Keratoconus Treatment => Corneal Collagen Crosslinking

POSTED BY GLOBAL LASIK & LASER CENTRE COMMENTS OFF

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.

In the early stages, eyeglasses or soft contact lenses may be used to correct the mild nearsightedness and astigmatism caused in the early stages of keratoconus. As the disorder progresses and the cornea continues to thin and change shape, rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses are generally prescribed to correct vision more adequately. The contact lenses must be carefully fitted, and frequent checkups and lens changes may be needed to achieve and maintain good vision. Intacs, intracorneal rings, are sometimes used to improve contact lens fit.

Corneal crosslinking is a new treatment option under investigation to halt the progression of keratoconus.

In severe cases, a corneal transplant may be needed due to scarring, extreme thinning or contact lens intolerance. This is a surgical procedure that replaces the keratoconus cornea with healthy donor tissue.

 

http://www.globallasiks.com/keratoconus-c3r/