TRANS-EPITHELIAL OSMOTIC COLLYRIUM FOR THE TREATMENT OF KERATOCONUS
Trans-epithelial osmotic collyrium for the treatment of keratoconus by corneal cross-linking with UV rays, of the type consisting of a riboflavin-based solution and an absorption enhancement adjuvant consisting of benzalkonium chloryde (BAC). The solution has a hypoosmolarity degree ranging between −70% and −30% over an isotonic solution and contains a BAC concentration accordingly ranging between 0.005% and 0.035%.
1 . A trans-epithelial osmotic collyrium for treating keratoconus by corneal cross-linking with UV rays, comprising: a riboflavin-based solution with absorption enhancement adjuvants, wherein said solution is a hypo-osmolar solution with a hypoosmolarity degree ranging between −70% and −30% over an isotonic solution.
2 . The trans-epithelial osmotic collyrium as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said absorption enhancement adjuvants comprise benzalkonium chloride (BAC), in an amount ranging between 0.005% and 0.035%.
3 . The trans-epithelial osmotic collyrium as claimed in claim 2 , wherein said riboflavin-based solution contains a concentration of BAC that varies inversely proportionally with the degree of hypoosmolarity within said ranges.
4 . (canceled)
5 . A method for treating keratoconus, comprising:
applying, to a cornea of an eye without removal of the corneal epithelium, a riboflavin-based solution with absorption enhancement adjuvants, wherein said solution is a hypo-osmolar solution with a hypoosmolarity degree ranging between −70% and −30% over an isotonic solution; and
applying, to said cornea of said eye, UV rays to generate corneal cross-linking with said riboflavin-based solution with said absorption enhancement adjuvants.
6 . The method as claimed in claim 5 , wherein said absorption enhancement adjuvants comprise benzalkonium chloride (BAC), in an amount ranging between 0.005% and 0.035%.
7 . The method as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the riboflavin-based solution contains a concentration of BAC that varies inversely proportionally with the degree of hypoosmolarity within said ranges.