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RK (radial keratotomy) is the procedure that makes tiny slits
in the cornea to flatten it to treat nearsightedness. If
you had RK, you probably already know that.
Some patients unfortunately suffer from fluctations in their
vision as a result of the RK. The vision in the morning
may be quite blurred and take several hours to become more clear
up. Sometimes it just never gets clear.
Other patients may need different pairs of glasses to keep up
with the eyesight changes throughout the day.
RK can cause the cornea to unintentionally overly flatten over
the years which makes the eyesight weaker and weaker, requiring
stronger and stronger glasses prescriptions.
The good news is there's a non-invasive treatment
C3-R® (corneal collagen cross-linking riboflavin)
treatment the has been proven to strengthen the weak corneal structure
in RK and keratoconus.
In his preliminary study in patients who had RK, C3-R appeared
to stabilize progressive farsightedness (hyperopia) changes and
reduced visual fluctuations during the day. (see
Presentation and Research Articles link ).
This method works by increasing collagen cross-linking, which
are the natural "anchors" within the cornea. These anchors are
responsible for holding the shape of the cornea and keeping vision
stable. RK cuts those fibers and can weaken the cornea leading
to the vision problems your having from RK.
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| The figures
above show the parallel corneal layers (white) and the collagen
cross-linking (red) which are increased after C3-R®
treatment. |
During the 30-minute, in-office treatment, custom-made riboflavin
eyedrops are applied to the cornea, which are then activated by
a special light. This is the process that has been shown in laboratory
and clinical studies to increase the amount of collagen cross-linking
in the cornea and strengthen the cornea. In published studies,
such treatments were proven safe and effective in patients.
Dr. Boxer Wachler invented the non-invasive C3-R®
procedure that does not remove (scrape off) the surface epithelium
as is done often. This non-invasive approach saves patients
from significant discomfort (often pain) and increased blurred
vision during the first week that would otherwise occur
with removal of the epithelium (it requires about a week for the
epithelium to heal back once it is scraped off).
Eye physician’s in Germany performed
the initial studies of collagen crosslinking to strengthen the
cornea. They reported results of treatments done as long ago as
1998, so there is a good track record for this procedure. Links
to these research publications can be found to the left side of
this page. It is important to note in these studies that the proper
dosages of the components are a very important part of the treatment.
When used properly, there were no negative effects.
Dr. Boxer Wachler is credited as the first doctor in North America
to use C3-R® treatments for keratoconus
as well as being the first doctor in the world to stabilize RK
with C3-R ®.
Copyright© Advanced Vision Education,
Inc., 2008
This website is designed to provide general information about
vision, vision care and vision correction. It is not intended
to provide medical advice. If you suspect that you have a vision
problem or a condition that requires attention, consult an eyecare
professional for advice on the treatment of your own specific
condition and for your own particular needs.
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