In The News

Corneal Collagen Crosslinking with Riboflavin – C3-R Treatment

Corneal collagen crosslinking with riboflavin (C3-R) is the only non-surgical treatment that is proven to prevent the progression of keratoconus, and it may even be able to reverse the condition to some extent.

How does C3-R help?

Corneal collagen crosslinking with riboflavin causes the formation of normal chemical links between the collagen protein strands in the cornea. This makes the cornea more rigid and will stop the keratoconus from progressing in 97% of cases. The treatment can even cause the keratoconus to reverse to some extent.

C3-R may prevent the need for contact lenses if performed early on. Even where contact lenses are already needed, C3-R can eliminate the need for corneal transplantation. No other treatment for keratoconus can offer this; C3-R is unique.

Current evidence is that the effects of treatment are permanent.

Who is suitable for C3-R?

Anyone with progressive keratoconus is potentially suitable. Patients with very advanced keratoconus or whose vision is already spoiled by scarring will usually not be good candidates for the procedure.

The earlier the treatment is done, the better, but C3-R can still be beneficial decades after keratoconus has begun to develop. To find out how you might benefit from corneal collagen crosslinking with riboflavin (C3-R), contact our London practice today.

Laser Vision Correction

Laser Vision Correction, including both PRK and Lasik, are truly surgical procedures, in that they change corneal tissue. This effect is not reversible. As with any surgical procedure, there are individualized differences in the healing response of the eye that may alter the final result. In some cases, these differences may lead to a loss of an eye's best corrected visual acuity.

Fortunately, when used appropriately, PRK and Lasik rarely lead to this complication. Also common to all surgical procedures is a risk of bacterial infection after the procedure. This also is a very rare complication, due to careful pre-operative preparation and surgical technique. Postoperative antibiotic eye drops also help prevent infection. If a bandage contact lens is required for postoperative comfort after PRK or Lasik, the risk of infection is slightly increased.