Visual Recovery with Cryopreserved Amniotic Membrane After Epi-Off Corneal Cross-Linking in Keratoconus Patients: A...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Regenerative Medicine
• Corneal Surgery

Background:

• Progressive keratoconus is a debilitating corneal disease.
• Collagen cross-linking (CXL) is a standard treatment for progressive keratoconus.
• Optimizing post-CXL recovery and visual outcomes remains an area of interest.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of cryopreserved amniotic membrane (AM) in enhancing recovery after epi-off collagen cross-linking (CXL) for progressive keratoconus.
• To compare visual acuity, keratometry, re-epithelialization, and complication rates between AM and bandage contact lens (BCL) groups post-CXL.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective, single-centre, non-randomized comparative study.
• Inclusion of consecutive patients with progressive keratoconus undergoing epi-off CXL.
• Comparison of outcomes between patients treated with cryopreserved AM (Prokera Slim) versus BCL.

Main Results:

• Significantly greater proportion of eyes in the AM group returned to baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 6 months (85.7% vs 64.9%).
• BCVA logMAR was significantly better in the AM group at 6 months (0.19 vs 0.31).
• Comparable changes in maximum keratometry (Kmax) and re-epithelialization rates at 1 week; no post-operative complications in the AM group versus three in the BCL group.

Conclusions:

• Cryopreserved amniotic membrane (AM) application following epi-off CXL appears to improve BCVA and reduce complications compared to BCL.
• AM treatment shows promise for enhanced post-surgical recovery in keratoconus patients.
• Prospective, randomized controlled trials are recommended to validate these findings.