About Corneal Cross-Linking
Solomon Eye Physicians & Surgeons is proud to offer a promising new long-term keratoconus treatment called corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) or UV riboflavin CXL. Keratoconus is a progressive corneal disease that weakens the cornea over time. The promising UV riboflavin CXL procedure strengthens the cornea by stimulating the growth of its internal collagen cross-links. Corneal cross-linking works via a combination of riboflavin (Vitamin B2) eye drops (Photrexa) and the application of UV light.
If you would like to learn more about UV riboflavin corneal cross-linking or think you might be a candidate, contact our Greenbelt or Bowie, MD office to schedule an exam and consultation.
Best Candidates
Keratoconus patients aged 14 years and up are the best candidates for CXL, though most ophthalmologists agree that the earlier the patient receives treatment the better. The younger the patient is when he or she receives cross-linking, the more progression of the disease they can potentially avoid. Dr. Solomon will also need to determine that you've had a documented progression of the disease over the past 1 – 1.5 years. Patients who have post–laser surgery ectasia (corneal thinning) can also be candidates for corneal cross-linking. During your evaluation at Solomon Eye Physicians & Surgeons, we will perform a thorough exam to determine if CXL is the best option for you.
What To Expect
The UV riboflavin CXL treatment is a painless, outpatient procedure. It begins with the administration of numbing eye drops. Next, Dr. Solomon carefully removes the epithelium cells from the surface of the cornea and applies the Photrexa (riboflavin eye drops). The eye drops are absorbed into the eye within 15 to 30 minutes, after which the eye is exposed to ultraviolet light. The light interacts with the riboflavin to produce special types of oxygen molecules that gradually lead to the formation of chemical bonds within the corneal collagen fibers. These chemical bonds make the collagen fibers stiffer and stronger.
Solomon Eye Physicians & Surgeons Reviews
I arrived on time but wasn’t told the doctor was running late. Very irritating be waiting and not knowing why. The technician that took me back was very pleasant and apologized for the fact I had waited so long. She was extremely efficient and positive. Dr. Nancy D explained her tardiness and told me she had let her fellow workers know but no one relayed to me. I admit I was very irritated at first but knowing what happened I would have been more understanding.
Excellent service
EDIT 6/11/2026: I ended up speaking with Rebecca, making an appointment to see Dr. Solomon on Friday, June 5 at 10 AM. I didn't get taken back until 10:38, but then the service was really excellent. The tech was great, she was warm, comforting and answered my questions. Dr. Solomon was also incredibly kind, patient, and thorough. He even tried to get me help with other doctors in other fields. It turns out my optic nerve is just fine and my kerotoconus is well managed. This experience made up for the call center communication. I'll be going back for my check up in 6 months. Just minus one for the really long wait.-------------------Got referred here for a thinning optic nerve and keracotonus. The person on the phone couldn't even pronounce my eye issue "kokokonous? kokonus? coconos?" I was then informed, despite the massive dedication on their website to my specific eye disease, that they could not help with keracotonus or my optic nerve, could only do an eye exam and would refer me "out to retina" - I had to ask to speak to a manager to find out what that meant. I wish they would train staff before they release them onto the public because this makes the actual professionals at the practice lose credibility.
Dr. Solomon and his team talks you through everything from the beginning to the end. Even when you have your follow ups. I find he does have humor as well as being there to help you as you are very much nervous. I can see clearly now the clouds are gone. (smiles)
Me encanta ! Si lo recomiendo!
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Total Reviews
4.9
Average Rating
Follow-Up
Following CXL treatment, patients generally recover within 3 – 5 days, during which time the eye is protected with a bandage contact lens. We will prescribe anti-inflammatory eye drops that you will need to use for an extended period of time during the recovery.
Keratoconus relief after CXL is generally achieved within one week after the procedure, and the condition continues to improve for up to 12 months. Contact lenses may be worn within one month after CXL, and most patients will experience a frequent change in eyeglass prescriptions until the cornea becomes fully stable. CXL is the only treatment that can potentially halt the progression of keratoconus, and in some cases, restore lost vision. Patients who achieve optimal results after CXL may choose to further correct their vision with laser eye surgery, such as LASIK or PRK.
Effective Treatment
CXL, or corneal cross-linking, is a life-changing treatment that can not only protect and improve your vision but may also keep you from needing a corneal transplant later in life. Dr. Solomon has successfully performed CXL for numerous men and women throughout Maryland. If you have keratoconus or another corneal-thinning condition, contact Solomon Eye Physicians & Surgeons in Greenbelt or Bowie, MD.