Keratoconus

C3R Surgery in India - Corneal Cross-Linking for Keratoconus Explained

Corneal Collagen Cross-linking, or C3R, is a treatment for keratoconus. This short explains what the procedure involves and how it can help to strengthen the cornea.

Understanding Corneal Cross-Linking (C3R)

C3R is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat progressive keratoconus, a condition that affects the shape of the cornea.

• A progressive condition. Keratoconus causes the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, to thin and bulge outwards into a cone shape. This change can lead to distorted and blurred vision.
• The goal of treatment. The main aim of C3R is to increase the stiffness of the corneal tissue. This helps to halt the progression of the bulging and preserve your existing level of vision.
• How it works. The procedure uses a combination of riboflavin (vitamin B2) eye drops and a controlled application of ultraviolet A (UVA) light. This creates new links between collagen fibres in the cornea, making it stronger.

What to expect during the procedure

The treatment is usually performed as an outpatient procedure and you can typically go home the same day.

• Anaesthetic drops. Your eye is numbed using local anaesthetic drops, so you should not feel any pain during the treatment.
• Preparing the surface. In the standard 'epithelium-off' procedure, the thin outer layer of the cornea is gently removed. This allows the riboflavin drops to penetrate the tissue more effectively.
• Riboflavin application. Riboflavin eye drops are applied to the eye for a period of time, typically around 20 to 30 minutes, to allow them to soak into the cornea.
• UVA exposure. You will then look at a special UVA light for a set duration. This light activates the riboflavin, causing the collagen fibres to cross-link.
• Protective lens. A soft, bandage contact lens is usually placed on the eye to protect it and aid healing in the first few days after the procedure.

The suitability of C3R depends on factors like the thickness of your cornea and the stage of your condition. A final decision can only be made after a corneal specialist has reviewed your medical reports and recent eye scans.