The latest revolutionary treatment for Keratoconus is C3R. This treatment increases collagen cross linking and strengthens the weak corneal structure. This article gives information about Keratoconus treatment.
The Procedure of C3R
- The C3R treatment takes time of just 20-30 minutes. During this treatment, eye drops of riboflavin are added to the cornea and then it is activated by UV (ultraviolet) light.
- The cornea is first anesthetized by using drops. Disruption of the corneal mucous surface is done and then Riboflavin drops are added to the eye very few minutes.
- Riboflavin’s yellow pigment absorbs the UV A light and increases the collagen cross linking. This increase strengthens the cornea.
- After completing this procedure, a soft bandage lens are placed in the eyes and then antibiotics are instilled. Again these lens will be taken out in one or two days.
- C3R helps to stiffen, thicken the collagen fibrils and make them reattach and cross link to each other. This makes the cornea more stable and stronger, stopping the disease progression.
Effect of Ultraviolet light
Measured doses of Ultraviolet A light will not harm the eye. In fact, Ultraviolet C light is harmful. Light emission is measured and calibrated carefully prior to every treatment.
Advantages of C3R
- No stitches
- No handling of contact lens every day
- No incisions
- Simple treatment
- Quick recovery
- Halts the progress of disease and causes regression
Symptoms
In earliest stages of keratoconus, it can be hard to detect as sensitivity to light, nearsightedness, blurred eyesight, and astigmatism can occur with this illness. As this infection progresses, the cornea becomes distorted and symptoms appear more apparent.
The symptoms include:
- Sensitivity to light or glare
- Blurred vision
- Distorted images
- Disproportionate watery eyes
Cause of Keratoconus
The actual cause is not known. Certain arthritic and allergic disorders, chronic eye rubbing, contact lens wear and Down’s syndrome have been occasionally associated.
