In the world of various eye treatments available in the modern age, one might have come across the term known as Corneal Collagen Cross-linking with Riboflavin or the C3R eye surgery. For the uninitiated, it is a non-invasive eye treatment that helps reduce the progression of keratoconus which is another form of eye ailment in which the clear tissue on the anterior portion of the eye (cornea) bulges outward. It involves strengthening the corneal tissues of the eyes and undergoing C3R in the early stages helps to stabilise vision.
While the treatment may not correct vision completely or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses completely, it helps to maintain the current level of vision and is meant to prevent vision from worsening. It can also help those that cannot wear contact lenses to fit into them more easily.
Undergoing a Corneal Collagen Cross-linking with Riboflavin or a C3R surgery has proven to strengthen a weakened corneal structure. The procedure is simple to perform and begins with the application of riboflavin (vitamin B2) drops on the cornea for about half an hour. These are then activated with a mild UV (Ultraviolet) light. The interaction of Riboflavin and UV light causes the links within the cornea to re-bond and strengthen over time. These natural links are responsible for maintaining the stability of the corneal structure and preventing the cornea from irregular bulging and excessive steepening, which leads to advanced Keratoconus.
Who can benefit from C3R Surgery
Collagen cross-linking treatment is not a remedy or a cure for keratoconus but instead aims to slow or even halt the progression of this eye ailment. As per eye specialists, this is something that should be understood by people wanting to undergo this surgery. People might also need to continue to wear spectacles or contact lenses regularly (although a change in the prescription may be required) after the cross-linking treatment. It can also help limit the further deterioration in the patient’s vision and reduce the case for keratoplasty. The main aim of this treatment is to arrest the progression of keratoconus, and thereby prevent further deterioration in vision and thus reduce or eliminate the need for corneal transplantation.
What to expect after a C3R surgery?
After the procedure, a bandage contact lens is applied. You may experience pain, lid swelling and foreign body sensation for 1-2 days after the procedure. The contact lens is removed 4-5 days after the epithelial healing is complete. Corneal haze develops in most cases following C3R/CXL. This resolves significantly over three weeks and completely over six months. The power of your glasses or fitting of contact lenses may change initially for a few weeks following the procedure. The final prescription of glasses/ contact lenses is given 3-6 months following the procedure.
Are there any disadvantages associated C3R surgery
The most common side effects of this technique include a few risks like Postoperative Infection/Ulcers or corneal haze. Apart from this, a patient might suffer from other complications like Endothelial Damage, Peripheral Sterile Infiltrates and Herpes Reactivation.
What are the advantages of C3R surgery?
One of the main benefits of Corneal Collagen Crosslinking, which has demonstrated long-term stability, is that it is a less invasive treatment as compared to corneal transplants. Apart from this, it is a permanent treatment. The procedure lasts for just an hour and doesn’t require any follow-up sittings. It is performed on an outpatient basis, and there is no need for admission.
Another benefit that it has is that it doesn’t need eye donations as in the case of corneal transplants. Also, eye doctors don’t advise any significant precautions that should be taken pre and post-operation. It also doesn’t need any injections or any stitches or any incisions as in the case of Intacs or Corneal ring segments. The recovery is also quick and requires short follow-ups
Why Centre for Sight for C3R eye surgery?
Equipped with the best in class state of the art technology, our expert eye doctors offer world-class treatment for a number of eye ailments. With a pan India presence and a team of highly qualified and experienced eye specialists, we have served a large number of patients from across the world at cost effective prices because we believe that every eye deserves the best. So, if you are looking for the best C3R eye surgery, head to one of our centres and let our experts take care of your eyes.
Article: Need more information on C3R eye surgery? Read ahead.
Author: CFS Editorial Team | Feb 18 2024 | UPDATED 02:15 IST
*The views expressed here are solely those of the author in his private capacity and do not in any way represent the views of Centre for Sight.
