Comparison of Accelerated Corneal Collagen Cross-linking Types for Treating Keratoconus

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To compare the results of different protocols for accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) in patients with progressive keratoconus.

Materials and method: This prospective comparative study involved 40 patients treated with intended UV-A radiance of 5.4 J/cm² in 74 eyes (Group 1) and 42 patients treated with radiance of 7.2 J/cm² in 72 eyes (Group 2). Visual acuity, subjective manifest refraction and corneal topography were analyzed before and 12 months after surgery in both groups. Postoperative complications were also noted. The results of the two protocols were statistically compared.

Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in uncorrected distance visual acuity, corrected distance visual acuity or corneal topography pre- or postoperatively. The differences in keratometric readings (K apex, SimK1 and SimK2) and refractive results were not significant.

Conclusion: The application of total intended UV-A radiance of 5.4 J/cm² or 7.2 J/cm² for accelerated CXL in patients with progressive keratoconus resulted in similar refractive and topographic outcomes.

KEYWORDS:

• Corneal collagen cross-linking
• keratoconus
• ultraviolet A

Declaration of interest

The authors report that there are no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.