History
The procedure of corneal cross-linking was developed from 1993 until 1997 by Prof. Theo Seiler and Prof. Eberhard Spoerl at the University of Dresden. The first patients were treated in1998.
Today corneal cross-linking is performed in more than 300 centers around the world. In many centers it is the standard treatment for keratoconus thus preventing the need for penetrating keratoplasty.
Cross-linked (top) and untreated (below) strips from the same cornea.
The first publications on corneal cross-linking:
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Spoerl E, Huhle M, Kasper M, Seiler T: Artificial stiffening of the cornea by induction of intrastromal cross-links. Der Ophthalmologe 94 (1997), p. 902-906
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Spoerl E, Huhle M, Seiler T: Induction of cross-links in corneal tissue. Exp. Eye Res. 66 (1998), p. 97-103
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Spoerl E, Seiler T: Techniques for stiffening the cornea. J. Refract. Surg. 15 (1999), p. 711-713