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Updated: Jul 19, 2025

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Three Different Protocols of Corneal Collagen Crosslinking in Keratoconus: Conventional, Accelerated and Iontophoresis
Published on: November 12, 2015
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A Case Series of Infectious Keratitis After Corneal Cross-linking
Journal of Refractive Surgery (Thorofare, N.J. : 1995)
|August 14, 2023
Summary
Infectious keratitis after corneal cross-linking (CXL) is rare (0.12% incidence). Risk factors include dry eye and blepharitis. Early intervention and patient education are crucial for preventing vision loss.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Corneal cross-linking (CXL) is a standard treatment for progressive keratoconus.
- Infectious keratitis is a potential complication following CXL procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and risk factors of infectious keratitis after standard corneal cross-linking (CXL).
- To analyze the 7-year experience of a tertiary eye hospital regarding CXL complications.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing standard CXL.
- Inclusion of patients with progressive keratoconus and those diagnosed with infectious keratitis post-CXL from multiple facilities.
Main Results:
- An incidence rate of 0.12% for infectious keratitis was observed among 4,863 CXL procedures.
- Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen; dry eye, blepharitis, and meibomian gland dysfunction were prevalent comorbidities.
- Five patients required keratoplasty due to disease progression despite medical treatment.
Conclusions:
- Comprehensive patient selection, including thorough medical history, is essential.
- Rigorous patient education and close follow-up, especially in the first postoperative week, are critical.
- Aggressive early treatment for suspicious findings can improve outcomes.

