Keratoconus is degeneration of the structure of the cornea. The cornea is the clear tissue covering the front of the eye. In keratoconus, the shape of the cornea slowly changes from round to conical (PubMed Health). In the early stages, keratoconus can be corrected with the use of lenses, but in the later stages, surgery is the only option.Holcomb C3-R® is a non-surgical technique that involves placing drops of the vitamin Riboflavin into the eye and using a UV light to activate them. The drops strengthen the fibres of the cornea and over time, preserve sight (American Keratoconus Association).This book is a concise guide to the technique of Holcomb C3-R® to treat keratoconus. Authored by the inventor of the procedure, Brian S Boxer Wachler, the text is based on his first hand clinical experience and explains the history and basic science of cross linking, the development and naming of the technique, its uses and complications, and first patient results. Key pointsConcise guide to technique of Holcomb C3-R® to treat keratoconusAuthored by inventor of the technique and based on clinical experienceIncludes more than 60 full colour images and illustrations
Brian S Boxer Wachler MDBoxer Wachler Vision Institute, Beverly Hills, California, USA Maxine LipnerMedical Writer, Nyack, New York, USA
Introduction: The Holcomb C3-R® at the Starting GateGoing for the Gold: Steven Holcomb’s Olympic Story and Putting C3-R® on the MapHistory of Crosslinking in Industry, Medicine, and AgingBasic Science of Corneal CrosslinkingFirst Patient Results: The Dresden ExperienceDevelopment and Naming of Holcomb C3-R®First Presentation of Results of Holcomb C3-R® and Holcomb C3-R® Combined with Intacs®Why it’s Not Glamorous to be a Pioneer in the BeginningTechniques of Holcomb C3-R® Crosslinking System (Epithelium-On) and CXL (Epithelium-Off)Complications of CXL (Epithelium Off)Results and Complications of Holcomb C3-R® (Epithelium On)Combining the Holcomb C3-R® Crosslinking System with Intacs®Use of Holcomb C3-R® for Improving Stability in Radial Keratotomy PatientsHolcomb C3-R® with PRKUse of Crosslinking for Corneal Infections and Autoimmune Corneal MeltsUse of the Holcomb C3-R® for Trampolining Corneas after LASIKCombining use of the Holcomb C3-R® with Conductive Keratoplasty and Phakic ICLsLooking into the Crystal Ball: What Lies Ahead for Corneal Collagen Crosslinking