Playing professional golf for over 11 years, Matt Lane struggled with more that just bunkers and water hazards throughout his career, he also had vision problems. Diagnosed with keratoconus, which causes weak and unstable corneas often leading to nearsightedness and astigmatism, Matt continuously searched for solutions to correct his vision. While a procedure to treat keratoconus has not yet been FDA approved, Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking has gained momentum as a viable treatment.
Dr. Jonathan Davidorf was recently asked to participate in a clinical study for Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking. The treatment is intended to stabilize the cornea and ideally halt the progression of keratoconus.
“Patients treated in the study have responded very well,” states Dr. Davidorf.”We found that the Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking procedure has not only slowed the progression of keratoconus, but actually improved vision in some patients.”
The procedure takes approximately 90 minutes and can often be performed without removing the cornea’s protective epithelial membrane. Patients are given numbing eye drops followed by drops of riboflavin (Vitamin B1) and asked to look into a special UV light source at specific intervals. There is no pain or discomfort and strengthening and stabilization of the cornea takes place over the subsequent several months.
Following his Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking treatment, Mat observed,”I had no discomfort at all. After struggling with vision problems for so long, this may finally be the procedure that enables me to pursue my dream of playing on the Champions Tour.”
“The concept of corneal cross-linking has been around for several years,” Dr. Davidorf mentions.”The specific procedure and technology utilized in this clinical trial appear to be more advanced than those used in similar trials. This may prove to be a significant step in the treatment of keratoconus.”
Dr. Davidorf is a frequent participant in clinical trials aimed at advancements in ophthalmology.
