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Indications and contraindications show cross-linking results still preliminary
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BERLIN — Cross-linking is increasingly proving to be a successful technique for strengthening the cornea and halting keratoconus progression. However, indications and contraindications are not yet clear, one expert said.
"Prospective studies have only started in 2003, 2004 and we must wait a few more years to draw conclusions on the long-term results of the technique," Theo Seiler, MD, who first introduced the technique some years ago, said.
The studies mentioned by Dr. Seiler are taking place in different parts of Europe. The Siena group of Italy, for instance, showed keratocyte death hystologically but then showed subsequent repopulation. The Zurich, Milan and Brussels international group showed a significant difference between the treated and untreated eye in a series of patients.
In all groups, haze and demarcation lines between cross-linked and non cross-linked areas were found in the majority of patients.