Corneal crosslinking: Current protocols and clinical approach

Members of the ASCRS Cornea Clinical Committee performed a review of the current literature on the corneal crosslinking (CXL) procedure for treating corneal ectasia. The members explored the data on the techniques currently in use and under investigation, including their advantages, safety profiles, risks, and cost analyses, compared with data on corneal transplantation. They concluded that CXL limits the progression of keratoconus, thus reducing the need for transplantation. They also found that compared with permitting the disease to progress naturally, CXL techniques carry significant and long-term cost and safety benefits, primarily by reducing the need for corneal transplantation. Studies of various CXL techniques (eg, epithelium-on treatment, changes in ultraviolet light parameters, riboflavin composition) continue with the ultimate goal of improving the procedure's safety and efficacy.