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Three Different Protocols of Corneal Collagen Crosslinking in Keratoconus: Conventional, Accelerated and Iontophoresis
Published on: November 12, 2015
Persistent corneal edema after collagen cross-linking for keratoconus
Ashok Sharma1, Jennifer Marie Nottage, Kanish Mirchia
1Cornea Centre, Chandigarh, India.
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|September 11, 2012
Summary
Persistent corneal edema is a rare complication after collagen cross-linking (CXL) for keratoconus, potentially causing endothelial damage and requiring corneal transplant. Further research is needed to understand and manage this side effect.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Surgery
- Ocular Surface Disease
Background:
- Keratoconus is a progressive corneal ectasia.
- Collagen cross-linking (CXL) is a standard treatment for keratoconus.
- While generally safe, CXL can have complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a novel complication of persistent corneal edema following CXL.
- To describe the clinical presentation and outcomes of this complication.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of patients who developed corneal edema post-CXL.
- Exclusion of patients with stromal haze.
- Dresden protocol CXL with corneal thickness >400 μm.
Main Results:
- 10 (2.9%) of 350 patients developed corneal edema.
- Edema onset was immediate, peaking at 3 weeks.
- Associated findings included iris atrophy, pigment dispersion, and infectious keratitis.
- Visual acuity was significantly impacted; 5 patients required penetrating keratoplasty.
Conclusions:
- Corneal edema can be a significant complication of CXL.
- Endothelial damage may occur, necessitating keratoplasty.
- This highlights a potential risk associated with CXL treatment.
