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Riboflavin/UVA · 1,500+ CXL cases · AAO-published surgeon

Stop keratoconus progression in a single 60-minute session.

Corneal cross-linking (CXL) is a non-surgical, in-office procedure that strengthens the cornea by photo-activating riboflavin (vitamin B2) with UVA light. Indicated for documented progressive keratoconus, Kmax change of 1 diopter or more in 12 months. We tailor the protocol (Epi-Off Dresden, Accelerated, Epi-On, or combined CXL+ICRS) to corneal thickness, age, and progression rate. The goal is to stop the disease, vision improvement is a possible bonus.

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Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL) with Dr. Ahmed Shaarawy, Shaarawy Cornea Clinic

Why choose us

International standard. Regional access.

Protocol matched to your cornea

Pentacam + OCT measurements drive the choice between Epi-Off, Epi-On, Accelerated, or combined CXL+ICRS. We don't run a one-size-fits-all protocol.

Accelerated CXL when appropriate

9 mW × 10 minutes (Bunsen-Roscoe-equivalent) instead of the 30-minute classic regimen, same biomechanical effect, shorter chair time.

Combined CXL + ICRS in one visit

When you need both stabilization (CXL) and shape correction (rings), we do them in a single session, saving travelers a second trip.

Documented progression, not protocol-by-default

We only do CXL when topography shows real, measurable progression, Kmax ≥1 D shift, thinning, or rising astigmatism over 12 months. No CXL for stable corneas.

Procedures & pricing

Transparent USD pricing.

Final cost is set after clinical examination. Local-currency equivalents available on request. Insurance reports issued for international patients.

ProcedureBest forFrom (USD)
Accelerated CXL (Epi-Off)Intensified protocol, 60-minute session, 1 eye. Same total UVA dose, faster delivery.$400 - $560
Standard CXL (Epi-Off / Dresden)Classic 90-minute Wollensak/Dresden protocol, strongest evidence base, 1 eye.$500 - $700
Trans-Epithelial CXL (Epi-On)Epithelium kept intact, faster recovery, less discomfort, selected cases only.$600 - $800
Combined CXL + ICRS (single session)Gold standard for progressive keratoconus that needs both stabilization and shape correction.$1,200 - $1,800
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A real keratoconus patient's experience with Dr. Ahmed Shaarawy

A patient of Dr. Shaarawy tells it start to finish, from keratoconus diagnosis to corneal stability after treatment.

Common questions

Frequently asked.

What is corneal cross-linking and why would I need it?
CXL is a non-surgical, in-office procedure that strengthens the cornea by photo-activating riboflavin drops with UVA light. It's the only proven way to stop keratoconus from progressing. Indicated when topography documents real progression (Kmax change ≥1 D in 12 months, thinning, or rising astigmatism), typically in patients aged 12-35.
Will CXL fix my vision?
The primary goal of CXL is to stop the disease, to preserve the vision you have. About 30-50% of patients gain a small amount of vision improvement over 6-12 months from a partial flattening effect, but we don't promise it. For real vision improvement we combine CXL with ICRS (intracorneal ring segments) or recommend rigid gas-permeable contact lenses after the cornea stabilizes.
Is the procedure painful? How long is recovery?
Procedure: painless, topical anesthetic drops only. Epi-Off recovery: 24-72 hours of burning and light sensitivity controlled with drops + oral painkillers. Initial vision recovery: 5-7 days. Return to normal activities: 7-10 days. Final corneal stabilization: 3-6 months, with topography follow-up every 3 months in year 1.
Epi-Off vs Epi-On: which is better?
Epi-Off (epithelium removed) has the strongest evidence base and the highest biomechanical effect, but recovery is more uncomfortable. Epi-On (epithelium kept intact, with enhanced-permeability riboflavin) is more comfortable and recovers faster, best for selected cases with adequate corneal thickness, slower progression, or Epi-Off intolerance. We choose based on stage, thickness, and age.
What are the success rates of CXL?
95% of cases show stabilization within 12 months (Wollensak 2003 and 100+ follow-up studies). Re-treatment needed in <5% of cases over 5 years. Complications are rare (<2%): transient haze, delayed re-epithelialization, infectious keratitis. We use updated Dresden and Athens protocols matched to your cornea.
How urgent is treatment if my keratoconus is progressing?
Cross-linking should be done at the first documented sign of progression. Earlier CXL preserves more vision and reduces the risk of needing transplantation later. For patients aged 12-25, progression can be rapid, so we don't recommend waiting more than 3 months between topography rechecks once progression is suspected.
Do I have to do both eyes at once?
Usually no. We treat eyes in two separate sessions, 1-4 weeks apart, so you keep functional vision in one eye while the other recovers. Same-day bilateral CXL is reserved for very specific cases (rapid bilateral progression with travel constraints).
Am I a candidate for CXL?
Likely yes if: aged 12-40, topography-confirmed keratoconus, documented progression in the past 12 months, and central corneal thickness ≥400 microns. Likely no (or modified protocol) if: thickness <400 microns, central scarring, or very advanced (stage 4) keratoconus, in which case we discuss ICRS or DALK transplantation.
What does the price include?
All quoted prices include genuine riboflavin, FDA-compliant UVA device, topical anesthesia, week-1 medication drops, and the first follow-up visit. Pre-op Pentacam topography is billed separately if not already on file. Insurance reports issued for international patients. Payment plans available for Egyptian patients.

Send your topography. We'll tell you if CXL is right for you.

Recent corneal topography (Pentacam, OCT, or corneal map) plus your refraction is enough for an initial assessment. Reply within 24 hours with whether CXL alone, CXL+ICRS combined, or another protocol is the right call, and the full price.

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