetry through integrated controls and a 9 mm treatment aperture positioned 5-8 cm from the cornea.[42]Upon completion of irradiation, the ocular surface is irrigated with balanced salt solution to remove excess riboflavin, followed by application of topical antibiotics and corticosteroids.[40] A high-oxygen-permeability soft bandage contact lens is then placed to protect the re-epithelializing cornea and alleviate discomfort.[11] In pediatric cases, bilateral simultaneous cross-linking may be conducted under general anesthesia to facilitate compliance and reduce procedure time.[43]
Safety and Efficacy
Adverse Effects
Corneal cross-linking (CXL) is associated with several common transient adverse effects, primarily due to epithelial debridement in epithelium-off protocols. Postoperative pain is frequent and often peaks on the first day after surgery, with mean visual analog scale (VAS) scores around 6.6, decreasing rapidly thereafter; it is typically managed with oral analgesics such as paracetamol or NSAIDs, bandage contact lenses, and cold compresses.[44] Corneal haze occurs in approximately 2.9% of cases, peaking at 1 month postoperatively and resolving within 1 to 6 months without significant visual impact.[45] Punctate keratitis, manifesting as superficial epithelial defects, affects approximately 20-25% of patients and usually resolves with supportive care.[46]Serious complications, though rare, include infectious keratitis with an incidence of 0.1-0.7% in epithelium-off CXL, predominantly bacterial (e.g., Staphylococcus species) and linked to bandage lenses or steroid use; higher rates (up to 1%) occur in protocols without strict asepsis.[47] Sterile infiltrates develop in about 7.6% of cases, presenting as focal stromal opacities that respond to topical steroids like dexamethasone within 4 weeks.[45] Endothelial cell loss is minimal overall but can reach 5-10% in corneas thinner than 400 μm, potentially causing transient edema in 2.9% of patients and requiring monitoring to prevent permanent damage.[45]Long-term risks are uncommon, with persistent haze or scarring reported in 1-2% of cases, occasionally necessitating further intervention.[45] Rare complications include Descemet's striae and corneal melting, primarily in thin or compromised corneas. Ten-year follow-up studies show no increased risk of cataract formation or other lens opacities.[22]Management involves topical steroids for 1-4 weeks to address haze and infiltrates, prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infection, and close monitoring for progression failure, which occurs in 5-10% of cases and may require repeat CXL.[45] Meta-analyses indicate low rates of serious complications, with vision loss in approximately 3% of cases at 1 year, underscoring the procedure's favorable safety profile.[48][49]
Efficacy
Corneal cross-linking demonstrates high efficacy in halting the progression of keratoconus and ectasia. Studies report stabilization in 90-95% of cases at 1-2 years post-procedure, with average reductions in maximum keratometry (Kmax) of 1-2 diopters and improvements in uncorrected and best-corrected visual acuity in 50-70% of patients. These benefits often persist long-term, reducing the need for corneal transplantation.[3][7]
Contraindications and Cautions
Corneal cross-linking (CXL) has specific absolute contraindications to prevent potential harm to the ocular structures, particularly due to the risks associated with ultraviolet-A (UVA) light exposure and riboflavin application. These include corneas with a thickness less than 400 μm, as this increases the risk of endothelial damage from UVA penetration.[37][11] Endothelial diseases such as Fuchs' dystrophy are also absolute contraindications, given the procedure's potential to exacerbate corneal edema and endothelial cell loss in eyes with compromised endothelial function.[50] Active herpes simplex keratitis represents another absolute contraindication owing to the risk of viral reactivation triggered by UVA exposure.[37][11] Pregnancy is contraindicated due to uncertainties regarding UVA effects on the fetus and the potential need for systemic medications to manage complications.[37][11] Additional absolute barriers encompass concurrent ocular infections, severe corneal scarring or opacity, neurotrophic keratitis, severe dry eye syndrome, a history of poor epithelial wound healing, and autoimmune disorders that impair corneal integrity.[37][51]Relative contraindications involve conditions where CXL may proceed with heightened caution and modified protocols, but benefits must outweigh risks. Central corneal scarring is a relative contraindication, as it can elevate the likelihood of persistent haze or infection post-procedure.[52] Autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, while absolute in severe cases, may be relative if controlled, though they predispose to delayed healing and corneal melts.