Topo-Pachimetric Accelerated Epi-On Cross-Linking Compared to the Dresden Protocol Using Riboflavin with Vitamin E TPGS: Results of a 2-Year Randomized Study

In the present study (clinical trial registration number: NCT05019768), we compared the clinical outcome of corneal cross-linking with either the standard Dresden (sCXL) or the accelerated custom-fast (aCFXL) ultraviolet A irradiation protocol using riboflavin–D-α-tocopheryl poly(ethylene glycol)-1000 succinate for progressive keratoconus. Fifty-four eyes of forty-one patients were randomized to either of the two CXL protocols and checked before treatment and at the 2-year follow-up. The sCXL group was subjected to CXL with 30 min of pre-soaking and 3 mW/cm2 UVA irradiation for 30 min. The aCFXL group was subjected to CXL with 10 min of pre-soaking and UVA irradiation of 1.8 ± 0.9 mW/cm2 for 10 min ± 1.5 min. In both groups, a solution of riboflavin–vitamin E TPGS was used. Uncorrected distance visual acuity, corrected distance visual acuity, pachymetry, Scheimpflug tomography, and corneal hysteresis were performed at baseline and after 24 months. Both groups showed a statistically significant improvement in corrected distance visual acuity, and keratometric and corneal hysteresis compared to baseline conditions; no statistically significant differences in outcomes between the two groups were observed. Improvement in refractive, topographic, and biomechanical parameters were observed after sCXL and aCFXL, making the riboflavin–VE-TPGS solution an effective option as a permeation enhancer in CXL procedures. Deeper stromal penetration of riboflavin could be complemented by photo-protection against UVA and free radicals formed during photoinduced processes.

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Corneal Cross-linking in Combination with Intracorneal Ring Segments

International Journal of Keratoconus and Ectatic Corneal Diseases ◽

10.5005/jp-journals-10025-1149 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 6 (2) ◽

pp. 92-96

Author(s):

Aylin Kiliç

Keyword(s):

Visual Acuity ◽

Cross Linking ◽

Corneal Crosslinking ◽

Distance Visual Acuity ◽

Corrected Distance Visual Acuity ◽

Ring Segment

ABSTRACT The goal of ring segment surgery is to reduce the degree of myopia and astigmatism, improving uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity. The crosslinking is a procedure used for stabilizing the cornea in patients with progressive keratoconus. Corneal crosslinking surgery and combination of an intracorneal ring segments seems to be as effective for corneal stability and refractive improvement in keratoconic eyes. How to cite this article Kiliç A. Corneal Cross-linking in Combination with Intracorneal Ring Segments. Int J Kerat Ect Cor Dis 2017;6(2):92-96.

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Evolution of corneal flattening after repeated corneal cross-linking during a 6-year follow-up

European Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.1177/1120672120945662 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 112067212094566

Author(s):

Michael A Grentzelos ◽

Nafsika Voulgari ◽

Clarice Giacuzzo ◽

Konstantinos Droutsas ◽

George D Kymionis

Keyword(s):

Endothelial Cells ◽

Visual Acuity ◽

Case Report ◽

Corneal Thickness ◽

Cross Linking ◽

Distance Visual Acuity ◽

Corneal Opacification ◽

Corrected Distance Visual Acuity ◽

Corneal Flattening

Purpose: To report the evolution of corneal flattening after repeated corneal cross-linking (CXL) in a patient with progressive keratoconus during a 6-year follow-up. Methods: Case report. Results: A 27-year-old female underwent CXL for progressive keratoconus. Postoperatively, corneal topography revealed keratoconus progression with an increase of 1.20 diopters (D) in maximum keratometry (Kmax) and CXL was repeated. After the second treatment, a continuing significant corneal flattening (up to 16.00 D in Kmax) was observed during the first 5 years followed by stabilization during the last sixth year of follow-up. Both uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity were improved while corneal thickness was decreased. There were no complications such as corneal opacification or endothelial cells decrease during the follow-up period. Conclusion: Repeated CXL can induce an excessive corneal flattening more pronounced during the first years of follow-up followed by stabilization thereafter.

