Corneal Collagen Crosslinking with Riboflavin
A recent treatment, developed at the Technische Universität Dresden, and which has shown early success is Corneal Collagen Crosslinking with Riboflavin, variously known as CXL, CCL, and C3-R. A one-time application of riboflavin solution is administered to the eye and is activated by illumination with UV-A light for approximately 30 minutes.[25][57] The riboflavin causes new cross-linking bonds to form across adjacent collagen strands in the stroma, and so recovers some of the cornea’s mechanical strength.[58] The corneal epithelium is usually surgically abraded beforehand in order to increase penetration of the riboflavin into the stroma,[58] but an alternative is to leave the epithelium intact with the intent of reducing the impact upon the patient.[59]
Collagen crosslinking with riboflavin has been shown to reduce and arrest the progression of keratoconus, and also in some cases even reverse it, particularly when applied in combination with intracorneal ring segments.[60] A recent study showed that when collagen crosslinking with riboflavin was combined with Intacs, twice as much improvement occurred compared to Intacs alone.[61] Clinical trials are continuing, but the treatment is seeing increasing adoption by the ophthalmological community, and has shown success in treating early cases of the disease.[62] The procedure is approved for use in Europe, and has recently commenced clinical trials in the USA.[63] Corrective lenses may still be required after the treatment if they were needed before but it is hoped that it could limit further deterioration in the patient’s vision and reduce the case for keratoplasty.[64]
Keratoconus creates an irregular cornea that can be treated with Intacs inserts and/or C3R.
http://www.usaeyes.org/lasik/faq/c3r-crosslinking.htm
http://www.laservisioncancun.com/html/gracias.html
Are Intacs Inserts Right For Me?
Only a qualified physician can tell you that.* Intacs corneal implants are FDA-approved for people whose prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses is between -1.00 and -3.00 diopters, with no more than 1.00 diopter of astigmatism.
Mexico
certified physician near you.
Mark Swanson, M.D.
Swann Instituto
Calle Primera Ave 5Y 6 # 530
Agua Prieta Sonora Mexico D.F.
Office: 52 633 338 0460
http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/pdf/P980031.html