Long-term results of corneal collagen crosslinking for progressive keratoconus.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To evaluate long-term keratoconus stability after corneal crosslinking (CXL) with riboflavin.

METHODS:

In this prospective study, 57 eyes of 55 patients with progressive keratoconus, consecutively treated with ultraviolet A (UVA) - riboflavin CXL, were examined with the corneal topographer Pentacam, the biometer IOLMaster and the analyzer of corneal biomechanics Ocular Response Analyzer before and during a 24 months follow-up after CXL.

RESULTS:

Twenty-four months after CXL, there was a significant improvement in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (P<0.01), a significant decrease in corneal thinnest point (CTP), keratometry readings at the keratoconus apex (K max), and corneal volume (CV) (P<0.01), and a significant increase in axial eye length (AL) (P=0.01). No significant changes in anterior chamber volume (ACV) and depth (ACD), (P=0.8), corneal hysteresis (CH) (P=0.16) and corneal resistance factor (CRF) (P=0.06) were found. However, in the subgroup of patients with decreased K max readings 24 months after treatment, both CH and CRF showed a significant reduction (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION:

In the first month after the procedure, CXL induces a reduction in corneal volume. During the 24 months follow-up the cornea tends to recover its original volume with a persistence of the CXL efficacy.

• Authors: Maddalena De Bernardo, Luigi Capasso, Michele Lanza, Antonia Tortori, Stefania Iaccarino, Michela Cennamo, Maria Borrelli, Nicola Rosa
• Journal: Journal of optometry (J Optom) 2015 Jul-Sep Vol. 8 Issue 3 Pg. 180-6 ISSN: 1989-1342 [Electronic] Spain
• PMID: 26105541 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2013 Spanish General Council of Optometry. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Cross-Linking Reagents
• Photosensitizing Agents
• Collagen
• Riboflavin

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Axial Length, Eye
• Child
• Collagen (metabolism)
• Cornea (physiology)
• Corneal Topography
• Cross-Linking Reagents (therapeutic use)
• Female
• Humans
• Keratoconus (physiopathology, therapy)
• Male
• Photochemotherapy (methods)
• Photosensitizing Agents (therapeutic use)
• Prospective Studies
• Riboflavin (therapeutic use)
• Visual Acuity
• Young Adult