Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 27, 2026
05:53
Fabrication and Surgical Application of Enriched Photo-crosslinked Gelatin–Riboflavin Hydrogels for Corneal Wound Repair in Rabbits
Published on: April 24, 2026
3
Isotonic riboflavin and HPMC with accelerated cross-linking protocol
Vandana Jain1, Zarine Gazali, Rohan Bidayi
1Department of Cornea and External Diseases, Advanced Eye Hospital and Institute, Navi Mumbai, India.
Cornea
|July 12, 2014
Summary
Accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) using isotonic riboflavin with HPMC did not significantly change corneal thickness. This study monitored pachymetry during CXL for keratoconus, finding no significant decline in corneal thickness.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Surgery
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Keratoconus is a progressive corneal ectasia.
- Collagen cross-linking (CXL) aims to stiffen the cornea and halt progression.
- Accelerated CXL protocols and specific riboflavin formulations are used to improve efficiency and outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To monitor corneal pachymetry changes during accelerated collagen cross-linking (CXL) for keratoconus.
- To evaluate the effect of isotonic riboflavin with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) on corneal thickness during the procedure.
Main Methods:
- Consecutive patients with progressive keratoconus undergoing accelerated CXL with isotonic riboflavin/HPMC were included.
- Corneal pachymetry was measured after epithelial removal, after riboflavin application, and after UV-A irradiation.
- Statistical analysis was performed to assess changes in corneal thickness.
Main Results:
- 14 eyes of 14 patients were analyzed (mean age 19 ± 8 years).
- No significant difference in corneal thickness was observed after riboflavin application compared to post-epithelial removal (p=0.80).
- Corneal thickness remained statistically unchanged after UV-A irradiation (p=0.24).
Conclusions:
- Accelerated CXL using isotonic riboflavin with HPMC does not lead to a significant reduction in corneal thickness.
- The employed accelerated CXL protocol with this specific riboflavin solution appears safe regarding corneal stromal hydration and swelling.
