Successful Regression in Patients with Progressive Keratoconus by Corneal Crosslinking

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Surgery
• Vision Science

Background:

• Corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) has been an established ophthalmological procedure for 20 years.
• Since 2019, CXL is covered by statutory health insurance in Germany for keratoconus treatment.
• Progressive keratoconus necessitates effective therapeutic interventions to prevent vision loss.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure the progression of keratoconus before and after corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL).
• To evaluate the impact of CXL on best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and keratometric values.
• To assess the long-term efficacy of CXL in managing progressive keratoconus.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 65 eyes from 53 patients with progressive keratoconus.
• Observation period of at least two years before and two years after CXL (October 2009 - March 2018).
• Measurement of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and keratometric values (Kmax) using Scheimpflug imaging.

Main Results:

• Preoperatively, BCVA significantly increased, while Kmax significantly increased and the thinnest corneal point significantly decreased.
• Postoperatively, BCVA significantly improved at 12 and 24 months compared to pre-CXL measurements.
• Kmax significantly reduced at 12 and 24 months post-CXL, and the thinnest corneal point also decreased significantly.

Conclusions:

• Corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) is a successful therapeutic procedure for progressive keratoconus.
• CXL demonstrates significant improvements in visual acuity and corneal topography.
• The findings support CXL as an effective treatment for stabilizing and improving keratoconus.