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Transepithelial cross-linking shows safety, efficacy in thin corneas
 Leopoldo Spadea |
VIENNA, Austria — Transepithelial collagen cross-linking using a modified Ricrolin TE formula from Sooft might be a safe and effective solution for thin corneas, according to a study presented here.
"We used this procedure in eight eyes of eight patients with progressive keratoconus and corneal pachymetry between 356 µm and 386 µm. These corneas would not normally be eligible for cross-linking," Leopoldo Spadea, MD, said at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons meeting.
No side effects or damage to the limbal region were observed during the follow-up. A visual improvement of about one line was observed in most patients, a significant reduction in astigmatism was obtained, and keratometry values decreased by 1 D to 3 D. Mean endothelial cell density was unchanged.
"In one patient who underwent a triple procedure with penetrating keratoplasty, extracapsular cataract extraction and IOL implantation 3 months after [cross-linking], we had the chance to perform immunohistochemical analysis of the explanted cornea.
"Connexin-43 was localized in both the epithelium and the endothelium, showing their structural and functional integrity," Dr. Spadea said. "Also, the CD34 protein, a marker of the keratocyte phenotype, was regularly distributed throughout the stroma, and the stained keratocytes were regularly arranged."
- Disclosures: Dr. Spadea has no relevant financial disclosures.