Corneal collagen cross-linking is a procedure done to the cornea (the clear, front portion of the eye) that aims to halt the progression of keratoconus — a disease in which the cornea becomes increasingly distorted. Keratoconus tends to be more quickly progressive in children than it does in adults, so it is important to treat the condition as soon as possible. Keratoconus first leads to increases in myopia and astigmatism and if not treated, can eventually progress to blindness. Corneal collagen cross-linking is not a cure for keratoconus, but it can halt the disease and prevent blindness and the need for more invasive procedures such as a corneal transplant. Children’s Hospital Colorado is one of the few children’s hospitals in the nation that offers this procedure and are on the forefront of research in pediatric keratoconus. The cross-linking is performed by a pediatric ophthalmologist or a cornea specialist. Children are often seen in our joint pediatric and cornea clinic before we proceed with corneal collagen cross-linking. Learn more about the procedure at https://www.childrenscolorado.org/doctors-and-departments/departments/eye/corneal-cross-linking-procedure/. Learn more about the ophthalmology department at Children’s Hospital Colorado at https://www.childrenscolorado.org/doctors-and-departments/departments/eye/. Connect with Children’s Colorado: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childrenscolo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/childrenshospitalcolorado Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChildrensColo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/children's-hospital-colorado Website: http://www.childrenscolorado.org

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