[Complications after corneal cross-linking]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Surgery
• Biomaterials Science

Context:

• Keratoconus and post-excimer laser ablation ectasia pose significant challenges.
• Corneal cross-linking (CXL) emerged as a promising treatment to halt ectasia progression.
• Understanding CXL protocols and complication profiles is crucial for patient management.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of various corneal cross-linking protocols.
• To compare personal clinical experience with existing literature on CXL complications.
• To assess the long-term implications and potential risks associated with CXL.

Summary:

• Retrospective analysis of CXL treatments (2007-2014) using diverse protocols.
• Observed complications include sterile infiltrates, opacifications, keratitis, and mycotic infection.
• Literature review indicates a low incidence of severe complications like endothelial damage, though neoplasia is noted.

Impact:

• Corneal cross-linking demonstrates a favorable success rate with a low complication profile.
• Endothelial damage risk appears lower than initially feared.
• Long-term prospective studies are essential to validate efficacy and monitor rare adverse events, including neoplasia.