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Studies show decreased keratometry values after cross-linking
PRAGUE — Corneal collagen cross-linking was demonstrated to be safe and effective for both keratoconus and post-LASIK ectasia in two studies conducted at centers in India and Kuwait that were presented here.
Samita Moolani, MD, presented a study that included 39 eyes of 22 patients with keratoconus at the winter meeting of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. Mean patient age was 22 years. Corneal thickness was greater than 400 µm in all cases.
The corneal epithelium was removed manually and the cornea was soaked with riboflavin eye drops for 30 minutes before exposure to UVA radiation for 30 minutes.
"Reduction of [keratometry] readings and regularization of the corneal shape was observed on corneal topography. One line of UCVA improvement was achieved," Dr. Moolani said.
Progression of the original disease was not seen in any of the treated eyes at 6-month follow-up.
A second study was presented by Shereef Abd El Wahab, MD.
"Post-LASIK keratectasia is seen quite frequently in our center. In 20 eyes of 17 patients treated with [corneal cross-linking], we found significant decrease in [keratometry] readings at 2 years postoperatively, and mean BCVA improved from 20/50 to 20/32," Dr. Wahab said.
Further studies and a longer follow-up are needed to evaluate the stability of the results, he said.
- Disclosures: Drs. Moolani and Wahab have no relevant financial disclosures.