title: Biomechanical properties of corneal tissue after ultraviolet-A-riboflavin crosslinking.
abstract: Photodynamic collagen crosslinking (CXL) using ultraviolet-A (UVA) irradiation combined with the photosensitizer riboflavin has been introduced as a new treatment for progressive keratoconus. The results of clinical studies are promising, but the efficacy of the treatment in halting the progression depends on the stability of the induced biomechanical effects. The effects of corneal CXL on corneal rigidity; collagen fiber diameter; and resistance to heat degradation, enzymatic digestion, and swelling due to hydration are reviewed in this paper. The collective results indicate that CXL using UVA and riboflavin enhances the biomechanical properties of the corneal tissue, which remain stable over time. Therefore, this treatment could become the future standard therapy for keratoconus or used to halt the progression of keratoconus and postpone the need for corneal transplantation. The increase in availability and popularity of the CXL technique accentuates the requirement for reliable and accurate techniques for measuring corneal biomechanical properties before and after treatment.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Life Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Ithar M
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Beshtawi
authors.forename: Clare
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: O'Donnell
authors.forename: Hema
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Radhakrishnan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena / Q000502:physiology*; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism; D003315:Cornea / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D003319:Corneal Stroma / Q000378:metabolism; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004548:Elasticity / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012256:Riboflavin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013718:Tensile Strength / Q000502:physiology; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
chemical_list: D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D003094:Collagen; D012256:Riboflavin