Efficacy and Safety of Corneal Collagen Cross-linking in Keratoconus; A One Year Follow-up

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of collagen cross linking in stabilizing the visual acuity and keratometric readings one year after the procedure. Study Design: A Case Series. Place and Duration of Study: All the procedures were performed at Amanat Eye Hospital Rawalpindi from January to June 2011. Materials and Methods: Sixteen cases suffering from progressive keratoconus which underwent collagen cross-linking were analyzed retrospectively. After epitheliectomy and instillation of topical Riboflavin, UV light exposure was given for 30 min. A bandage contact lens was applied postoperatively for 5 days. The patients were followed up after 5 days, one month, 3 months, 6 months and then one year. During all the postoperative visits, visual acuity, slit lamp examination and keratometry were performed. Results: Sixteen cases completed one year's follow-up. Un-corrected visual acuity improved in 12 out of 16 eyes, remained stable in 4 out of 16 and deteriorated in none. Best-corrected visual acuity improved in 9 out of 16 eyes, remained stable in 6 out of 16 and deteriorated in one out of 16. Mean pre-operative Keratometry was 50.23 D which reduced to 49.77 D after one year. Progression of original disease (increase in K-value by > 0.50 D) was seen in only 2/16 eyes after one year of follow-up. Keratometric improvement (decrease in K-value by > 0.50 D) was seen in 6/16 eyes while 8/16 eyes (50%) showed keratometric stability (i.e. K-value within 0.50 D of the preoperative value). Conclusion: Collagen cross-linking is effective and safe in providing visual and keratometric stability for keratoconus.

Keywords

• collagen cross linking, keratoconus, efficacy.