title: Collagen cross-linking for resistant corneal ulcer.
abstract: Corneal ulcer is a devastating corneal disease which is potentially sight-threatening and conventionally is treated by topical antibiotics and in some cases with more invasive procedures such as keratoplasty. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of corneal collagen cross-linking in resistant corneal ulcers. Ten patients with resistant infectious corneal ulcers who had not responded properly to maximal treatment with topical and subconjunctival antibiotics were enrolled in the study and underwent classic corneal collagen cross-linking with riboflavin and UV-A under sterile conditions in the operating room and were followed up regularly. The result was healing and scar formation with improvement of vision in all patients except for two who underwent enucleation and tectonic penetrating keratoplasty. Corneal collagen cross-linking is a viable therapeutic option for treatment of corneal ulcers and can be used as an adjuvant for conventional treatment in resistant cases.
authors.affiliation: Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. sorkhabi_r@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Rana
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sorkhabi
authors.forename: Mohamadreza
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sedgipoor
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mahdavifard
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003094:Collagen / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003320:Corneal Ulcer / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015818:Eye Infections, Bacterial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D003094:Collagen