A method of corneal lenslet implantation with a cross-linked cornea is disclosed herein. In one or more embodiments, the method includes the steps of: (i) forming a two-dimensional cut into a cornea of an eye (ii) creating a three-dimensional pocket in the cornea of the eye in tissue around the two-dimensional cut to gain access to tissue surrounding the three-dimensional pocket (iii) applying a photosensitizer inside the three-dimensional pocket so the photosensitizer permeates at least a portion of the tissue surrounding the three-dimensional pocket to facilitate cross-linking of the tissue surrounding the three-dimensional pocket (iv) irradiating the cornea to activate cross-linkers in the portion of the tissue surrounding the three-dimensional pocket, and thereby stiffen the cornea, prevent corneal ectasia of the cornea, and kill cells in the portion of the tissue surrounding the three-dimensional pocket and (v) inserting a lens implant into the three-dimensional pocket through a small corneal incision.