[37][23] In pediatric patients under 8 years, CXL is relatively contraindicated without documented progression of ectasia, as the disease may stabilize naturally in some young children; however, no strict age cutoff exists if progression is confirmed.[11][21]Preoperative screening is essential to identify barriers, including exclusion of patients with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) worse than 20/200 due to advanced scarring or ectasia, where CXL offers limited stabilization benefit.[53] Suspected neurotrophic ectasia or keratitis warrants exclusion to avoid worsening epithelial defects.[37] Endothelial cell density below 2000 cells/mm² is a screening threshold for contraindication, particularly in thin corneas, to safeguard against cell loss.[54]Postoperative cautions mitigate risks of complications. Patients should avoid eye rubbing for at least one week to prevent epithelial disruption and infection.[55] UV protection via sunglasses is recommended for five days or longer to minimize phototoxicity during healing.[56] Diabetics require close monitoring for delayed epithelial healing due to impaired wound repair mechanisms.[23]In special populations, pediatric cases demand caution regarding anesthesia risks, with general anesthesia considered for children under 10 to ensure cooperation, though local anesthesia suffices in older youth.[57] For thin corneas or dry eyes, epithelium-on (epi-on) protocols are preferred over standard epi-off to reduce pain and healing delays while preserving efficacy.[58][59]
History and Development
Early Research
The early research on corneal cross-linking emerged in the mid-1990s at the University of Dresden in Germany, where ophthalmologist Theo Seiler and biomechanical engineer Eberhard Spoerl began investigating photochemical methods to induce artificial cross-links in corneal collagen, aiming to enhance its biomechanical stability. Drawing inspiration from the natural accumulation of cross-links in aging corneas that contribute to increased stiffness over time, their work sought to replicate this process artificially to address progressive ectatic conditions like keratoconus. This foundational hypothesis was tested through initial ex vivo experiments using enucleated porcine eyes, where riboflavin (vitamin B2) was applied as a photosensitizer followed by ultraviolet-A (UVA) irradiation at 365 nm.[60]In a seminal 1998 study published in Experimental Eye Research, Spoerl, Huhle, and Seiler demonstrated that this riboflavin-UVA combination significantly increased corneal rigidity, with stress-strain measurements showing up to a 70% rise in stiffness compared to untreated controls, without evidence of thermal degradation. The cross-linking effect was attributed to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that formed covalent bonds between collagen fibrils, a mechanism confirmed through controlled variations in riboflavin concentration and UV exposure. These ex vivo porcine cornea experiments established proof-of-concept for non-invasive biomechanical reinforcement, highlighting the potential for clinical translation while emphasizing the need to optimize parameters to avoid cytotoxicity.[4][61]Building on these findings, Spoerl and Seiler's 1999 publication in the Journal of Refractive Surgery reviewed techniques for corneal stiffening, including the riboflavin-UVA approach, and reported consistent biomechanical enhancements in porcine models, with treated corneas exhibiting greater resistance to deformation under load. Early safety assessments in animal models, such as rabbits, further validated the protocol's tolerability, showing no endothelial toxicity at an irradiance of 3 mW/cm² for 30 minutes—the parameters that would later form the basis of the Dresden protocol. These pre-clinical investigations laid the groundwork for subsequent in vivo applications, focusing on ROS-mediated linking as a safe, targeted method to bolster corneal integrity.[62][63]
Key Milestones
The first human application of corneal cross-linking occurred in 1998 in Germany, where Theo Seiler and colleagues performed the procedure on patients with keratoconus at the Technical University of Dresden, marking the transition from experimental research to clinical use.[11] In 2003, refinements to the protocol were introduced in Italy through the Siena Eye Cross Study, which modified the Dresden protocol to enhance safety and efficacy by specifying epithelial removal, riboflavin application, and UVA irradiation parameters for progressive keratoconus.[64]The procedure gained momentum with off-label use across the European Union starting around 2005, prior to formal CE Mark approval in 2006, facilitating broader clinical adoption in Europe.[65] In the United States, Investigational Device Exemption trials commenced in 2008 under FDA oversight, initiating structured evaluation for regulatory approval.[66] The first publications on accelerated protocols, which shorten irradiation time using higher UVA intensity to match standard outcomes, appeared in 2012, expanding treatment options for efficiency.[67]Technological advancements included the 2016 FDA approval of epithelium-off systems, such as Photrexa riboflavin solutions and the KXL UV light device by Avedro, enabling standardized treatment for progressive keratoconus in patients aged 14 and older.[68] In 2025, the FDA approved Epioxa (riboflavin 5'-phosphate solutions) for epithelium-on cross-linking, representing the first incision-free, non-epithelial removal option for keratoconus in adults and adolescents aged 13 and older.[69]
