A new treatment for  keratoconus  has been flagged off  by Mumbai-based  Dr Vinay Agarwal of Clear Vision Eye Centre. The procedure known, as Corneal Collagen Cross linking with Riboflavin (C3-R) was first performed by Agarwal, a corneal surgeon specializing in keratoconus management.

Keratoconus results in  the cornea becoming  weak. It   may gradually bulge outward. Most often, this bulging is  seen in the lower half of the cornea. It may  first present itself  as astigmatism.

"However, not all astigmatism is due to keratoconus. In mild or early stages of Keratoconus (forme fruste keratoconus), eyeglasses may correct the astigmatic vision," says  Dr Agarwal.

C3-R has been proven to  make the weak corneal structure stronger.  This method works by  enhancing the  collagen cross linking. These  are the natural anchors within the cornea. These anchors prevent  the cornea from bulging out and becoming steep and irregular- a  consequence of advanced keratoconus.

Dr Agarwal has successfully performed corneal cross linking on a number of patients from across the country and abroad.  "Corneal Cross Linking is the first real treatment for my keratoconus patients. The achievement of stabilisation is a dramatic event in the life of these patients with a disease that is otherwise progressive and affects both eyes”, he says.

The 30-minute non-invasive C3-R treatment  can be carried out in the   doctor's office itself. During the treatment, custom-made riboflavin eye drops are applied to the cornea. It is then   activated by ultraviolet light. This amazingly simple process has been depicted  in laboratory and clinical studies to increase the amount of collagen cross-linking in the cornea and strengthen the cornea. In  documented European studies, such treatments have been  proven safe and effective in patients.