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Early U.S. cross-linking study results positive for treating keratoconus, ectasia
KOLOA, Hawaii — Interim results of the U.S. corneal cross-linking clinical trial are positive enough for one speaker here to conclude that the procedure will become the standard of care in ectatic corneal disease.
 Marguerite B. McDonald |
At Hawaiian Eye 2010, Marguerite B. McDonald, MD, presented early results of the prospective, block-randomized clinical trial of 292 eyes with either keratoconus or post-LASIK or post-PRK ectasia. Maximum keratometric value, best corrected visual acuity, uncorrected visual acuity and manifest refraction are being measured in the study.
"The interim conclusions look pretty good," Dr. McDonald said. "It halts the progression of keratoconus and ectasia after LASIK."
She said cross-linking also decreases corneal curvature and thickness and improves uncorrected and best corrected visual acuity to statistically significant degrees.
"We think it will become the standard of care for the treatment of corneal ectatic disease," Dr. McDonald said.
Internationally, 10 years of favorable clinical experience with collagen cross-linking in keratoconus and post-LASIK ectasia have made this the standard of care for ectatic corneal disease. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration study of corneal cross-linking has also suggested that this procedure halts progressive keratoconus and may reverse some corneal steepening. As a less invasive approach than lamellar or penetrating keratoplasty, cross-linking is likely to take an important place in the growing spectrum of procedures for ectatic disease.
– John A. Hovanesian, MD
OSN
Cornea/External Disease Board Member