Regulatory Status and Evidence
Approvals
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first corneal cross-linking system in April 2016, comprising Photrexa Viscous (riboflavin 5'-phosphate sodium in 20% dextran ophthalmic solution) and Photrexa (riboflavin 5'-phosphate sodium ophthalmic solution) for use with the KXL ultraviolet-A light system, indicated for epithelium-off corneal collagen cross-linking to treat progressive keratoconus in patients aged 14 years and older, as well as post-refractive surgery corneal ectasia in patients aged 18 years and older.[70] This approval required confirmation of disease progression via serial topographic evidence, such as worsening maximum corneal keratometry (Kmax) or other ectasia parameters over time.[71] In October 2025, the FDA approved Epioxa (riboflavin 5'-phosphate sodium ophthalmic solution) from Glaukos Corporation as the first epithelium-on therapy, with Epioxa 0.177% and Epioxa HD 0.239% formulations indicated for corneal collagen cross-linking in the treatment of keratoconus in adults and pediatric patients aged 13 years and older, without epithelial removal.[6][31] As part of post-market requirements, the FDA mandates submission of 5-year follow-up data on long-term safety and effectiveness for the initial 2016 approval.[72]In Europe, corneal cross-linking received CE Mark certification in January 2007 for the initial IROC UV-X system, enabling epithelium-off treatment for progressive keratoconus using riboflavin and ultraviolet-A light.[73] By 2015, CE Mark approvals had expanded to encompass accelerated protocols (using higher-intensity ultraviolet-A for shorter exposure times) and epithelium-on variants, such as iontophoretic delivery systems, broadening access to less invasive options across member states.[74]Other regions followed with approvals for similar systems. Health Canada granted approval in 2017 for devices like the Mosaic system, allowing corneal cross-linking for progressive keratoconus in adults and adolescents.[75]
Clinical Trials and Outcomes
The pivotal clinical trials for corneal cross-linking (CXL) have demonstrated its efficacy in halting keratoconus progression. The United States multicenter Phase 3 trial, conducted from 2008 to 2015, enrolled patients with progressive keratoconus and compared epithelium-off CXL to a sham control. At one year, 96% of treated eyes showed stabilization or improvement, with a mean maximum keratometry (Kmax) flattening of 1.6 diopters (D) compared to continued steepening in controls; uncorrected distance visual acuity also improved by an average of 4.4 logMAR letters.[76] Similarly, the Siena Eye Cross Study, an early prospective trial from 2003 onward, reported long-term stability in all 44 treated eyes at a mean follow-up of 52 months, with 90% showing no progression and a mean Kmax reduction of 2 D; five-year extensions confirmed sustained halt in progression for over 90% of cases.[64]Long-term outcomes further support CXL's durability, particularly in pediatric patients. A 2024 retrospective study of accelerated CXL (ACCL) in 175 pediatric eyes with progressive keratoconus reported 91% stability at 10 years, with overall improvements in uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) from 0.51 to 0.35 logMAR and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) from 0.31 to 0.22 logMAR, alongside minimal net vision loss despite transient declines in 18% of cases. Repeated CXL in initial failures has shown success rates around 85-90%, stabilizing progression without significant additional complications in most retreated eyes.[77][78]Meta-analyses reinforce these findings. A 2015 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials confirmed CXL's efficacy in reducing keratoconus progression compared to controls.[79] For epithelium-on (epi-on) variants, 2025 Phase 3 trial results indicated noninferiority to epithelium-off CXL in thin corneas (<400 μm), achieving comparable Kmax stabilization with fewer epithelial complications. Overall efficacy metrics include a mean Kmax reduction of approximately 2.5 D at two years across multiple studies, establishing CXL as a standard for early intervention.[80]Despite these benefits, limitations persist. Short-term corneal haze occurs in about 15% of cases, typically resolving within three months but occasionally affecting visual recovery. Efficacy is more variable in advanced disease, with higher progression rates (up to 20%) in eyes with preoperative Kmax >58 D.[81]
