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Cross-linking suggested effective for keratoconus, with vision and corneal curvature improvements
CHICAGO — Corneal cross-linking may impede the progression of keratoconus, according to a study with intermediate follow-up.
 Arturo L. Kantor |
“In this small series, cross-linking appears to be effective and safe in stopping the progression of keratoconus at least in the medium term. It successfully improves best spectacle corrected visual acuity and decreases corneal curvature, without changing cone location,” Arturo L. Kantor, MD, said at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery meeting.
The non-comparative, interventional, retrospective, consecutive case series included 46 eyes of 40 patients who underwent corneal cross-linking with instillation of 0.1% riboflavin-20% dextran solution 30 minutes before ultraviolet A irradiation and then every 3 minutes for an additional 30 minutes during irradiation.
Inclusion criteria consisted of documented keratoconus progression with elevated topography in the last 6 months, corneal thickness of at least 400 µm at the thinnest point and a clear cornea. Mean follow-up was 15.5 ± 5.6 months.
Mean best corrected visual acuity improved from 0.59 decimals at baseline to 0.69 decimals (P < .05), while mean keratometry value decreased from 51.9 D to 49.4 D (P < .05). Pachymetry also decreased, although not significantly, from 456 µm to 440 µm.
“There is consistent thinning of the cornea, but there is no progression with time,” Dr. Kantor noted. Moreover, in an analysis of more than half the study participants, endothelial cell loss was not observed, he said.
- Disclosure: Dr. Kantor has no relevant financial disclosures.