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EVALUATION OF CHANGES IN VISUAL ACUITY AND CONTRAST SENSITIVITY IN PATIENTS WITH KERATOCONUS AFTER CORNEAL COLLAGEN CROSS-LINKING

Pakistan Armed Forces Medical Journal ◽

10.51253/pafmj.v71i5.4360 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 71 (5) ◽

pp. 1705-08

Author(s):

Hassaan Javaid ◽

Omar Zafar ◽

Seemal Akram ◽

Asfandyar Khan ◽

Sana Abbas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Visual Acuity ◽

Contrast Sensitivity ◽

Armed Forces ◽

Cross Linking ◽

Distance Visual Acuity ◽

Uncorrected Distance Visual Acuity ◽

Corrected Distance Visual Acuity ◽

Quasi Experimental ◽

Collagen Cross Linking ◽

Corneal Collagen

Objective: To evaluate changes in visual acuity and contrast sensitivity in patients with keratoconus after corneal collagen cross-linking. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from May 2019 to Apr 2020. Methodology: A total of 48 eyes of 30 patients with progressive keratoconus were included in this study. Baseline uncorrected distance visual acuity, corrected distance visual acuity and contrast sensitivity were recorded, following which transepithelial corneal collagen cross-linking with topical riboflavin and ultraviolet A light was performed. Uncorrected distance visual acuity, corrected distance visual acuity and contrast sensitivity measurements were repeated and recorded 6-months postoperatively. Results: Mean preoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity was 0.56 ± 0.27 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution which improved to 0.51 ± 0.26 at 6 months after the procedure (p=0.002). Mean corrected distance visual acuity was 0.30 ± 0.19 preoperatively, improving to 0.24 ± 0.18 (p=0.001) at 6 months after corneal collagen cross-linking, thereby depicting a statistically significant improvement. Treated eyes also showed a significant improvement in contrast sensitivity (p=0.001) of 0.05 ± 0.08 logarithmic units of contrast sensitivity, from a mean preoperative contrast sensitivity of 1.72 ± 0.10 to 1.77 ± 0.09 when evaluated 6 months after corneal collagen cross-linking. Conclusion: Corneal collagen cross-linking is a promising advancement in the treatment of keratoconus. It was found effective in significantly improving visual acuity as well as contrast sensitivity, thus enhancing visual outcomes in keratoconus.

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Corneal Cross-Linking as Treatment in Pediatric Keratoconus: Comparison of Two Protocols

Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.1155/2021/2659828 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Shira Hed ◽

Ran Matlov Kormas ◽

Sagi Shashar ◽

Boris E. Malyugin ◽

Matthew Boyko ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Visual Acuity ◽

Treatment Time ◽

Pediatric Population ◽

Long Term Results ◽

Cross Linking ◽

Distance Visual Acuity ◽

Uncorrected Distance Visual Acuity ◽

Intergroup Comparison ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Corrected Distance Visual Acuity

Introduction. Keratoconus is a progressive corneal disease commonly treated by collagen cross-linking (CXL). Accelerated protocols have recently become common. This study sought to compare the outcomes of accelerated and standard CXL in terms of visual acuity, keratometry, and tomographic parameters in pediatric population. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the files of pediatric patients who underwent standard and accelerated CXL for keratoconus in our hospital, between October 2014 and March 2018. Changes in uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCDVA), best corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA), tomographic keratometry parameters (Kmax, Ksteep, Kflat, Kmean), and endothelial density count (EDC) were assessed before and at 6 and 12 months following treatment. The analysis included intergroup and intragroup comparisons. Results. This study included 53 eyes (44 patients). Fourteen eyes were treated with standard CXL (S-CXL, 3 mW/cm2, 30 min), while 39 underwent accelerated CXL (A-CXL, 9 mW/cm2, 10 min). Intergroup comparison found insignificant differences between groups, with the exception of better results for UCDVA in the S-CXL group after 12 months ( P = 0.03). In this study, there was no significant difference between the two protocols postoperatively in BCDVA, Kmax, Kmean, pachymetry, or corneal astigmatism. Conclusion. A-CXL is as safe and effective as S-CXL for stabilizing progressive keratoconus in pediatric population. Larger-sample-size studies with a longer follow-up time are required. Considering the long-term results of 9 mW A-CXL and its safety and efficacy profile, it should be preferred to S-CXL for reducing treatment time and improving patients’ comfort.

