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Corneal transparency reaches preoperative values in first year after CXL
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Corneal transparency continues to improve 2 years after riboflavin-ultraviolet A-induced corneal collagen cross-linking, according to a study recently published in the Journal of Refractive Surgery.
Alnawaiseh and colleagues conducted a retrospective study that utilized charts and anterior segment data of 28 patients after collagen cross-linking for progressive keratoconus.
The patients were divided into five groups based on time between surgery and follow-up visits after collagen cross-linking (CXL): 1 to 3 months (21 eyes), 3 to 6 months (19 eyes), 6 to 12 months (18 eyes), 12 to 24 months (18 eyes) and 24 to 36 months (18 eyes).
Patients were examined using rotating Scheimpflug corneal and anterior segment tomography (Pentacam), according to the researchers. Patients had Pentacam imaging one to five times after CXL.
In the 1-to-3 months group, total corneal light backscatter was higher after CXL than before CXL. When dividing the cornea into three layers, all layers exhibited a similar behavior.
The total corneal light backscatter at total corneal thickness and at total diameter in the 12-to-24 months group was significantly lower than before CXL.
In the 24-to-36 months group, the distribution of backscatter had significantly higher corneal transparency than before.
Researchers found that at 2 years after CXL, densitometry values, especially in the anterior layer and central annuli, were significantly lower than baseline.
The researchers concluded that, in the long term, corneal transparency may achieve levels of untreated healthy corneas. – by Abigail Sutton
Disclosure: The researchers reported no relevant financial disclosures.
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