Ocular Surface Disease Parameters After Collagen Cross-Linking for Keratoconus.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Surgery
• Ocular Surface Disease

Background:

• Keratoconus is a progressive thinning of the cornea.
• Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) is a standard treatment to halt keratoconus progression.
• The impact of CXL on tear film function requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze tear quantity and quality variations after corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL).
• To assess changes in tear film parameters in keratoconus patients post-CXL.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study of 24 eyes with keratoconus undergoing epithelium-off CXL.
• Evaluation of tear film osmolarity, Ocular Surface Disease Index, tear breakup time, Schirmer test score, tear clearance, and staining.
• Measurements taken preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months post-CXL.

Main Results:

• All measured tear film variables remained stable 1 year after CXL.
• Significant correlations were observed between Schirmer test scores and tear clearance, and between osmolarity and Schirmer test scores.
• No correlation was found between the Ocular Surface Disease Index and other objective tear film parameters.

Conclusions:

• Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) does not alter tear film function parameters within the first postoperative year.
• Objective and subjective tear film assessments showed no significant correlation post-CXL.
• CXL appears safe concerning tear film stability in the initial postoperative period.