Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2025
07:29
Three Different Protocols of Corneal Collagen Crosslinking in Keratoconus: Conventional, Accelerated and Iontophoresis
Published on: November 12, 2015
20.0K
Prospective Observational Study Evaluating Systemic Hormones and Corneal Crosslinking Effects in Keratoconus
Lyly Van1, Sashia Bennett2, Sarah E Nicholas3,4
1Department of Ophthalmology, Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Ophthalmology Science
|October 23, 2023
Summary
Estriol levels, a type of estrogen, correlate with corneal curvature in keratoconus patients before crosslinking (CXL). Hormone levels did not show association with corneal changes after CXL treatment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Endocrinology
- Corneal Science
Background:
- Keratoconus (KC) is a progressive eye condition affecting corneal shape and thickness.
- Corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) is a treatment to halt KC progression.
- Systemic hormone levels may influence corneal health, but their role in KC and response to CXL is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between plasma hormone levels (androgens and estrogens) and corneal parameters (curvature and thickness) in patients with KC.
- To assess these associations before and after undergoing CXL.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, observational cohort study involving 28 KC patients undergoing CXL.
- Plasma levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), estrone, and estriol were measured.
- Corneal parameters, including maximum curvature (Kmax) and minimum central thickness (Cctmin), were assessed before and 2-3 months after CXL, comparing treated eyes to control eyes.
Main Results:
- CXL treatment resulted in a statistically significant reduction in Kmax (2%) post-procedure.
- Estriol levels showed a significant positive correlation with Kmax before CXL (r=0.55, P=0.01).
- No significant associations were found between post-CXL corneal parameters (Kmax, Cctmin) and the measured hormone levels (DHEA-S, estrone, estriol).
Conclusions:
- Systemic estrogen levels, particularly estriol, may influence corneal curvature in KC patients prior to CXL.
- Further research is needed to explore the interaction between CXL's therapeutic effects and systemic hormone profiles.
- Investigating potential alterations in endocrine function due to changes in the corneal microenvironment post-CXL is warranted.
