Is cross linking the only management a keratoconus patient needs?

With the arrival of Corneal Cross Linking for Keratoconus, there seems to be an increasing thought process that all that a keratoconus patient is to get C3R procedure done!!

I have been a service provider in the field of Keratoconus for the last several years and have experience in cross linking too. It seems important to point out to both, patients as well as doctors, that C3R provides only one more tool in the care of keratoconus affected individuals. The role of other modalities like contact lenses, intracorneal rings, Laser related surface treatments, ICL insertion, etc remains useful in visual restoration.

It is important to understand that C3R prevents further deterioration in vision (may be some improvement in vision too) and we still need the other modalities.

Thus physicians interested in this field should acquire a complete understanding of this complex interplay in each patient.

Similarly keratoconus affected individuals should select their centers of care with the overall care in mind. C3R alone is not the panacea for keratoconus.