UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Having spent the best part of 6 days on every single research and biomed data site on the web, and reading all data relating to type 1 2 and 3 collagen loss, I think I may have found something.

In true pay it forward, style I thought Id dig further into the old Collagen loss scenario and the whole reason why the cornea loses its shape and changes with KC

So, ive started looking more into this over the past 5-6 weeks, and have come up with some extremely interesting ideas and information on how type 1 collagen can be increased within the corneal surface tissue by manipulating and adding key things to your diet; more direct supplementation. Being involved in this field in another area, I thought Id look into KC and whether there was anything that could be gained by digging a little deeper

Being the stress monkey I am, I got hold of a few Biomeds who I ran my idea against when relating it to Keratoconus and why\how collagen type 1 content decreases within the cornea. Its looking promising as to the theory and how it can actually replenish the lost content in the cornea! I just need some clever research bod to set it up and run with a trial!

If anyone gives a flying monkey I can highlight what I think could be a potential management technique of KC, but totally unqualified at this stage, but one that would introduce no harm.

All theory mind you, but few questions

a) effects of collagen in the cornea once it has lost it (similar to C3R i guess)

b) where type 1 collagen loss in KC affected people is beyond just the cornea (big issue here if this is true)

c) too many more to list

Ive tried and tried to get data and research on this, but due to lack of funds in this area we just dont get anybody doing this kind of research!. Im fully aware of all type 1 2 and 3 collagen content and loss and effects on the body, and whilst type 2 and 3 loss can be managed, we just dont seem to have alot of data on how we can replenish type 1! Which is understandable as KC is quite rare in teh grand scheme of things!!

J

Great work Jayuk keep us informed.

My research on KC is based on the treating the cause not the symptom of KC.
Magnesium deficiency appears to be a key component.

Have you touched base with the Universities (Medicine & Bio medicine courses) to see if there are any research papers or dissertations on this?

Yep. Ive filtered all data relating to Collagen Type 1 from Jan 1991 to Feb 2007. Have the entire godamn list and have read or skim read majority. Whilst alot of it was non-related, much of it was extremely flimsy in the sense that it was merely "confirming" something that in all honesty was pretty obvious....although I know that kinda makes me sound like Im simplyfying other peoples work...but on the contrary....

There is some research running on the molecular basis of keratoconus, and it may be that this will produce the sort of results you are looking for, jay.

I am not sure that you could assume that collogen loss is restricted to the cornea. Years ago I saw a survey published that gave a break-down by age of people attending contact lens clinics in UK hospitals.

There were not very many old people.

That research did not venture to offer an explanation for this, but did stress that it should not be assumed that this was due to early mortality among people with Keratoconus.

More power to you Jay. Keep on with your research.

Andrew

Good work Jay and all very interesting.

I'm especially enjoying reading the theories around KC.