Accelerated corneal collagen crosslinking: Technique, efficacy, safety, and applications

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) enhances stromal biomechanical stability.
• CXL has been utilized for a decade to arrest the progression of ectatic diseases.
• The photochemical law of reciprocity suggests intensity-time trade-offs in CXL.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review accelerated CXL protocols.
• To compare the efficacy and safety of accelerated CXL with conventional CXL.

Main Methods:

• Review of current accelerated CXL protocols.
• Comparison of accelerated CXL versus conventional CXL regarding efficacy and safety.

Main Results:

• Accelerated CXL is safe and effective in halting corneal ectasia progression.
• Corneal shape responses and demarcation line depth varied with different irradiance settings.
• Shorter exposure times in accelerated CXL resulted in a more superficial demarcation line.

Conclusions:

• Accelerated CXL is a safe and effective alternative to conventional CXL for managing corneal ectasia.
• Protocol variations in accelerated CXL influence clinical outcomes and tissue response.