Cornea Collagen Cross-linking for Keratoconus: A Comparison between Accelerated and Conventional Methods.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Surgery
• Vision Science

Background:

• Keratoconus is a progressive corneal disorder causing thinning and a conical shape.
• Collagen cross-linking (CXL) is an effective intervention for progressive keratoconus.
• Accelerated CXL reduces treatment time by decreasing ultraviolet irradiation exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare visual acuity, keratometry, and topographic criteria after conventional and accelerated CXL.
• To evaluate the efficacy of a 5-minute accelerated CXL protocol versus a 30-minute conventional protocol.
• To assess outcomes at a six-month follow-up period.

Main Methods:

• A prospective interventional study involving 40 patients with keratoconus.
• Patients were randomly assigned to either accelerated (5 min) or conventional (30 min) CXL groups.
• Visual acuity, keratometry, and topographic criteria were measured preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in visual acuity, keratometry, or topographic criteria were observed between the groups before intervention.
• Post-intervention, both accelerated and conventional CXL groups showed no significant differences in visual acuity, keratometry, refractive, or topographic criteria.
• The mean age of patients in the accelerated group was 22.10 years, and in the conventional group was 22.80 years.

Conclusions:

• Topographic criteria and keratometry improvements are equivalent between accelerated and conventional CXL protocols.
• Accelerated CXL is a safe and effective alternative for managing progressive keratoconus.
• The reduced treatment time of accelerated CXL does not compromise clinical outcomes.