Keratoconus
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Innovative Approach
rHCT3-2 offers a pioneering approach in the treatment of keratoconus, leveraging biochemical mechanisms to manage a challenging eye condition.
The focus on enhancing natural collagen crosslinking distinguishes rHCT3-2 from other treatments, providing a cutting-edge solution for stabilizing the cornea.
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Reduced Intervention Needs
By directly targeting the root causes of corneal weakening, rHCT3-2 has the potential to minimize the need for invasive procedures or optical devices.
1 in 2000 affected by keratoconus globally
WHAT IS KERATOCONUS?
Often underestimated as a rare eye condition, it has now gained recognition as a significant visual disorder characterized by thinning of cornea, leading to its eventual conical shape. It progresses slowly, distorting vision and complicating daily tasks, substantially influencing one's overall well-being. Keratoconus is a slowly progressive, bilateral, asymmetric disease which has been traditionally described as a noninflammatory condition, but more recently it has been associated with ocular inflammation, in which there is central thinning of the cornea, changing it from dome-shaped to cone-shaped. Histopathological examinations typically reveal thinning of the stroma (the middle layer), a break in the front part of the eye, and bulging out of the center or near the center of the cornea. Patients initially notice blurring and distortion of vision. They may also complain about photophobia, glare, disturbed night vision, and headaches from eye strain.
PREVELANCE
The global prevalence of keratoconus was found to be 138 per 100,000 people, based on a study that involved over 50 million individuals from 15 different countries. The middle east nations and certain parts of India are characterized by hot and arid climate, where the combination of excessive ultraviolet light exposure, ethnic predispositions, and dietary factors appears to contribute to the development of keratoconus through oxidative damage.
It has its most significant incidence in the age of 20 and 30 years, and progression occurs up to 35 years of age. However, it can also begin at a later stage in life and either continue to advance or stabilize at any age. Ongoing management and monitoring are crucial to address any changes in visual acuity and corneal morphology.
Mechanism of action: rHCT3-2 eye drops improve corneal strength by promoting collagen crosslinking and inhibiting metalloproteinases—enzymes responsible for collagen breakdown. This process enhances the bonding between collagen fibres, directly addressing the corneal thinning associated with keratoconus. By stabilizing and flattening the cornea, rHCT3-2 effectively counters the progressive weakening of the cornea.
OUR ONGOING RESEARCH
rHCT3-2 – Eye drop functions by enhancing collagen crosslinking, a process that strengthens the cornea by increasing the bonds between collagen fibers. Specifically, it achieves this by inhibiting metalloproteinases, enzymes responsible for breaking down collagen molecules. By neutralizing these metalloproteinases, the eye drop promotes the stabilization and flattening of the cornea, which is crucial in managing conditions such as keratoconus. This mechanism helps improve corneal stability and visual outcomes in affected individuals.
COMPLICATIONS OF KERATOCONUS
Untreated keratoconus can lead to several complications, including progressive visual impairment, irregular astigmatism causing blurred and distorted vision, sudden corneal swelling (hydrops), scarring of the cornea, and a decreased quality of life due to the limitations imposed by the condition. Early detection and appropriate management are crucial to prevent or minimize these complications and preserve visual function.
1. Santodomingo-Rubido J, Carracedo G, Suzaki A, Villa-Collar C, Vincent SJ, Wolffsohn JS. Keratoconus: An updated review. Contact Lens and Anterior Eye. 2022 Jun 1;45(3):101559. 2. Akoto T, Li JJ, Estes AJ, Karamichos D, Liu Y. The underlying relationship between keratoconus and Down syndrome. International journal of molecular sciences. 2022 Sep 16;23(18):10796. 3. Rabinowitz YS. Keratoconus. Survey of ophthalmology. 1998 Jan 1;42(4):297-319. 4. Gomes JA, Rodrigues PF, Lamazales LL. Keratoconus epidemiology: A review. Saudi Journal of Ophthalmology. 2022 Jan 1;36(1):3-6. 5. Moschos MM, Gouliopoulos NS, Kalogeropoulos C, Androudi S, Kitsos G, Ladas D, Tsatsos M, Chatziralli I. Psychological aspects and depression in patients with symptomatic keratoconus. Journal of Ophthalmology. 2018 May 29;2018. 6.Data on file.
Genetics plays a role.
Patients with a family history of keratoconus or with certain systemic disorders, such as Down syndrome, Leber’s congenital amaurosis, atopic dermatitis and Mitral valve prolapse, are at a higher risk of developing keratoconus.
Teenagers beware.
It typically starts during puberty and progresses until the mid-30s.
