UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Don't really know what it is,i looked in the FAQ's and followed the link but found myself not only bafled by science but also confused by the fact that a website dealing with vision problems uses such stupidly small text!

Can someone tell me,from exprerience if this works,what it's like and how you know if you're suitable,i will also ask my opt but nothing speaks like experience.


Thanks.

Samba

Read the following and let us know if you have more questions

http://www.keratoconus-group.org.uk/for ... hlight=c3r

J

Hi Samba,

I had C3R in London 10 days ago and logged details on the forum. Here's the link.

http://www.keratoconus-group.org.uk/for ... php?t=2122

I was told that the people that developed the technique do not believe the treatment works without having the top surface scraped. However, I would think it's still better than no treatment.

Louise

Removing the top layer of the cornea allows the Rhiboflavin and coenzymes get to where they need to do the work. My understanding is less intense UV light is used for the activation as the outer surface of the cornea is what gives us most protection.

The middle layer which is where we are lacking in the collegen crosslinking then starts to thicken.

Outer layer heals first within a week or so, but the collegen layer takes longer. Where KC is stabilised the collegen layer ceases its degradation. Those cases where the KC has regressed by 1 - 2 diopters, the collegen layer has thickend.

The studies I have read were very careful in who they selected but i have never seen the selection criteria for the larger studies.

Therefore as with any other treatment of KC, the C3R techneque may not be suitable for all.

Grafts were once considerd the cure for KC 20 - 30 years ago and with the number done we know they are a long term management. C3R has been in development for the past 8 years and now seems to be used more. Despite this in Europe I have not seen anything to suggest more then 300 - 400 people having been treated. We will have to wait another 10 - 20 years to know if long term C3R offers the benefits it has shown in the short term.

Hi Gareth,

Thanks for your explanation. I didn't know what occurs at the different layers of the cornea. Although this KC discovery has been concerning, I've learnt so many interesting things about eyes in just 2 weeks!


Louise