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LASER VISION CORRECTION CENTER
Keratoconus / Crosslinking
Untreated Keratoconus Typically Progresses And Creates Blurry Vision
Dr. Leonard Newman - LASIK Eye Surgeon in Sacramento Daly City and the San Francisco Bay Area
Corneal cross-linking is a breakthrough procedure which strengthens corneal tissue and often improves vision. Many patients also feel their glasses and contacts work better afterward. Keratoconus is a common reason patients are non-candidates for lasik.
Dr. Newman became interested in keratoconus as our clinic sees many patients with this disease. During Dr. Newman’s residency and fellowship at Yale, he frequently performed corneal transplants on keratoconus patients. He recently participated as a clinical investigator in the ACOS study, which was the largest study in the world looking at the effectiveness of corneal cross-linking in keratoconus. This pivotal study helped earn corneal cross-linking approval for use in the United States.
Cross-linking has significantly reduced the number of patients requiring transplant. We offer corneal cross-linking, which is a painless procedure, in our offices. This vision saving technology is often covered by insurance. Our expert counselors can help you with the process.
Extreme cases of keratoconus result in a pertruding cornea
Keratoconic cornea before (L) and after crosslinking (R)- note the more regular central corneal shape which typically improves contact lens fit and helps glasses work better.
Cross-Linking for Progressive Keratoconus
Dr. Leonard Newman
Yale Fellowship Trained Cornea Specialist
Georgetown Medical School
Over 80,000 procedures performed
Complementary Vision Consultation-Learn If Your A Candidate
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What exactly is Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL), and how does it preserve vision?
A: Corneal cross-linking is a therapeutic, non-invasive procedure designed to stabilize a cornea that has become weak or irregular due to conditions like keratoconus. By applying specialized riboflavin (Vitamin B2) drops followed by a controlled ultraviolet light, we stimulate the cross-linking of collagen fibers within the eye. This process strengthens the corneal tissue, preventing the bulging or protruding shape that causes progressive vision loss. For many, this procedure is the key to avoiding more invasive surgeries like corneal transplants.
Q: Is Cross-Linking a replacement for LASIK?
A: While both involve lasers or light-based technology, they serve different purposes. Keratoconus is a primary reason why some patients are considered non-candidates for LASIK, as LASIK involves reshaping the cornea. Cross-linking, conversely, is a medical treatment meant to stop the progression of corneal thinning. However, a major benefit of CXL is that by creating a more regular corneal shape, many patients find that their existing glasses or contact lenses actually work much more effectively than they did before the procedure.
Q: Why is Dr. Newman’s involvement in the ACOS study significant for patients?
A: Dr. Newman brings a unique level of expertise to this field, having served as a clinical investigator in the ACOS study—the largest clinical trial of its kind globally. His participation was instrumental in gathering the data that eventually led to FDA approval for cross-linking in the United States. During his residency and fellowship at Yale, Dr. Newman frequently performed complex corneal transplants, giving him a profound understanding of the corneal structure and a specialized focus on preserving sight through the least invasive means possible.
Q: Is the procedure painful, and what is the recovery like?
A: Corneal cross-linking is a painless, in-office procedure. We prioritize a calm and reassuring environment, ensuring you are comfortable throughout the process. Because it is a therapeutic treatment rather than a purely refractive one, the recovery focus is on the stabilization of the tissue. Our dedicated clinical team—many of whom have worked alongside Dr. Newman for 20 years—will provide comprehensive follow-up care to monitor the strengthening of your cornea and help you optimize your vision with updated prescriptions.
Q: Is this treatment covered by insurance?
A: Because cross-linking is a medically necessary, vision-saving technology for those with keratoconus or corneal ectasia, it is often covered by insurance. Our expert counselors are highly experienced in navigating the insurance process and are here to help you understand your benefits. As a practice that is not corporate-owned, we focus on providing honest, ethical medical guidance to ensure you receive the most appropriate care for your long-term ocular health.