Outcomes of corneal collagen crosslinking using a customized epithelial debridement technique in keratoconic eyes with thin corneas.
The purpose of the study was to evaluate the outcomes and possible complications of CXL performed with customized epithelial debridement technique to keratoconic corneas with the thinnest pachymetry values less than 400 µm. Nineteen eyes of 19 patients were included. The uncorrected (UCVA) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), flattest and steepest keratometric (K) readings, central corneal thickness at the thinnest point (t-CCT), endothelial cell density (ECD) were assessed before and 12 months after CXL. The mean UCVA was increased (p = 0.001), while the mean BCVA did not show any difference (p > 0.05). The mean flattest and steepest K readings were decreased (p = 0.001). No change was observed in the mean t-CCT (p > 0.05). The mean ECD was decreased (p = 0.001). The mean pre-CXL and post-CXL percentages of polymegathism and pleomorphism did not show any significant difference (p > 0.05). CXL performed with customized epithelial debridement technique is successful in halting the progression of keratoconus in corneas thinner than 400 µm after 12 months of treatment. However, significant endothelial cell loss can occur after this procedure.
Department of Ophthalmology, Ankara Ataturk Training and Research Hospital, Yildirim Beyazit University, Bilkent, Ankara, Turkey.
Nurullah
N
Cagil
Department of Ophthalmology, Ankara Ataturk Training and Research Hospital, Yildirim Beyazit University, Bilkent, Ankara, Turkey. drozgesarac@gmail.com.
Ozge
O
Sarac
Department of Ophthalmology, Ankara Ataturk Training and Research Hospital, Yildirim Beyazit University, Bilkent, Ankara, Turkey.
Gamze Dereli
GD
Can
Department of Ophthalmology, Ankara Ataturk Training and Research Hospital, Yildirim Beyazit University, Bilkent, Ankara, Turkey.
Emine
E
Akcay
Department of Ophthalmology, Ankara Kecioren Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
Mehmet Erol
ME
Can
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism; D003315:Cornea / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003646:Debridement / Q000379:methods*; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007640:Keratoconus / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012029:Refraction, Ocular / Q000502:physiology; D012256:Riboflavin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult
D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D003094:Collagen; D012256:Riboflavin
Corneal collagen crosslinking; Endothelial cells; Keratoconus; Thin cornea