title: Changes in corneal sensitivity following cross-linking for progressive early-stage keratoconus.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate changes in corneal sensitivity following corneal cross-linking (CXL) in patients with progressive earlier stage keratoconus.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-eight eyes of 19 patients (11 women, 8 men) were included in a prospective, nonrandomized clinical study. The mean patient age was 22 years (range, 18-26 years). Inclusion criteria were early stage bilateral progressive keratoconus, a transparent cornea, and a thickness of ≥440 µm in the thinnest area of the cornea. Using the Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer, central corneal sensitivity was measured before surgery, 7 days after surgery, and once a month thereafter until recovery of baseline preoperative levels. Central corneal sensitivity >40 mm was considered normal.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Corneal sensitivity gradually returned to preoperative levels in all treated eyes. The mean central corneal sensitivity was 52.2, 24.0, 38.2, 42.5, 50.0, and 52.5 mm before surgery, 7 days after surgery, and at 1, 2, 3, and 4 months after surgery, respectively. Normal levels of corneal sensation, but not baseline (preoperative) levels, were observed 2 months after surgery. The preoperative levels were observed 3 months after surgery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results suggest that central corneal sensitivity can be decreased for as long as 3 months after CXL for progressive earlier stage keratoconus.
authors: Goiania Eye Institute, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
authors: Anelise de Medeiros
authors: Ade M
authors: Lago
authors: Department of Cornea and Refractive Surgery, Goiania Eye Institute, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
authors: Belquiz R do Amaral
authors: BR
authors: Nassaralla
authors: Goiania Eye Institute, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
authors: Larissa Rossana Souza
authors: LR
authors: Stival
authors: Department of Retina & Vitreous, Goiania Eye Institute, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
authors: João Jorge
authors: JJ
authors: Nassaralla Junior
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003315:Cornea / Q000502:physiology*; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018450:Disease Progression; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007640:Keratoconus / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012256:Riboflavin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D014792:Visual Acuity; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D012256:Riboflavin