Current Research
Recent Advancements
In October 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Epioxa (riboflavin 5'-phosphate sodium ophthalmic solution), marking the first epithelium-on (epi-on) corneal cross-linking (CXL) therapy utilizing iontophoretic delivery of riboflavin without requiring epithelial debridement.[31] This innovation addresses limitations of traditional epi-off CXL by minimizing postoperative pain and accelerating recovery, with patients typically resuming normal activities within one day.[69] Phase 3 clinical trials demonstrated a mean change in maximum keratometry (Kmax) of -1.0 diopter at 12 months, confirming its efficacy in halting keratoconus progression in adults and pediatric patients aged 13 years and older.[82]A 2025 retrospective multicenter cohort study evaluated repeated CXL in 26 eyes of 26 patients (part of 53 total) with progressive keratoconus following initial treatment failure, achieving 100% stabilization of disease progression at 12-month follow-up.[83] This approach incorporated customized ultraviolet (UV) irradiation patterns based on corneal topography to enhance precision and reduce the risk of ectasia recurrence, demonstrating significant improvements in visual acuity and corneal biomechanics without increased adverse events.[84]Combination therapies integrating CXL with intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS) have shown promising results in 2024 clinical trials, with significant mean improvements in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at six months post-procedure.[85] These sequential or simultaneous interventions synergistically flatten the cornea and improve refractive outcomes, offering enhanced visual rehabilitation for moderate keratoconus cases compared to CXL alone.[86]Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have enabled topography-guided CXL protocols in 2024, where machine learning algorithms help personalize treatment to match individual corneal irregularities, potentially reducing complications like postoperative corneal haze.[87] This AI-driven customization optimizes energy delivery, improving treatment predictability and minimizing complications in irregular corneas.[88]A 2024 study of 74 pediatric patients reaffirmed the efficacy of CXL for keratoconus, with no significant progression observed at 2.5 years follow-up.[89] These findings underscore CXL's role as a standard intervention for halting keratoconus advancement in children, supporting earlier treatment to preserve vision.[90]
Future Directions
Ongoing research is expanding the indications for corneal cross-linking beyond ectatic disorders, with clinical trials investigating its use in infectious keratitis through the synergy of ultraviolet light and antimicrobial effects. A randomized controlled trial initiated in 2025 evaluates the role of adjuvant corneal cross-linking in treating bacterial keratitis, aiming to improve healing rates and reduce complications compared to standard antimicrobial therapy alone.[91] Similarly, studies are exploring corneal cross-linking as an enhancement strategy following refractive surgery to stabilize and potentially improve outcomes in post-operative ectasia, with meta-analyses confirming its efficacy in halting progression and flattening corneal curvature.[92]Technological advancements are focusing on enhancing riboflavin delivery and procedural precision. Nanoparticle-enhanced riboflavin formulations have demonstrated improved transepithelial penetration into the corneal stroma, achieving higher concentrations without epithelial debridement in ex vivo and in vivo models, which could enable safer epi-on protocols.[93]Femtosecond laser-assisted epi-on cross-linking is an emerging technique, where laser-created microchannels facilitate riboflavin diffusion; preclinical and early clinical data indicate potential for optimized energy delivery and reduced treatment times, with further refinements anticipated in the coming years.[94]In personalized medicine approaches, genetic screening is being integrated to identify keratoconus patients most likely to benefit from cross-linking, with testing for susceptibility variants helping to stratify responders and guide early intervention decisions.[95] Challenges remain in matching the biomechanical efficacy of epi-on procedures to the established epi-off standard, with recent progress in oxygen-supplemented protocols showing improved demarcation line depth and stabilization rates, though long-term studies exceeding 15 years are essential to evaluate durability against age-related corneal changes.[29][96]To enhance global access, particularly in low-resource settings, cost-reduction initiatives include the development of portable ultraviolet devices that enable battery-powered, USB-chargeable cross-linking without reliance on specialized equipment, potentially democratizing treatment for keratoconus in underserved regions.[97]