Riboflavin ophthalmic

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is important for keeping many tissues in the body healthy.

Riboflavin ophthalmic (for the eyes) is a "photosensitive" solution used during a procedure to treat progressive keratoconus in adults and adolescents who are at least 14 years old.

Keratoconus (KER-a-toe-KOE-nus) is a disease that weakens the cornea, which is the outer layer of your eye. The cornea helps focus light onto the back of your eye. In people with keratoconus, the cornea becomes thin and weak, bulging outward. This causes light to scatter in many directions, leading to distorted vision. Progressive keratoconus can result in vision issues that may eventually cause vision loss or require a corneal transplant.

Riboflavin ophthalmic is used along with ultraviolet (UV) light during a procedure called corneal collagen crosslinking.

Corneal collagen crosslinking involves applying riboflavin eye drops and UV light to the cornea. In this procedure, riboflavin eye drops are placed in the eyes over several minutes. Then, UV light is directed onto the cornea. The riboflavin enhances the light, triggering a reaction in collagen fibers within the cornea. This procedure helps to stiffen and strengthen your cornea, which can slow or stop the progression of keratoconus.

Riboflavin ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not mentioned in this medication guide.

Avoid rubbing your eyes for at least 5 days after your corneal procedure.

To ensure riboflavin ophthalmic is safe for you, inform your doctor about all your medical conditions or allergies, as well as all the medicines you are currently taking.

Also, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breast-feeding a baby.

Get emergency medical help if you notice any signs of an allergic reaction: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Riboflavin ophthalmic may lead to serious side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• eye redness or watering;
• severe eye pain; or
• sudden changes in your vision.

Common side effects of riboflavin ophthalmic may include:

• the sensation of something in your eye;
• increased tearing;
• blurred or hazy vision;
• increased glare in your vision; or
• headache.

This is not a full list of side effects, and others may happen. Reach out to your doctor for medical advice regarding side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

A surgeon or other healthcare provider will give you riboflavin ophthalmic as part of your corneal collagen crosslinking procedure.

You will be given numbing eyedrops to prepare you for the procedure. You may also be given a sedative or anesthesia to help you relax. Although you will most likely be awake during the procedure, you should feel little or no discomfort. A special device will be placed around your eyelids to keep them open during the procedure.

Your eye surgeon will place riboflavin ophthalmic drops into your eyes about every 2 minutes during the procedure.

After the procedure, the surgeon will place a contact lens on the treated eye to protect it for a short time.

Call your doctor right away if the contact lens falls out or feels like it is out of place inside your eye.

You may also need to use antibiotic or steroid eyedrops to prevent infection and reduce swelling after your procedure. Carefully follow all after-care instructions and do not miss any follow-up appointments.

Because riboflavin ophthalmic is used during a medical procedure, this medicine does not have a daily dosing schedule.

Since riboflavin ophthalmic is administered by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to happen.

Do not rub your eyes for at least 5 days after your procedure.

Your eyes may be more sensitive to light after your procedure. Wear sunglasses when you are in bright light.

It is unlikely that other medications you take by mouth or injection will affect riboflavin used in the eyes. However, many drugs can interact with each other. Inform all your healthcare providers about all the medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products.