Epithelial Boundary Profiling
Evaluating whether to perform surface-on or surface-off cross-linking based on tissue thickness.
Specialised Care
Cornea Services
C3R Intact for Keratoconus
Corneal collagen cross-linking (C3R Intact) at Neera Eye Centre, Delhi — riboflavin and UV-A light to halt progressive keratoconus.
C3R
Collagen cross-linking
UV-A
Calibrated photochemical activation
B2
Riboflavin saturation
~4 wks
Contact lens resume window
Service Overview
Structural integrity failures in the eye walls can lead to progressive bulging, resulting in irregular astigmatism and vision loss. C3R intact (Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking) is an evidence-based clinical treatment designed to halt progressive keratoconus by structurally reinforcing the eye's molecular framework. Our treatment centers utilize specialized riboflavin formulations combined with calibrated ultraviolet-A light exposure. This creates new chemical bonds between structural fibers to stabilize your cornea and prevent future vision loss.
What It Covers
Riboflavin Saturation
Dosing the stromal layer with vitamin B2 drops until it fully saturates the anterior chamber.
Calibrated UV-A Photochemical Activation
Delivering precise light energy to activate collagen cross-linking reactions.
Biomechanical Stiffening
Increasing the structural strength of the cornea to arrest progressive thinning and ectasia.
Bandage Lens Placement
Applying a clear, protective soft shield lens to facilitate comfortable surface healing.
Who It Is For
Documented Progressive Ectasia
Young adults or teens showing verified increases in corneal curvature across serial scans.
Early-Stage Keratoconus
Individuals looking to lock their current eye shape in place before severe structural distortions develop.
Post-Laser Ectasia Profiles
Patients experiencing secondary structural thinning after undergoing historic refractive surgeries.
How It Works
Surface Preparation
The outer protective cells are gently modified or bypassed to allow direct access to the deeper structural layers.
Riboflavin Loading
Specialized riboflavin drops are applied every few minutes until the solution thoroughly permeates the stroma.
UV Delivery
A calibrated emitter delivers uniform UV light for a controlled duration, activating cross-linking between collagen fibers.
Why Choose Us
Our corneal ectasia departments utilize advanced ultraviolet illumination systems featuring real-time eye-tracking safety controls. We customize saturation times based on precise pachymetry data to protect internal eye structures. Our clinics focus on early stabilization pathways, helping patients avoid major tissue grafting procedures later in life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a C3R Intact treatment session permanently cure keratoconus?
C3R Intact does not reverse existing distortion or flatten the cornea completely; its primary goal is to stop the condition from worsening.
Is the cross-linking procedure painful for the patient?
Numbing drops make the actual UV session painless, though mild to moderate grittiness and watering occur during the first 3 to 5 days of surface healing.
How long until I can wear my contact lenses again after C3R?
Most patients can resume wearing their specialty contact lenses once the surface epithelium has fully closed, typically around 4 weeks post-procedure.
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