What is Riboflavin ophthalmic?
The body needs riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2.Riboflavin (for the eye) is a photosensitive solution that is used to treat progressive keratoconus among adults and adolescents older than 14 years.Keratoconus is a degenerative condition that affects your cornea (pronounced KER-ah-toe-KOE), the outermost layer of the eye. The cornea helps you focus on your vision by directing the light towards the back of your eyes. The cornea of keratoconus patients becomes weak and thin, then bulges inward. The incoming light is then redirected in many different directions, leading to distorted vision. The progressive keratoconus may cause vision problems, which can eventually lead to loss of vision or a corneal implant.Riboflavin phthalmic is used in conjunction with ultraviolet (UV) as part of the procedure known as corneal collagen crosslinking. Corneal crosslinking involves applying UV light and riboflavin drops to the cornea. During this procedure, drops of riboflavin are injected into the eye over a period of time. UV light is then directed onto the cornea. The riboflavin increases the intensity of the light and causes a reaction within the collagen fibers in the cornea. This procedure stiffens and strengthens your cornea, slowing or stopping the progression of keratoconus.Riboflavin ophthalmic can also be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Riboflavin ophthalmic
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.
Riboflavin can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Redness of the eyes or eye watering
- Severe eye pain;
- You may notice a sudden change in vision.
Riboflavin may cause the following side effects:
- Feeling that there is something in your eye?
- Increased tearing
- Blurred vision, hazy vision;
- Increased glare on your eyes;
- Headache.
There may be other side effects. Call your healthcare provider if any side effects appear; for any further medical advice regarding side effects.The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Ketorolac, Ophthalmic, and Acular
Warnings
Do not rub your eyes for 5 days following your corneal surgery.
Before you take this drug
Tell your doctor about any allergies or medical conditions you have, as well as all medications you take.Tell your doctor as well if you're pregnant or nursing a child.
How to take Riboflavin ophthalmic?
As part of the corneal collagen crosslinking, a surgeon or healthcare provider may prescribe riboflavin as an ophthalmic.To prepare you for your procedure, you will receive numbing drops. To help you relax, you may be given a sedative or anesthesia. You should not feel any discomfort, even though you are likely to be awake. You will have a special device placed around your eyelids during the procedure to keep them open.Every 2 minutes, your eye surgeon will administer riboflavin drops to your eyes.The surgeon will then place a temporary contact lens over the eye to protect it.If the contact lens is falling out or you feel it out of place in your eye, call your doctor immediately.After your procedure, you may need to use anti-infection eyedrops or steroid drops to reduce swelling and prevent infection. Follow all instructions for aftercare, and don't miss any appointments.
What happens if I miss the dose?
This medicine does not have a daily dosage schedule because it is administered as part of an ophthalmic procedure.
What happens if I overdose?
Overdoses are unlikely because riboflavin is administered by a health care professional in a medical environment.
What should be avoided?
Do not rub your eyes for 5 days, at least after your procedure.After your procedure, you may notice that your eyes are more sensitive to bright light. When you are in bright sunlight, wear sunglasses.
Interaction with other drug
Riboflavin is unlikely to be affected by other drugs that you may take orally or even inject. Many drugs interact with each other.Inform your healthcare provider of all medications taken, including both prescribed and over-the-counter products such as vitamins or herbal remedies.
