Permanent Treatment For Keratoconus

CORNEAL COLLAGEN CROSSLINKING WITH RIBOFLAVIN (C3R) for PERMANENT TREATMENT FOR KERATOCONUS, CORNEAL MELTING, IATROGENIC KERATECTASIA, EXTENDED PRK/EPI/LASEK, MARGINAL PELLUCID DEGENERATION, KERATOGLOBUS

The latest revolutionary Keratoconus treatment is C3R (Corneal Collagen Crosslinking with Riboflavin) available at G.G.S.I.Eye Research & Cure Centre , Delhi,India that has been proven to strengthen the weak corneal structure by increasing collagen crosslinking, which are the natural “anchors” within the cornea. These anchors are responsible for preventing the cornea from bulging out and becoming steep and irregular, consequence of advanced Keratoconus.

Keratoconus (ker-ah-to-ko’-nus) means to have a ‘coned-shaped cornea’. It is a relatively common and non-inflammatory progressive disorder whereby the normally round cornea becomes thin and irregularly conically shaped.

Symptoms

In its earliest stages, keratoconus can be difficult to detect as nearsightedness, sensitivity to light, astigmatism and blurred eyesight can occur with the illness. As keratoconus progresses, however, the cornea becomes more distorted and symptoms more apparent. These include:

* Blurred vision
* Distorted images, especially at distances
* Seeing halos of light around objects, especially at night
* Sensitivity to glare or light
* Disproportionate watering of the eyes


The Procedure

The C3R treatment is performed in just 20 TO 30 minutes. During the treatment, custom-made riboflavin eye drops are applied to the cornea, which is then activated by ultraviolet light.

The cornea which is the front transparent structure of the eye is first anaesthetized using drops. . The mucous surface of the cornea (epithelium) is disrupted and then Riboflavin, (Vitamin B2) drops are placed in the eye every few minutes. The yellow pigment of the Riboflavin absorbs the Ultraviolet A light , increases the amount of collagen cross-linking in the cornea and strengthen the cornea.. Once the procedure is completed, a soft bandage contact lens will be placed in the eye and antibiotics will be instilled. The contact lens will be removed in one or two days.

The cornea increases in rigidity soon after the procedure although the process of cross linking continues on for a period of a few days afterwards. The effect on corneal shape takes longer but flattening does not occur in all eyes that have had treatment. A satisfactory result will be arresting the progress of keratoconus.

C3R causes the collagen fibrils to thicken, stiffen, and crosslink & reattach to each other, making the cornea stronger and more stable & halting the progression of the disease

Is Ultraviolet light harmful ?
Ultraviolet A light used in this procedure is not harmful to the eye in measured doses. Ultraviolet C light (in sunlight) is potentially harmful. The Light emitting diodes used in the C3R device is of a wavelength that is not harmful. Furthermore, light emission is carefully measured and calibrated prior to each treatment. There is also a self diagnostic check on the device which prevents use in case of a malfunction. There have been concerns about toxicity to the retina (at the back of the eye) however the Riboflavin pigment in the cornea and front of the eye, absorbs the Ultraviolet light and in effect stops the light from being transmitted to the retina.

Adavantages of C3R

* Simple non invasive treatment
* Halts the progress and causes some regression
* No handling of lenses every day
* No stitches
* No incisions
* Quick recovery