OBJECTIVE

To review cross-linking the cornea using riboflavin and ultraviolet A light, which has been widely adopted, refined and applied in a range of corneal surgeries and pathologies where the strength of the cornea might be compromised.

RESULTS

A large number of clinical trials have been carried out, most of which have demonstrated that standard cross-linking is a successful method to halt the progression of keratoconus or even aid regression.

CONCLUSIONS

This review describes our current understanding of the technique, focussing on how cross-linking works, how the treatment is being optimised, the clinical results that have been reported to date and the potential use of the therapy in the treatment of other corneal disorders.