Corneal Cross-Linking in Turkey: Affordable Prices with 90% Success Rate

Corneal cross-linking (CXL) is a recommended treatment if you have been diagnosed with keratoconus or corneal thinning.

Especially when keratoconus is still in its early stages this minimally invasive procedure has changed the game.

Turkey which is renowned for its top-notch eye clinics, cutting-edge ophthalmology technology and reasonably priced medical tourism is one of the greatest places to receive this treatment.

We'll explain corneal cross-linking in this guide including its definition method, success, rate recovery time and the reasons Turkey is a popular location for CXL.

What is Corneal Cross-Linking?

Keratoconus is a degenerative eye condition in which the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape.

One treatment for this condition is corneal cross-linking.

If left untreated this asymmetrical shape can cause severe visual impairment.

The objective of CXL surgery is to fortify the corneal collagen fibers and prevent additional degradation, rather than to reverse the condition.

This is a proactive measure to avoid the need for corneal transplants in the future.

How Does Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking Treatment Work?

The treatment involves three major steps:

1. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) Eye Drops: These are applied to saturate the cornea.

2. UV Light Exposure: Ultraviolet-A light is used to activate the riboflavin.

3. Collagen Strengthening: The UV light helps form new bonds (cross-links) between collagen fibers, making the cornea stronger.

This procedure stabilizes the cornea and reduces the risk of further vision loss. In some cases, it may even slightly improve vision.

Types of Corneal Cross-Linking

There are three main types of CXL procedures:

• Epithelium-Off CXL (Standard/Traditional): The outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is removed for better absorption of riboflavin.
• Epithelium-On (Trans-Epithelial) CXL: A less invasive option where the epithelium remains intact, resulting in faster recovery and less discomfort.
• Accelerated CXL: Uses higher UV intensity for shorter treatment times without compromising effectiveness.

Many clinics in Turkey offer epithelium-on and accelerated CXL, which appeal to international patients due to quicker recovery and minimal discomfort.

Who is Eligible for Corneal Cross-Link Surgery?

CXL is ideal for:

• Early-stage keratoconus patients
• Individuals with post-LASIK ectasia
• Patients with corneal thinning disorders

The earlier the condition is diagnosed, the higher the chances of preserving good vision with corneal cross linking surgery.

Corneal Cross Link Success Rate

The CXL success rate is remarkably high, over 90% of patients experience a halt in keratoconus progression. Some may even see slight improvements in vision or better contact lens tolerance after the procedure.

In most cases, a single treatment is sufficient, but corneal cross-linking can be repeated if necessary, especially if there are signs of progression after a few years.

Procedure of Corneal Cross-Linking in Turkey

Learn all you need to know on the procedure of corneal cross link surgery in Turkey and learn everything about Corneal Cross Link Before and After Surgery:

Before Surgery

Patients undergo a series of tests like corneal topography and pachymetry to confirm keratoconus diagnosis and determine corneal thickness.

During Surgery

The procedure is painless, typically lasting around 30 to 60 minutes.

Local anesthesia via eye drops is used.

A protective contact lens is placed after treatment to aid healing.

Corneal Cross-Linking Post Op

Expect mild discomfort and light sensitivity for the first 24-48 hours.

Vision may be blurry for a few days.

Full healing typically occurs within 1 month.

Corneal Cross-Linking Recovery

The post-op recovery period is manageable and usually smooth:

• Day 1–2: Mild pain, tearing, and blurry vision.
• Day 3–5: Discomfort decreases; vision begins to improve.
• 1 week: Follow-up appointment to assess healing.
• 1 month: Cornea is typically stable with noticeable visual clarity.

Those undergoing epithelium-on CXL often experience faster recovery compared to the traditional method.

Corneal Cross-Linking Cost in Turkey

Corneal cross-linking is not a cheap procedure. It generally costs $2,500 to $4,000 per eye.

*There are two types of corneal cross-linking: epithelium-off cross-linking and epithelium-on cross-linking, but only epithelium-off

One of the major advantages of seeking corneal collagen cross-linking in Turkey is the cost:

So to know How much is corneal cross-linking in Turkey?/

You can see above that Turkey offers the same advanced treatments for half the price, making it a top choice for patients from Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.

Why Choose Turkey for Corneal Cross-Linking?

Most clinics in Turkey are considered top clinics for corneal cross-linking as they offer comprehensive medical tourism services, including airport transfers, hotel bookings, and translation assistance.

International Clinics in Turkey is known for its best corneal cross linking surgeons in Istanbul due to:

• Highly experienced ophthalmologists
• Top-rated clinics in Istanbul and Ankara
• Advanced options like epithelium-on and accelerated CXL
• Affordable yet world-class treatment
• Comprehensive support for international patients.

FAQs

• What is corneal cross-linking?
  Corneal cross-linking (CXL) is a minimally invasive procedure that strengthens the cornea using riboflavin eye drops and UV light to halt the progression of keratoconus or corneal thinning.
• What is the CXL technique?
  The CXL technique involves applying riboflavin (vitamin B2) to the cornea and activating it with UV-A light, which strengthens collagen fibers and stabilizes the cornea.
• What are the risks of crosslinking?
  Risks may include temporary eye pain, infection, hazy vision, delayed healing, corneal scarring, or rarely, vision loss.
• How painful is corneal crosslinking?
  Mild to moderate discomfort is common, especially in the first 24-48 hours. Epithelium-off CXL can be more uncomfortable than the epithelium-on version.

This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Farah, Dentist and a Public Health Researcher at Imperial College London, in collaboration with the internationally certified medical team at International Clinics. We rely on trusted sources such as WHO and PubMed to ensure the accuracy and relevance of our content, which is regularly updated according to the latest medical guidelines.