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Cross-linking has low failure rate over 4 years
NEW ORLEANS — Long-term results of corneal collagen cross-linking proved promising, with few complications, a speaker said here.
“Primary reports show that the complication rate was 0% to 10% and the rate of failure was also very small, 0% to 2%,” Theo Seiler, MD, PhD, said during Refractive Surgery Subspecialty Day preceding the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting. “Cross-linking induces structural changes of the cornea that may go on for many years.”
Theo Seiler
Failure rates were 1% at 1 year, 2% at 2 years and 0% at 4 years. Progression of ectasia was documented by an increase in maximum keratometry values of 1 D or more. A loss of two Snellen lines of vision indicated a complication.
Sterile infiltrates comprised 7.6% of complications, stromal scars 2.9% and delayed epithelial healing 1.9%.
Corneal stabilization was achieved in 97% of cases, Seiler said.
Disclosure: Seiler is an equity owner and patent/royalty holder with IROC. He is a consultant for, collects lecture fees from and holds a patent/royalty with WaveLight AG.