EFFICACY OF TRANSEPITHELIAL ACCELERATED COLLAGEN CROSS LINKING IN STOPPING THE PROGRESSION OF KERATOCONUS

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Diseases
• Surgical Procedures

Background:

• Keratoconus is a progressive corneal ectasia causing visual impairment, often affecting young individuals and linked to vernal keratoconjunctivitis.
• Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) is the standard treatment to halt keratoconus progression.
• Standard CXL protocols can be associated with complications and longer treatment times.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of trans-epithelial accelerated corneal cross-linking (TE-aCXL) in halting keratoconus progression.
• To assess TE-aCXL as a quicker and safer alternative to standard CXL.
• To investigate potential improvements in visual acuity and corneal parameters post-TE-aCXL.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 36 patients with keratoconus was conducted from November 2022 to October 2023.
• Non-probability consecutive convenience sampling was employed.
• Trans-epithelial accelerated corneal cross-linking was performed, with outcomes assessed at a 6-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• At 6 months post-TE-aCXL, 94.44% of patients showed no progression of keratoconus.
• Visual acuity improved in 44.44% of treated patients.
• Positive correlations were observed between pre- and post-treatment visual acuity, keratometry, and pachymetry.

Conclusions:

• Trans-epithelial accelerated corneal cross-linking is a safe and efficient procedure for managing keratoconus progression.
• TE-aCXL offers a reduced risk of morbidity and complications compared to standard CXL.
• This accelerated protocol presents a viable option for timely keratoconus intervention.