Category: C3R/CXL

For those who are dealing with degrading vision loss due to Keratoconus, they understand that nothing can be more destructive in their day. Unlike past years, new technology is giving us a “double take” on vision care and treatment options. With new treatments including the Holcomb C3-R®, we can improve and strengthen the corneal fibers, reducing visual fluctuations.

The Holcomb C3-R® only takes around 30 min. to perform and is a completely noninvasive procedure, which equates to very short recovery time. It merely requires the use of a natural vitamin called Riboflavin which is than activated for 30 minutes with UV light. The vitamin penetrates the cornea and the light activates it. This new treatment was created about 10 years ago that allows the doctor to effectively apply and activate the vitamin without painfully removing the epithelium.

The Holcomb C3-R® can be combined with other procedures to improve the vision immediately and increase quality of vision over time. For those who are still skeptical below are 3 benefits of using the Holcomb C3-R® :

1.) The Procedure is quick: For those who are worried about extended procedures, with long recovery times, be reassured that this is a simple procedure that requires almost no recovery time.
2.) No pain: The procedure only requires the use of a natural vitamin already made by your body. It is activated by the UV light which causes very little discomfort for the patient.
3.) Strengthens the Corneal Fibers: This is a benefit because it can fix the damage to the cornea that your eye has already suffered and reverse the damage so your quality of vision can be improved.

With the improvements to vision care in the last decade, and advancements within the next decade, there are many reasons to try the Holcomb C3-R® for yourself.

Listen to Cardinals baseball player Tommy Pham shares his experience with Holcomb C3-R Keratoconus treatment:

Keratoconus is a degenerative eye disease that will continue to get worse until it is corrected. Although mild cases of keratoconus can be corrected with glasses or lenses, once the eye disease has progressed to a more severe case, other treatment options are needed.

Corneal transplants are one way to correct keratoconus. During this procedure, an eye surgeon will replace the severely damaged and eroded cornea. There are different types of corneal transplants in which different and smaller sections are replaced. Regardless, this is an invasive procedure and there are many complications associated with it. There can be a lengthy recovery time before vision is restored, and there are care responsibilities that last a lifetime.

Another treatment option for people suffering with keratoconus is C3-R treatment. This treatment is much safer than corneal transplants since it is not an invasive surgery. The goal of this procedure is to strengthen the existing cornea and restore its shape with a combination of UV light and special eye drops. The recovery time for this is almost instantaneous and no hospitalization is needed. The cornea is usually strengthened within a few weeks.

Conductive keratoplasity for astigmatism can also be used to help correct the symptoms of keratoconus. This treatment plan usually needs to be done in combination with either intacs or C3-R. Intacs are similar to contacts, but they are inserted in the cornea to help strengthen the lining. Although this is considered a surgery, it is less invasive than corneal transplants since the original cornea is still intact. The surgery simply requires a small incision in which to insert the intacs.

All of these treatment options are designed to help reduce the symptoms of keratoconus or to cure the eye of the disease. Each of the procedures has different risks and benefits, and a health care provider specializing in this disease can better explain the options.