C3R - Remove Epithelium or Not?

[Chris Smith]

well C3R seems to be gaining ground, and whilst no guarantee, 7 years and counting with no big reports of any adverse effects makes me think its time to do it.

here in the states, it is only offered without removing the epithelium. it is certainly more comfortable that way, but is it effective?

[ashley wilson]

had it done 4 weeks ago with epithelium removed. my specialist didn't seem to think it would work properly without being removed. i think he said something about not enough of the riboflavin penetrating through??? i'm sure you would be able to get it done with epithelium removed somewhere.

[Andrew MacLean]

What are the down sides to removing the epithelium? Is it just discomfort, or is there a medical implication?

Andrew

[jayuk]

Chris

Id opt for it removed. Yes it will sting after a while, and may be a little uncomfortable for upto 2 odd weeks....but at least you will be getting the full benefit of the treatment.

HTH

J

[Chris Smith]

unfortunately, there is ONE usa dr who does this, and he does not remove it. he feels it is just as effective without... im not sure the details, i vaguely recall something about another way to get the riboflavin in.

wish i knew more...

[jayuk]

Chris

If its Boxer Wachler than yes, he does I believe do it this way....but I was led to beleive his results were for C3R with Intacs?..which if still true, may be a little misleading......everything thats available in terms of data seems to indicate that C3R works better with the Epithelium scraped off....and then applied.........but things are always changing and new info being made available

J

[Chris Smith]

well unless i go to the U.K., which is now an option, in the US there is only one choice. boxer wachler has a GREAT reputation, but that doesnt change the facts about removing the epithelium vs not. and those facts are unknown to me making it hard to decide still.

although i suppose i could always get retreated later if it starts progressing again, no?

[jayuk]

Chris

I think you should go back to him and ask this question directly. Just ask him about the differences between having it removed and not?....If his results (published or referred) are for C3R on eyes WITHOUT the epithelium removed, and not with intacs as well.....then youll be better placed to make a decision.......be interesting to see what he advises

HTH

J

[Louise Berridge]

Hello Chris,

I had C3R in London a month ago, and as many of the others have posted, I was told it is unlikely to be effective without removing the surfuce. Apparently, the riboflavin is not correctly absorbed. The pain was really not that bad and I only had any significant discomfort for 12 hours. The surface grows back pretty quick, within 1 or 2 days. I originally found out about C3R on the U.S. websites, but I didn't realise they didn't remove the surface.

Louise

[BlackA]

I have heard some commentaries about Dr Boxer Wachler and it seems he is quite respected and obtaining good results.

It seems that the ephitelium stops the majority of the UVA-light but with such a new procedure there is no clear information yet. There is a worldwide study undergoing that could probably cast more light once finished.

Chris, if you obtain more information about this I will be certainly interested in hearing it since I would probably do the operation without the ephitelium removal as well.