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Long term results of accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking in pediatric keratoconus

European Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.1177/11206721211018362 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 112067212110183

Author(s):

Yasin Cinar ◽

Cagla Cilem Han ◽

Alparslan Sahin ◽

Zeba A Syed

Keyword(s):

Visual Acuity ◽

Corneal Thickness ◽

University Hospital ◽

Long Term Results ◽

Cross Linking ◽

Distance Visual Acuity ◽

The Mean ◽

Collagen Cross Linking ◽

Corneal Collagen

Purpose: To evaluate the long term visual, refractive, and corneal tomographic outcomes of epithelium-off accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking (ACXL) in the management of pediatric keratoconus (KC). Methods: This retrospective study included patients under 18 years old with progressive KC who underwent ACXL between 2012 and 2019 at Dicle University Hospital. Complete ophthalmic examination was performed including uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), best spectacle-corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), manifest refraction, and corneal tomography. Evaluations were performed preoperatively and at 6 months intervals postoperatively. Results: Forty-nine eyes of 49 patients were included in the study. The mean age of patients at the time of ACXL was 14.2 ± 1.8 (range: 9.5–17.3) years. Mean follow up was 4.61 ± 1.90 (range: 2.0–8.1) years. The mean LogMAR UDVA improved from 0.94 ± 0.41 to 0.81 ± 0.43, 0.69 ± 0.41, and 0.67 ± 0.33 after 1, 3, and 5 years respectively ( p = 0.001). The mean LogMAR CDVA improved from 0.58 ± 0.36 to 0.46 ± 0.31, 0.34 ± 0.23, and 0.39 ± 0.27 after 1, 3, and 5 years respectively ( p = 0.015). The mean refractive cylinder improved significantly from 6.01 ± 2.07 diopters (D) to 5.46 ± 1.87, 5.38 ± 2.18, and 5.02 ± 2.31 D after 1, 3, and 5 years respectively ( p = 0.005). As compared to preoperative values, steep keratometry and maximum keratometry were not significantly different ( p = 0.805 and 0.448, respectively) following ACXL, while flat keratometry significantly improved after ACXL ( p = 0.012). Although central corneal thicknesses decreased significantly ( p = 0.029), the decrease in thinnest corneal thickness was not statistically significant ( p = 0.205). Conclusion: Epithelium-off ACXL seems to be effective for halting KC progression with long term clinical benefits in pediatric patients.

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Outcomes of a 320-degree intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation for keratoconus: Results of a 6-month follow-up

European Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.1177/1120672118818018 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 30 (1) ◽

pp. 139-146 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Guilherme Andrade do Nascimento Rocha ◽

Paulo Ferrara de Almeida Cunha ◽

Leonardo Torquetti Costa ◽

Luciene Barbosa de Sousa

Keyword(s):

Visual Acuity ◽

Spherical Equivalent ◽

Distance Visual Acuity ◽

Uncorrected Distance Visual Acuity ◽

Intrastromal Corneal Ring ◽

Corrected Distance Visual Acuity ◽

Ring Segment ◽

The Mean ◽

Corneal Tomography

Importance: This study shows that a newer long-arc length intrastromal corneal ring segment is efficient and safe for keratoconus treatment. Background: To evaluate visual, tomographic results and complications of a 320-degree intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation with the femtosecond laser for keratoconus treatment. Design: A prospective, nonrandomized, and interventional study. Participants: A total of 34 eyes of 31 patients diagnosed with keratoconus were enrolled. Methods: Patients were divided into two groups based on the strategy used for 320-degree intrastromal corneal ring segment thickness selection. In one group, this selection was based on spherical equivalent (SE group) and in the other on the mean asphericity (Q group). The uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuities, spherical equivalent, K1, K2, Km, Kmax, and mean asphericity ( Q) on corneal tomography were evaluated preoperatively and at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. For astigmatism improvement, we analyzed the corneal tomographic vectorial astigmatism change preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively. The mean follow-up period was 6.63 ± 0.96 months. Results: The mean uncorrected distance visual acuity and corrected distance visual acuity improved with a significant spherical equivalent improvement ( p < 0.05), with no differences between the 320-degree intrastromal corneal ring segment groups. All corneal tomographic parameters improved significantly ( p < 0.05) between the preoperative and postoperative intervals, with a significant better performance when we used spherical equivalent for the 320-degree intrastromal corneal ring segment thickness selection. Finally, the mean vectorial corneal tomographic astigmatism significantly improved after 6 months, again with no differences between groups. Conclusion: This study suggests that implanting a 320-degree intrastromal corneal ring segment is a safe and effective procedure for treating patients with keratoconus. It also suggests that for thickness selection spherical equivalent is the better strategy.

