Riboflavin-ultraviolet light induced cross-linking in endothelial decompensation.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the potential of collagen cross-linking in the treatment of corneal oedema caused by endothelial decompensation.


METHODS
Riboflavin-ultraviolet (UV) treatment induces cross-linking and reduces stromal swelling. Eleven patients with corneal oedema were treated. The technique comprised: epithelial abrasion; instillation of 0.1% riboflavin in saline, and 5.4 J/cm(2) illumination with 365 nm UV-A light over approximately 30 mins (3 mW/cm(2)).


RESULTS
A reduction in corneal thickness was observed in 10 patients. The majority also experienced improvement in vision. The effect occurred over weeks and lasted for months.


CONCLUSIONS
The study shows a potential application of collagen cross-linking in the management of patients with corneal oedema. Experimental and additional clinical studies are necessary in order to define the precise indications for this type of treatment.
Ehlers
Niels
N
Department of Ophthalmology, Arhus University Hospital, Arhus C, Denmark. ehler@as.aaa.dk
Hjortdal
Jesper
J
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism*; D015715:Corneal Edema / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism; D003319:Corneal Stroma / Q000378:metabolism; D004728:Endothelium, Corneal / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012256:Riboflavin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology
D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D003094:Collagen; D012256:Riboflavin