Abstract
Purpose: :
The aim of the study was to examine the ability of riboflavin/UVA-induced collagen crosslinking to reduce the progression of keratoconus.
Methods: :
A retrospectuive review of fourteen eyes of 13 patients with moderate or advanced progressive keratoconus was performed. After central corneal abrasion, photosensitizing riboflavin drops were applied and the eyes exposed to UVA for 60 minutes. Postoperative examinations were performed, including visual acuity testing, corneal topography, slit-lamp examination. The follow-up time was between 3 months and 2 years.
Results: :
In all treated eyes the progression of keratoconus was stopped and in 79% of treated eyes a average reduction of the maximal keratometry readings by 0.79 diopters was noted. Corneal and lens transparency remained unchanged. Visual acuity was not affected by the treatment.
Conclusions: :
Collagen crosslinking is a way for stopping the progression of keratectasia in patients with keratoconus. It seems to be a safe and promising procedure to stabilise the refraction and the corneal topography, and thus to stop the progression of visual loss.
Keywords: cornea: clinical science • keratoconus • topography