Corneal Cross-Linking Surgery

Our eye is a like a camera – and the windshield to our eye is called the CORNEA. The cornea has several layers, like an onion. Disease, infection, or injury may damage your cornea as we age. If that happens, scars or discoloration can form.

This damage can block or distort light as it enters your eye. Cornea disorders can include the following:

Dry Eye
Infections from bacteria, viruses, and acanthamoeba
Scratches on the cornea from trauma
Corneal dystrophies: Corneal dystrophies are genetic disorders that are inherited. They usually affect both eyes. Different layers are affected and result in different degrees of vision loss and sometimes pain. Examples of dystrophies include granular dystrophy and Fuch’s dystrophy
Keratoconus:
Non-inflammatory, degenerative disorder of cornea characterized by progressive ectasia & stromal thinning
Reported prevalence of 1 in 2000 in the general population
Begins in early adolescence and may progress into 20’s or 30’s
May continue into 40’s if eye rubber
Associated with Down’s syndrome and eye-rubbing
Familial predilection
If you have any of these conditions, there are procedures that can help.
One of the latest is called Corneal Cross-linking surgery which is used in patients with Keratoconus or corneal ectasia.

What Is Corneal Cross-Linking?

Cross-linking is surgery to treat a weakened or warped cornea caused by either keratoconus or post laser vision correction ectasia. The cornea made of sheets of collagen. In keratoconus or other forms of ectasia, the bonds between the collagen sheets are too weak. As a result the cornea starts to bulge, causing poor vision that cannot be corrected by glasses or regular soft contact lenses. In some patients with advanced disease, their corneas may rupture, causing a scar, and resulting in the need for a corneal transplant.

Corneal Cross-linking is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure for the treatment of progressive keratoconus. The goal of the procedure is to stiffen the cornea to slow or prevent further progression of the condition and preserve your vision. The cornea is strengthened and reinforced by “cross-linking” new collagen fibers.

What to expect during a Cross-Linking procedure?

Here’s what to expect during procedure which is done in the office:

While lying down, you will be given drops to numb your eyes.
Your ophthalmologist first removes the thin, outer layer of the cornea (epithelium). This allows the medication to reach deeper into the cornea. As a result of the numbing drops, you should feel no pain.
Vitamin B (riboflavin) eye drop medicine is applied to the cornea for about 30 minutes.
Next, a special device shines a focused beam of UV light rays at your cornea for close to 30 minutes. The light activates the riboflavin in the cornea. By doing so, your cornea’s collagen fibers can form new bonds.
A bandage contact lens is placed over the eye(s). This helps the cornea heal. The bandage lens is left in place for about a week.

Corneal Cross-Linking Recovery

During the first week while your eye is healing, it is important not to rub your eyes. You may have discomfort for a few days. Your ophthalmologist will give you medication for discomfort if needed. As part of the healing process, your doctor will put a contact lens in your eye. In the event that it falls out, notify your doctor. You should not try to put it back in. If your eyes are sensitive to light, you may want to wear sunglasses. Some people will experience inner eye discomfort in the beginning of wearing contacts as well. Overall recovery time will vary by individual, and your doctor will let you know when to resume normal activities. Most people can get back to their normal daily activities within 1-2 weeks of cross-linking.

Think you may be a candidate for surgery? Contact our office and request an appointment at one of our locations. Call 516-785-3900 (Wantagh office) or 516-541-4141 (Massapequa office).Our ophthalmologists will talk with you about the risks and benefits of corneal cross-linking surgery. Insurances often cover the procedure. Financing is available for those patients who require it.

Sources: Corneal Cross Linking, Cornea, Corneal Cross Linking (CXL)

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Nutrition & Vision: Foods That Actually Help Eye Health

By Bob Berendsen • July 1, 2026

What you eat doesn’t just affect your energy or heart health. It also plays a major role in how well your eyes function over time. While periodic eye exams are important for protecting your vision, a healthy diet can support long-term eye health and may minimize the chances of certain vision problems as you age. At your eye care provider, we often remind patients that healthy vision starts from the inside out. How Nutrition Impacts Eye Health Your vision depends on a steady supply of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to stay healthy. Poor nutrition can contribute to issues such as dry eyes, night vision difficulties, and a higher risk of conditions such as cataracts or age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A balanced diet may help protect delicate eye tissues from oxidative stress- and inflammation-induced damage. Key nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, along with omega-3 fatty acids and zinc, all play important roles in preserving clear, comfortable vision. Best Foods for Healthy Vision Leafy Green Vegetables Spinach, kale, and collard greens are loaded with lutein and zeaxanthin—two powerful antioxidants that help filter harmful blue light and protect the retina. Benefits include: Reduced risk of macular degeneration Better protection against light damage Long-term retinal health support Carrots and Orange Vegetables Carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins contain high amounts of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. This nutrient is essential for good night vision and comprehensive eye function. They help support: Clear low-light vision Healthy corneas Reduced risk of dry eyes Fatty Fish Salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines are fantastic sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats support the oil layer of your tears and help prevent dry eye symptoms. They may help with: Eye moisture and comfort Reduced inflammation Retinal health support Citrus Fruits and Berries Oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, and blueberries have high counts of vitamin C and antioxidants. These nutrients shield the eyes from oxidative stress and may slow age-related damage. Benefits include: Stronger blood vessels in the eyes Lower risk of cataracts Overall antioxidant protection Nuts and Seeds Almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds provide vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids that help protect eye cells from damage. They support: Long-term eye cell health Reduced inflammation Protection from age-related vision changes Foods That Promote Long-Term Vision Care No single food can guarantee perfect vision, but a consistent, well-rounded diet rich in eye-friendly nutrients can create a meaningful difference. Combining healthy eating with protective measures like UV-blocking sunglasses and regular eye exams provides the best defense for your vision. When Diet Isn’t Enough Even with a healthy diet, vision changes can still occur due to age, genetics, or underlying eye conditions. If you notice blurry vision, increased dryness, difficulty seeing at night, or changes in how you see colors and light, it’s important to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Early detection is key in handling conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration before they significantly affect your vision. Supporting Your Vision From the Inside Out Nutrition is a powerful way to maintain healthy eyes, but it works best as part of a complete eye care routine. Eating a variety of colorful, nutrient-rich foods can help keep your eyes functioning at their best for years to come. If you’re concerned about your vision or want to learn more about preserving your eye health, plan a visit with your eye care provider today.