Abstract
Purpose :
Corneal neovascularization is the main risk factor for graft rejection after high-risk penetrating keratoplasty (PK). Corneal crosslinking (CXL) has been shown to regress pathological corneal neovascularization and to reduce the risk of graft rejection after high-risk PK in mice. The aim of this work was to analyze whether CXL of the corneal periphery sparing the limbus ("peripheral CXL") is also able to regress corneal neovascularization in patients.
Methods :
This case series included 5 patients with progressive corneal neovascularization and the need for high-risk PK because of graft rejection and/or keratitis. Peripheral CXL was performed prior to or directly in combination with PK, and corneal neovascularization was assessed morphometrically on slit-lamp images. Patients were followed up to determine the incidence of adverse effects and graft rejection.
Results :
No intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed. Peripheral CXL resulted in a significant reduction of corneal neovascularization (mean reduction of 70.5% ± 22.7%). Revascularization was not observed. All transplants remained clear and without immune reactions (mean follow-up 16.4 ± 14.9 weeks, range 4-42 weeks).
Conclusions :
Peripheral CXL is able to reduce pathological corneal neovascularization in patients and might therefore be a novel treatment option to reduce graft rejection rates after high-risk PK.
This is a 2021 ARVO Annual Meeting abstract.