KERATOCONUS
Keratoconus is a bilateral progressive disorder of unknown cause that typically starts during adolescence. It is usually an inherited corneal disorder which means that approximately 50% of family members may have it.
The cornea is the clear outer surface of the eye that permits light to enter the eye & focus on the retina. The cornea consists of finely arranged layers (lamellae) of connective tissue called collagen that make up to 90% of its substance. The chemical bonds (cross-links) in between these layers get weaker in keratoconus leading to progressive thinning and stretching of the cornea. Normal pressure within the eye causes the cornea to bulge forward into an irregular cone shape.
In the early stages of keratoconus, Rigid gas permeable contact lenses can be tried. But in progressive cases, corneal collagen cross-linking is the treatment of choice.
CORNEAL COLLAGEN CROSSLINKING WITH RIBOFLAVIN (C3-R)
A new non-surgical, non-invasive treatment, based on collagen cross-linking with Ultraviolet A (UVA, 365nm) and riboflavin (Vitamin B 2), a photosensitizing agent is now available. This changes the intrinsic biomechanical properties of the cornea, increasing its mechanical strength. This increase in corneal strength has shown to arrest the progression of keratoconus.
The treatment is performed in operation theatre under completely sterile conditions. Usually, one eye is treated in one sitting. The treatment is performed using anesthetic eye drops. The surface of the eye (cornea) is treated with the application of Riboflavin eye drops for 30 minutes. The eye is then exposed to UVA light for 30 minutes. Hence, the treatment takes about an hour per eye. After the treatment, antibiotic eye drops are applied; a bandage contact lens may be applied, which will be removed during the follow-up visit.
However one needs to understand that Collagen cross-linking treatment is not a cure for keratoconus, rather, it aims to slow the progression of the condition. However, following the cross-linking treatment, it makes the patient more comfortable to wear contact lenses. The main aim of this treatment is to arrest the progression of keratoconus, and thereby prevent further deterioration in vision and the need for corneal transplantation.