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Long-term Stability of Ectasia in a Young Patient with Asymmetric Keratoconus

International Journal of Keratoconus and Ectatic Corneal Diseases ◽

10.5005/jp-journals-10025-1102 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 4 (2) ◽

pp. 66-68

Author(s):

Rosane de Oliveira Corrêa ◽

Ana Laura Caiado Canedo ◽

Rozalia Beildeck ◽

Marcella Quaresma Salomão ◽

Penelope Burle de Politis

Keyword(s):

Visual Acuity ◽

Young Patient ◽

Distance Visual Acuity ◽

Long Term Stability ◽

Uncorrected Distance Visual Acuity ◽

Manifest Refraction ◽

Corrected Distance Visual Acuity ◽

Ring Segment ◽

Intracorneal Ring Segment ◽

The Right

ABSTRACT Purpose To report the clinical course of a typical young patient presenting with asymmetric keratoconus (KC), that demonstrates that stabilization of the ectatic process is possible without cross-linking (CXL) procedure. Methods Case report and review of the literature. Results A 17-year-old male patient was referred due to the diagnosis of keratoconus. Patient complained of loss of vision in the left eye (OS). Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) was 20/25+ in the right eye (OD) and 20/80 in the left eye; wavefront-assisted manifest refraction gave best corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) of 20/20 in OD and 20/40 in OS. The diagnosis of keratoconus was confirmed with Placido disk-based topography (Oculus Keratograph 4), and Pentacam HR corneal tomography (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany). Femtosecond laser-assisted intracorneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation was performed in the left eye and treatment for allergy was prescribed for both eyes, along with patient education and advice not to rub the eyes. After 3 months, significant improvement was observed on UDVA (20/30) and CDVA (20/20) in the left eye. Topometric and tomographic stability of ectasia was observed in the right eye in a 4-year follow-up. Conclusion Intracorneal ring segment caused significant regularization of the corneal shape and improvement on visual acuity. Ectasia stability was achieved with no need for CXL, despite the patient's young age. This case raises the point that the indication of CXL for every keratoconic patient should be reconsidered. How to cite this article de Oliveira Corrêa R, Canedo ALC, Beildeck R, Salomão MQ, de Politis PB, Ambrósio R Jr. Longterm Stability of Ectasia in a Young Patient with Asymmetric Keratoconus. Int J Kerat Ect Cor Dis 2015;4(2):66-68.

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Prophylactic corneal cross-linking in LASIK surgery: effects on visual outcome and recovery time

Asian Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.35119/asjoo.v17i1.451 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

pp. 61-68

Author(s):

Dominique Clare Oh ◽

Yiong Huak Chan ◽

Sao Bing Lee ◽

Jovina Li Shuen See

Keyword(s):

Visual Acuity ◽

Side Effects ◽

Recovery Time ◽

Visual Outcome ◽

Cross Linking ◽

Safe Procedure ◽

Distance Visual Acuity ◽

Visual Outcomes ◽

Group A ◽

Group B

Introduction: Collagen cross-linking is a useful adjunct in preventing corneal ectasia after laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). This study aimed to evaluate whether prophylactic cross-linking in IntraLase LASIK affects optimum visual outcome and recovery time in the immediate post-surgery period and is associated with any side effects. Methods: This was a retrospective case study on the right eyes of 100 Chinese subjects aged 18 to 40 years who underwent IntraLase LASIK. Fifty subjects who underwentcross-linking after completing LASIK (Group A) were compared with 50 subjects who did not undergo LASIK (Group B). Cases were evaluated for pre- and post-operative spherical equivalent, uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), recovery time and presence of side effects. Results: At 1 week post-LASIK, mean (SD) UDVA of Group A subjects was poorer than Group B, at 1.05 (0.19) vs 1.17 (0.19) (p = 0.036); however, there was no significant difference in CDVA (p = 0.095). By 1 month post-LASIK, differences in both UDVA and CDVA were insignificant (p = 0.055, 0.106, respectively). Mean recovery time was 2.72 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.64-4.7) days longer in Group A (p = 0.010), although by 1 month post-LASIK, both groups were able to achieve CDVA equal to or better than that achieved pre-LASIK. Incidence of mild inflammation and dry eyes post-LASIK was similar in both groups (p = 1.00, 0.749, respectively); no other complications were observed. Conclusion: No differences in visual outcomes at and occurrence of side effects at 1 month post-LASIK were observed between subjects who underwent cross-linking prior to refractive surgery and those who did not. However, the group that underwent cross-linking had a slightly longer mean recovery time. Our study supports prophylactic cross-linking as a safe procedure that does not affect immediate visual outcomes among the Chinese population when used in adjunct with LASIK surgery.

