What is the Cost of C3R Treatment?

C3R Which Keratoconus Treatment is Right for You?

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease where the cornea thins and bulges outward into a cone shape. If you are suffering from this condition, you can undergo C3R treatment, which costs between Rs. 20,000 and Rs. 60,000 or more for each eye.

What is the Price of C3R Treatment in Different Cities in India?  

Corneal Collagen Cross-linking with Riboflavin (C3R) treatment costs generally vary from location to location, depending on the specific clinic, the doctor’s experience, and any additional treatments.

Here, we will discuss the treatment costs of C3R treatment in different Indian cities. The cost of C3R treatment can vary widely. The figures below are estimated starting ranges per eye and can be significantly higher based on the factors mentioned. These are as follows:

What are the Benefits of C3R Treatment?

C3R treatment offers several benefits by strengthening the cornea, improving vision, reducing the need for more invasive treatments like corneal transplants, and enhancing contact lens fitting.

Let us explore the benefits of C3R treatment:

• Halts or Slows Keratoconus Progression : C3R strengthens the cornea’s collagen structure, making it more resistant to bulging and distortion. This prevents and slows down the progression of keratoconus, significantly improving the overall quality of life.
• Reduces the Need for Corneal Transplant : Cornea stabilisation can significantly reduce the risk of the requirement for a corneal transplant later in life. Cornea transplantation can lead to various complications due to immune rejection in the later stages.
• Improves Contact Lens Tolerance : C3R treatment can improve contact lens fit and comfort. This enables the individual to wear the lenses for longer periods. C3R strengthens the cornea and stabilises its shape, preventing further corneal distortion.
• Enhances Corneal Strength : Biomechanical measurements have shown a significant increase in corneal rigidity after C3R treatment. This procedure increases the density of collagen cross-links within the cornea, which act as natural anchors that prevent the cornea from bulging.  
• Minimally Invasive Procedure : C3R is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure. This means that it typically involves less downtime and quicker recovery compared to more invasive treatments. It provides long-term stabilisation of the cornea, potentially preventing further progression of the condition for many years.  

What are the Side Effects of C3R Treatment?

Though C3R treatment for keratoconus is potentially safe, it can still cause temporary side effects. In this section, we will discuss some of the potential side effects of this treatment procedure.

• Blurred Vision: Temporary blurring or haziness in vision is common after C3R and can last for a few days to a couple of weeks.
• Eye Discomfort: Many patients report a gritty or foreign body sensation in the eye.
• Light Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to light or photophobia is a common side effect.
• Dry Eyes: Some patients experience dry eyes after the procedure, which can be managed with artificial tears.
• Redness: Redness of the eye is a common temporary side effect after undergoing a C3R treatment procedure.

You must always consult with an ophthalmologist for a thorough evaluation and to get a personalised cost estimate for your specific case. For vision improvement, ophthalmologists recommend procedures like T-CAT (Topography-Guided Custom Ablation) alongside C3R.