Cross-Linking C3-R^®

London Vision Clinic performs cross-linking (C3-R^® or corneal collagen cross-linking riboflavin) for patients with keratoconus. London Vision Clinic's surgeons were amongst the first doctors in the UK to use cross-linking treatments for keratoconus as well as being the first surgeon here to combine this treatment with Intacs^®.

What Cross-linking is

Cross-linking is a proven, non-invasive procedure that strengthens the weak corneal structure in keratoconus. This method works by increasing collagen cross-linking, which are the natural "anchors" within the cornea. These anchors are responsible for preventing the cornea from bulging out and becoming steep and irregular (which is the cause of keratoconus).

The Cross-linking procedure

Mr. Carp performs the one-time, 30-minute cross-linking treatment at the London Vision Clinic. During the treatment, he applies custom-made riboflavin eye drops to the cornea, which is he then activated by a special light. Through laboratory tests and clinical studies, research demonstrates that this process increases the amount of collagen cross-linking in the cornea and strengthen the cornea. In published European studies, researchers proved that these treatments are safe and effective in patients.

The collagen cross-linking with riboflavin has its roots in dermatology. Doctors looking for a way to strengthen sagging skin realised that triggering collagen cross-linking was the way to achieve this. Ophthalmologists in Germany who performed initial studies took this process one step further.

Cross-linking treatments can also be combined with Intacs^® to flatten the keratoconus cone even more than with Intacs^® alone. In these cases, cross-linking treatments stabilise keratoconus from getting worse. Intacs^® also reverse the keratoconus steepening that had already occurred up to the time of the treatment. Cross-linking is also showing promise in stabilising patients after radial keratotomy (RK).

If you want to know more about your suitability for cross-linking

Contact a member of our clinical team on 0800 587 4705 to learn more about keratoconus or Intacs^® and cross-linking procedures. Initial screenings for prospective cross-linking patients is £150 (included in the treatment fee) and can be booked with member of the clinical team by calling 0800 587 4705.

C3-R® is a registered trademark of Boxer Wachler Vision Institute.