title: [Cross-Linking in Keratoconus: "Epi-off" or "Epi-on"?].
abstract: Corneal cross-linking can halt the progression of keratoconus, but what is the best approach for treatment? There are a number of treatment options for keratoconus, but only corneal cross-linking (CXL) appears to halt the progression of the disease. To guarantee effective cross-linking, CXL treatment involves removal of the corneal epithelium prior to riboflavin application and ultraviolet light illumination - "epi-off" CXL. Several methods of "epi-on" (transepithelial) CXL have been proposed, such as keeping the corneal epithelium intact which should be less painful and help avoid other CXL-associated adverse events. The evidence so far is that epi-off CXL remains the most effective method of strengthening the cornea and slowing keratoconus progression - but transepithelial methods are gaining ground.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Raiskup
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum, Hradec Králové, Tschechische Republik.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Veliká
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum, Hradec Králové, Tschechische Republik.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Veselá
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Spörl
mesh_terms: D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000379:methods; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000601:surgery*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D007640:Keratoconus / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012256:Riboflavin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014467:Ultraviolet Therapy / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D012256:Riboflavin