Accelerated corneal crosslinking concurrent with laser in situ keratomileusis

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Surgery
• Refractive Surgery

Background:

• Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a common refractive surgery.
• Corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) strengthens the cornea.
• Preventing corneal ectasia after LASIK is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of accelerated corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) performed concurrently with laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).
• To compare outcomes of LASIK with concurrent accelerated CXL versus LASIK alone.

Main Methods:

• Prospective pilot interventional case series involving 8 eyes.
• Patients underwent LASIK with concurrent accelerated CXL in one eye and LASIK only in the fellow eye.
• Outcomes measured included manifest refraction, uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuities, and endothelial cell count over 12 months.

Main Results:

• At 12 months, the LASIK-CXL group achieved visual acuity and manifest refraction comparable to or better than the LASIK-only group.
• No eyes lost CDVA.
• Endothelial cell loss was not significantly different between the two groups.
• No adverse side effects were reported for either procedure.

Conclusions:

• Concurrent accelerated CXL with LASIK is a potentially safe and effective procedure.
• This combined approach may help prevent corneal ectasia after LASIK.
• Further investigation in a larger patient cohort is warranted.