Cornea treatment in Paschim Vihar: keratoconus (C3R) and pterygium surgery
The cornea is the clear front window of the eye. It does most of the focusing, so even small changes in its shape or clarity affect vision. At New Vision Eye Centre we diagnose corneal problems with detailed corneal mapping and treat them with procedures including C3R (corneal cross-linking) for keratoconus and pterygium surgery with a tissue graft. Cornea surgery is performed by Dr Manik Mittal, MBBS and MD Ophthalmology (AIIMS), who trained for 12 months in cornea at AIIMS
Keratoconus
In keratoconus, the cornea gradually thins and bulges forward into a cone shape. It usually starts in the teens or twenties and can keep worsening for years.
Signs to watch for:
Blurred or distorted vision that glasses do not fully correct
Glasses power, especially cylindrical (astigmatism) power, changing often
Glare, haloes or multiple images, especially at night
Frequent eye rubbing, or eye allergy
A family member with keratoconus
Diagnosis: a corneal map (topography / Pentacam scan) shows the shape and thickness of the cornea and detects keratoconus early, often before it affects vision. Everyone considering LASIK is screened for it, because LASIK is not suitable for eyes with keratoconus.
C3R (corneal collagen cross-linking)
C3R strengthens the cornea to slow or stop keratoconus from getting worse. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) eye drops are applied, then the cornea is exposed to a controlled ultraviolet light. This creates new bonds between the collagen fibres of the cornea and makes it stiffer.
The aim is to stop progression. C3R does not reverse the cone that has already formed, so glasses or special contact lenses may still be needed afterwards.
Earlier is better. Treating keratoconus while vision is still good protects more of it.
Day-care procedure. It is done under numbing drops, usually within an hour. A bandage contact lens is placed for a few days.
Follow-up with repeat corneal maps confirms that the keratoconus has stabilised.
Pterygium surgery
A pterygium (often called nakhuna) is a fleshy, triangular growth that spreads from the white of the eye onto the cornea. It is linked to sunlight, dust and wind, and is common in Delhi.
When surgery is advised: when the pterygium is growing towards the centre of the cornea, causing astigmatism or blurred vision, or keeps the eye red and irritated despite drops.
How it is done: the pterygium is removed and the area is covered with a thin graft of the patient's own conjunctiva (conjunctival autograft). It is a day-care procedure under local anaesthesia. Wearing sunglasses outdoors afterwards helps protect the eye.
Other cornea problems we treat
Corneal infections and ulcers
Corneal injuries, including repair of corneal tears and perforations
Dry eye and corneal surface problems
Assessment of corneal scars and opacities
Frequently asked questions
Can keratoconus be cured?
Keratoconus cannot be reversed, but C3R can stop it getting worse in most eyes. Vision is then corrected with glasses, special contact lenses or, in selected eyes, other procedures.
Is C3R painful?
The procedure is done under numbing drops, and pain-relief drops help for a few days afterwards.
Can I get LASIK if I have keratoconus?
No. LASIK thins the cornea further and is not done in keratoconus. Your corneal map shows which options suit your eyes.
How are pterygium surgery results kept?
The pterygium is covered with a graft of your own conjunctiva, and wearing sunglasses outdoors afterwards helps keep the result.
Is cornea surgery covered under CGHS or insurance?
Many cornea procedures are covered under CGHS, ECHS and health insurance, subject to approval. Call the insurance team on 96251 54575 to check your cover.
Appointments and address
New Vision Eye Centre, A-5/233, 1st & 2nd Floor, Paschim Vihar, Delhi 110063. Appointments: 81309 30330 (call or WhatsApp), 011 4978 5858. Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 7 PM. Lift and wheelchair access.
MBBS (AIIMS), MD Ophthalmology (AIIMS)
DMC Reg No 06043
Related information
This page is general information, not a substitute for an eye examination. Treatment is decided after examination.
New Vision Eye Centre is a NABH-accredited eye care clinic in Paschim Vihar, New Delhi, providing vision correction and comprehensive eye treatment. Led by Dr Manik Mittal, the centre provides LASIK, Contoura Vision, cataract surgery, ICL and complete eye checkups.
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newvisioneyecentre@gmail.com
011-49785858, 81309 30330
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