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Three Different Protocols of Corneal Collagen Crosslinking in Keratoconus: Conventional, Accelerated and Iontophoresis
Published on: November 12, 2015
Cigarette smoking is negatively associated with keratoconus.
Eberhard Spoerl1, Frederik Raiskup-Wolf, Eberhard Kuhlisch
1Department of Ophthalmology, Technical University Dresden, Germany. eberhard.spoerl@uniklinikum-dresden.de
Journal of Refractive Surgery (Thorofare, N.J. : 1995)
|September 25, 2008
Summary
Few keratoconus patients were smokers, suggesting a potential link between smoking by-products and corneal collagen cross-linking. Further research is needed to confirm if smoking may prevent keratoconus development.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Diseases
- Ocular Surface Disease
Background:
- Keratoconus is a progressive thinning of the cornea.
- The etiology of keratoconus is multifactorial, involving genetic and environmental factors.
- Cigarette smoking is a known risk factor for various systemic and ocular diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between cigarette smoking and the prevalence of keratoconus.
- To determine if smoking habits differ between keratoconus patients and the general population.
- To explore potential mechanisms linking smoking to corneal changes.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 180 keratoconus patients undergoing corneal collagen cross-linking were surveyed about smoking habits.
- Smokers were defined as individuals consuming at least two cigarettes daily for over one year.
- Statistical analysis, including the chi-square test, was employed to assess correlations.
Main Results:
- Only 5% of the 180 keratoconus patients were identified as smokers.
- A statistically significant correlation was observed between non-smoking status and keratoconus (P < .001).
- The findings indicate a lower prevalence of smoking among individuals with keratoconus.
Conclusions:
- The study suggests a potential inverse relationship between smoking and keratoconus.
- While cigarette smoke is generally harmful, its by-products might induce corneal collagen cross-linking, potentially inhibiting keratoconus progression.
- Individuals are advised against smoking due to its known health risks, but further investigation into smoking's specific role in keratoconus is warranted.
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