C3-R® Pretreatment in Eyes with Keratoconus or Keratoectasia with Planned Future Surface Ablation (PRK)

While surface laser vision correction (PRK) results in less biomechanical corneal stress than LASIK, keratoconus is still regarded as relative contraindication.  “Relative contraindication” means that it is not routinely performed, but may be in certain circumstances.  Keratoconus patients who do not undergo Intacs®, do not desire contact lenses, are considering a corneal transplant, and/or desire improved uncorrected visual acuity may be candidates for this PRK.  It is prudent to pretreat such patients with C3-R® months before PRK to add additional corneal strength.  This improves the biomechanical strength of the cornea and reduces risk of triggering progressive ectasia from PRK.  To illustrate this process, we describe a case that we treated.