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Combined Corneal Cross-Linking and Myoring Implantation in Advanced Keratoconus: Femtosecond Laser versus Manual Dissection

Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.1155/2021/6673842 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Ahmed Ibrahim Basiony ◽

Moataz Fayez ElSawy ◽

Mahmoud Mohamed Ismail ◽

Mohamed Samy Abd ElAziz ◽

Mahmoud Tawfik KhalafAllah ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Visual Acuity ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Case Series ◽

Cross Linking ◽

Case Series Study ◽

Corrected Distance Visual Acuity ◽

Uncorrected Visual Acuity ◽

Manual Group ◽

Red Flag ◽

Dissection Techniques

Background. Intrastromal corneal ring segments are widely adopted for keratoconus management. However, the complete ring (Myoring) was proposed to be superior in advanced cases. Myoring can be implanted either via femtoassisted or manual dissection techniques. A comparison between both techniques can delineate any differences in the outcomes. Methods. This was a prospective interventional case series study. Sixty-four eyes with progressive advanced keratoconus were enrolled: 36 and 28 had femtoassisted or manual Myoring, respectively. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), maximal keratometry (Kmax), spherical equivalent (SE) and corneal thinnest location were measured in all eyes preoperatively and at one, six, and 12 months postoperatively. Epi-off corneal cross-linking (CXL) was performed eight weeks after Myoring implantation for all cases. Results. Femtoassisted Myoring dissection significantly improved UCVA and CDVA from 0.1 ± 0.06 and 0.18 ± 0.1 preoperatively to 0.29 ± 0.08 and 0.43 ± 0.1 at 12 months. Also, manual technique similarly enhanced UCVA and CDVA from 0.11 ± 0.05 and 0.2 ± 0.1 preoperatively to 0.27 ± 0.2 and 0.4 ± 0.2 at 12 months. In terms of safety, while no cases of ring extrusion were encountered with the femtoassisted technique, six (21.4%) cases of extrusion were encountered in the manual group. Conclusion. Femtoassisted or manual Myoring technique followed by CXL is an effective choice for advanced progressive keratoconus. Although it did not reach a statistical significance, the high extrusion rate with manual dissection is a red flag to be considered.

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Implantable collamer lens for the correction of post-keratoplasty myopia and astigmatism

International Eye Research ◽

10.18240/ier.2020.02.09 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 1 (2) ◽

pp. 113-116

Author(s):

Nasser A Alsabaani ◽

◽

Salem Almalki ◽

Keyword(s):

Visual Acuity ◽

Contact Lenses ◽

Posterior Chamber ◽

Implantable Collamer Lens ◽

Distance Visual Acuity ◽

Refractive Outcomes ◽

Uncorrected Distance Visual Acuity ◽

Single Center Study ◽

Corrected Distance Visual Acuity ◽

Corneal Refractive Surgery

AIM: To evaluate the safety, refractive outcomes and vision after phakic posterior chamber implantable collamer lens (ICL) after keratoplasty (KP). METHODS: This retrospective single center study evaluated 32 (35 eyes) patients who received an ICL for myopia and/or astigmatism after keratoplasty. Patients underwent ICL surgery if they were unable to wear glasses or contact lenses and excimer laser surgery was contraindicated. Data were collected on uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), refraction and complications. Data were analyzed for the preoperative and last postoperative visits (16.7±13mo) (P<0.05). RESULTS: Preoperatively, spherical equivalent (SE) ranged from -4.00 to -20.00 D and cylinder from -2.00 to -9.00 D. The mean SE decreased statistically significantly from -11.41±3.62 D preoperatively to -1.95±1.78 D postoperatively (P<0.0001). Mean UDVA increased statistically significantly from 20/400 preoperatively to 20/25 postoperatively (P<0.0001). There was a mean improvement in postoperative CDVA of 1.5 lines compared to preoperatively, 37% of eyes had an increase of 2 or more lines. One eye (2.8%) lost ≥1 line of CDVA. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: Posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens implantation is a safe and effective treatment for post-keratoplasty myopia and astigmatism in patients unable to wear spectacles or contact lenses and where corneal refractive surgery is contraindicated.

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