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PRK with cross-linking for keratoconus offers near-perfect VA
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CHICAGO — Combined photorefractive keratectomy and corneal cross-linking proved safe and effective in treating early keratoconus, according to a study presented here.
 Waleed al Twairgy |
"Combined PRK and cross-linking is a very effective way to stop the progression of the disease in early keratoconus and can improve the functionality of the vision ... and quality of life," Waleed al Twairgy, MD, said during Refractive Subspecialty Day preceding the joint meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Middle East Africa Council of Ophthalmology.
Visual outcomes hinge on strict adherence to patient selection criteria, which include but are not limited to ablation no deeper than 50 µm and a transparent cornea with no scarring, Dr. Al Twairgy said.
The study included 22 eyes of 15 patients with early progressive keratoconus who underwent PRK with corneal cross-linking. Mean ablation depth was 44 µm. Investigators evaluated visual and refractive outcomes at 12 months.
Study results showed that 95% of patients had stable visual acuity or gained one more lines. Five percent of patients lost one or more lines.
In addition, 64% of patients had final vision within 1 D of emmetropia.