title: A New Matrix Therapy Agent for Faster Corneal Healing and Less Ocular Discomfort Following Epi-off Accelerated Corneal Cross-linking in Progressive Keratoconus.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the hypothesis that a new matrix therapy agent (ReGeneraTing Agent, [RGTA]) would speed up the corneal reepithelialization, improve stromal healing, and reduce ocular symptoms after epi-off corneal cross-linking (CXL).
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty eyes of 60 patients with progressive keratoconus were enrolled in the study. Epi-off accelerated CXL was performed in all patients. Sixty eyes were randomized into two groups according to use of RGTA eye drops prior to contact lens fitting at the end. Identical medical agents were started postoperatively for the two groups. All participants were monitored on 3 consecutive days after the CXL. Ocular pain, burning, stinging, tearing, photophobia, conjunctival hyperemia, and corneal healing status were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  By day 2, 25 eyes (83.3%) with RGTA revealed complete healing compared to 4 eyes (13.3%) that revealed complete healing in the control group (P < .001). All eyes had complete corneal epithelial defect closure by day 3 in both groups. Ocular pain scores were lower in the RGTA group on days 0, 1, and 2 (all P < .05). Burning scores were lower on days 1 and 2; stinging scores on days 2 and 3; tearing scores on days 2 and 3; and photophobia on days 1 and 2 (P < .05) in the RGTA group compared to the control group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  RGTA ophthalmic solution facilitates corneal healing by reconstructing the extracellular matrix in the wound area, leading to an earlier relief of symptoms for patients. [J Refract Surg. 2017;33(3):163-170.].
authors.forename: Koray
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Gumus
authors.forename: Marta Gomes
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Guerra
authors.forename: Sara Homem
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: de Melo Marques
authors.forename: Sarper
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Karaküçük
authors.forename: Denis
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Barritault
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003094:Collagen / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003319:Corneal Stroma / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology*; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007640:Keratoconus / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012256:Riboflavin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D003094:Collagen; D012256:Riboflavin