Abstract
Purpose:
To evaluate tear function following corneal cross-linking (CXL) in patients with progressive lower stage keratoconus and its correlation to corneal sensitivity.
Methods:
Thirty eight eyes of 19 patients (11 women, 8 men) were included in a prospective, nonrandomized clinical study. Mean patient age was 22 years (range, 18-26 years). Inclusion criteria were low stage bilateral progressive keratoconus, transparent cornea and thinnest corneal thickness ≥ 440 µm. Tear function was assessed by tear film break-up time (BUT), Schirmer testing, fluorescein and rose bengal staining of the ocular surface and height of tear meniscus. Data were recorded preoperatively as well as 1, 2, 3 and 4 months postoperatively.
Results:
Compared to preoperative values, there were no statistically significant changes in tear function outcomes at 1, 2, 3 and 4 months after CXL. No eye showed reduction in height of tear film meniscus or tear film break-up time. Fluorescein and rose bengal stainings of the ocular surface were comparable to preoperative levels at any time point. The Schirmer test values averaged 10.50, 10.34, 10.39, 10.55 and 10.47 mm respectively, before and at 1, 2, 3 and 4 months postoperatively, with no significant difference. No correlation between corneal sensitivity decrease and tear function was found after CXL for lower stage progressive keratoconus.
Conclusions:
Although corneal sensitivity is decreased for as long as 3 months following CXL in patients with progressive lower stage keratoconus, no statistically significant impact was noted on tear function.