Scheimpflug parameters after corneal collagen crosslinking for keratoconus

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Surgery
• Biomedical Imaging

Background:

• Keratoconus is a progressive corneal ectasia leading to visual impairment.
• Corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) is a treatment aimed at stabilizing progressive keratoconus.
• Scheimpflug imaging provides detailed anterior segment measurements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of CXL on Scheimpflug imaging parameters in progressive keratoconus.
• To compare changes in visual acuity and corneal metrics post-CXL versus a control group.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 47 eyes treated with CXL and 26 control eyes with keratoconus.
• Assessment of corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), maximum keratometry (K), corneal volume (CV), and corneal thickness.
• Analysis of anterior chamber parameters: anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber volume (ACV), and anterior chamber angle (ACA) at 6-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• CXL group showed significant improvement in CDVA (p<0.001) and reduction in maximum K (p=0.001), CV (p<0.001), and pachymetry.
• Control group exhibited no significant changes in CDVA, maximum K, CV, or pachymetry (p>0.05).
• Anterior chamber parameters (ACD, ACV, ACA) remained stable in both groups post-treatment (p>0.05).

Conclusions:

• CXL is effective in enhancing visual acuity and reducing corneal steepness in progressive keratoconus.
• Corneal thinning and volume reduction are observed post-CXL, but anterior chamber dimensions are unaffected.
• Scheimpflug imaging is valuable for monitoring CXL treatment outcomes in keratoconus.