UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfbkudNS ... re=related

does this work? is it avaliable in the uk, private or non private?

thx

Hi

My understanding is that C3R can halt progression of KC in patient's whose condition is progressive (though there is a cut off point). C3R causes the formation of normal chemical links between the collagen protein strands in the cornea. This makes the cornea more rigid and can stop the keratoconus from progressing. In some patients, a slight improvement is evident (though the aim is solely to halt progression, not improve vision – that's an added bonus if it occurs!). I've had C3R in both eyes back in June and July (had eyes done separately) privately at the Centre for Sight. I understand that it is not widely available on the NHS in the UK, as it hasn't been approved by NICE as yet (though results over past 13 years look promising). It is available at a number of clinics in London and I suspect a few elsewhere.

With regard to INTACS, my understanding is that those are surgically inserted and aimed at improving vision. INTACS are small prescription ring inserts that are implanted in the cornea for the correction of Keratoconus and mild myopia. They also assist in maintaining the shape of the cornea, thus improving vision. Although it's a surgical procedure, they can be removed if necessary. Again, this is available at the Centre for Sight and I dare say a few other private clinics in and around the UK. I believe this is available on the NHS.

So neither offer a cure.

Best wishes.

Caroline

Hi

Boxer Wahler patented the use of the term C3R - in the rest of the world, it is termed CXL - corneal cross linking. If you search for this term on this forum, you will find many threads discussing it.

It is only available in a very few NHS hospitals but is available privately. Again, if you google CXL, you will find such clinics.

C3R actually refers to crosslinking performed a certain way - the front surface (epithelium) of the cornea is left intact during the treatment. In CXL, it is removed. There is a lot of discussion as to whether C3R is as effective as CXL as European doctors maintain not enough Riboflavin gets through the cornea.

Lynn

epi-on surgeons claim they use a different type of solution to soak the riboflavin as opposed to dextran, which is a large molecule.
Think that solution is proprietary. WIsh I knew more

http://www.keratoconusinserts.com/crosslinking.htm

This is very confidently presented. Wish it was true

C3R is available on the NHS at St. James Hospital in Leeds. I will be having one eye done in the next few weeks.

wish you good luck , lets us know how you get on , take care