Introduction
This leaflet contains information about riboflavin 0.1% eye drops to treat keratoconus.
It tells you:
- how the medicine works
- how it is applied
- whether there are any side-effects
- who to contact if you are concerned or worried
Why have I been given this leaflet
This leaflet will help you to remember what your doctor has told you about this medicine. It will also help you to decide whether you want to go ahead with the treatment.
Riboflavin eye drops are not licensed as a medicine. In Europe they are licensed under a different licensing system along with contact lens products and are given a CE mark. It costs a lot of money to license a product as a medicine and in some situations it is not economical for the manufacturer to obtain or extend a licence. Therefore the product does not have a leaflet.
What is riboflavin and how does it work?
Riboflavin is a vitamin found in many food products e.g. milk, cheese, leafy green vegetables. Riboflavin eye drops are applied to the eye before it is treated with ultra violet (UV) light. It is absorbed into the cornea (curved part at the front of the eye which helps to focus images) and has two actions.
The first is that when riboflavin is activated by UV light it promotes structural changes in the cornea (formation of bridges between the fibres of the cornea) which makes the cornea stronger and less likely to change shape. The second is to absorb the UV light and prevent it causing damage to the lens and the back of the eye.
Patients with keratoconus have a cornea that protrudes forward in a cone shape and the cornea can become thinner, scarred and result in distorted vision. In some patients the treatment with riboflavin and UV light has stopped the keratoconus becoming worse. If the keratoconus progresses the patient may need a corneal transplant but even after a corneal transplant it may take 12-18 months before vision will improve and there is always the risk of the body rejecting the transplant.
How should I use riboflavin 0.1% eye drops
Riboflavin eye drops are applied to your eye frequently every two minutes for 10 minutes before the procedure. You will have the surface of your cornea scraped before the eye drops are applied but you will be given anaesthetic eye drops so you should not suffer any discomfort. Your surgeon will measure the thickness of your cornea and if sufficient corneal thickness is achieved, ultra violet light will be shone in your eye for 8 minutes.
Will riboflavin eye drops affect any other medicines?
Very little riboflavin is absorbed into the body and should not affect other medicines.
Can I drink alcohol while I am using riboflavin eye drops?
Yes, it is safe to drink alcohol while you are using riboflavin, however large quantities of alcohol should be avoided. It is recommended that you do not exceed the national guidelines. It is recommended to drink no more than 14 units of alcohol a week, spread across three days or more. That’s around six medium (175ml) glasses of wine, or six pints of 4% beer.
Do I need a supply to take home?
No. They will only be used during the procedure and you will not need to use them at home.
Why do I need to agree to take this medicine?
Your agreement should be obtained before prescribing any medicine. This leaflet has explained that riboflavin eye drops does not have a licence as a medicine but does have a CE mark, which is used for contact lens products. Please ask questions of your ophthalmologist if you need more information.
If you are worried about your eye please contact the eye clinic at St James hospital for further advice 0113 206 4566.