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Collagen cross-linking

A chemical treatment using riboflavin and UVA light to stiffen the corneal tissue and stabilise the shape of the keratoconus. Collagen cross-linking is the only treatment that stops the cornea from bulging further and becoming more irregular.
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Conditions

  • Progressive keratoconus, documented by two consecutive measurements of corneal curvature taken 3 to 6 months apart.
  • Sufficient corneal thickness 

The treatment halts further progression of keratoconus and is therefore best administered at an early stage of the condition, before rigid contact lenses or a corneal transplant become necessary

Price

  • The cost of collagen cross-linking depends on your insurance cover.

  • Calculate the price of collagen cross-linking.

  • Any additional treatment required within 12 months is included. Preliminary examinations are not included in the price.

Preparation

  • You may continue wearing your contact lens until the day before the treatment.
  • Arrange for someone to drive you on the day of the treatment and for the follow-up examination the following day: you may not drive yourself.

Procedure

The procedure is performed under topical anaesthesia using eye drops. Duration: approximately 1 hour.

The procedure involves the following steps:

  • Removal of the superficial layer of the cornea, known as the epithelium
  • Saturating the cornea with eye drops for 20 minutes
  • Exposure to ultraviolet light for 10 minutes
  • Application of antibiotic ointment and a pressure dressing

Aftercare

After the treatment, you may experience:

  • Pain, a burning sensation and sensitivity to light
  • Blurred vision caused by the cornea still being irregular.
  • Watery eyes and swollen eyelids

You must not wear a contact lens in the treated eye for 1 month after the treatment.

Instructions for using eye medication immediately after treatment

Use eye ointment and a pressure dressing until the epithelium has healed.

Once the epithelium has healed:

  • Trafloxal eye drops, as prescribed by the doctor: 1 drop 3 times a day for 1 week
  • Artificial tears: 1 drop 3 times a day for 1 month
  • FML, as prescribed by the doctor: 1 drop twice a day until 1 month after the treatment

How do you put eye drops in your eye?

How should you use eye drops? Follow these guidelines to administer eye drops correctly to yourself or someone else.

Follow-up examinations

You will attend follow-up examinations at the following times:

  • 1 to 2 days after the treatment
  • 1, 6 and 12 months after the treatment

To obtain reliable eye measurements, you must stop wearing your contact lens for a period of time before each follow-up examination:

  • Soft contact lens or scleral lens: 1 week before the follow-up examination
  • Hard contact lens: 2 weeks before the follow-up examination

Activities

  • Rest during the first 24 hours after the treatment.
  • You can usually return to work after 3 days.
  • Avoid saunas, sunbeds and swimming pools during the first 3 weeks.
  • Do not wear eye make-up or use eye cream during the week after the treatment.
  • Wear sunglasses for 3 to 6 months to protect your eyes from sunlight.
  • Do not rub your eyes.
  • Avoid direct contact between your eyes and tap water.

Risks and complications

Collagen cross-linking is a safe and effective treatment. Possible complications include:

  • Haze, or blurred vision: usually temporary
  • Delayed healing of the epithelium
  • Reduced visual acuity
  • Infections

Problems are rare, occurring in fewer than 1% of patients, when treating patients aged under 35.

Your ophthalmologist will provide more information about possible risks and complications.

Specialists

Delbeke Heleen,  prof. dr.
Ophthalmologist
Matthys Emiel,  dr.
Ophthalmologist
Smeets Frédéric,  dr.
Ophthalmologist
Last edit: 25 july 2026