Keratoconus Treatment CR-3 using Ultra Violet Light and Riboflavin

A revolutionary treatment for keratoconus has been developed by eye surgeons using CR-3 ( CORNEAL COLLAGEN CROSS LINKING WITH RIBOFLAVIN ) This method works by increasing collagen (the bulk of the cornea is made of collagen fibres) cross linking which in turn strengthens the cornea and helps reduce the 'bulging out ' that occurs in Keratoconus- consequently improving vision !

The procedure involves application of topical anaesthetic to the front of the eye.Riboflavin (vitaminB2) drops are thenapplied.When these drops have been well absorbed UV light is focussed on the central corneal area for 30 mins to activate the drops.

Riboflavin not only enhances the cross-linking/strenghtening effect of the UV light but also absorbs the UV light such that the inner layers of the cornea and eye structures are protected from damage.

The long term effects of this treatment are unknown.Although clinical research has predicted promising reults.

Cross linking treatments can be combined with Intacs to further help improve and stabilize the vision correction obtained for patients with Keratoconus.



Find out more about Intacs in Keratoconus Treatment

See a video about intacs and cr3 here.

Not for the squeamish, hopefully the video does not put you off having surgery if you need it!

On occasions if these procedures are not effective in treating keratoconus, corneal transplant surgery may be carried out.

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Mispelt as C3-R ?