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KERATOCONUS:CORNEAL COLLAGEN
CROSSLINKING
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 (kerahtoko’nus) means to have a ‘conedshaped cornea’. It is a
relatively common and noninflammatory 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, custommade
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 crosslinking 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
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