First experience with corneal collagen UV cross‐linking treatment in keratoconus patients

Abstract Purpose: Corneal collagen cross‐linking by UVA/riboflavin represents a new method for the treatment of progressive keratoconus. Methods: In the presentation we will present our first 10 cases of keratoconic eyes (maximum K value, 45‐51 diopters) with the follow up time from 4 to 7 months. A complete ophthalmologic examination with uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were performed. Listed examinations were performed before surgery and at 1,2,3 and 7 months after surgery: corneal computerized topographic examination, pentacam examination, endothelial cell count and intraocular pressure (IOP) evaluation. Results: Comparative preoperative and postoperative results showed increases of 1.4 lines for UCVA (P = .000021) and 1.66 lines for BCVA (P = .00051). Topographic analysis showed a mean K reduction of 1.9 +/‐ 0.15 diopters (D) in the central 3.0 mm. Statistical analysis of IOP, corneal thicknes and endothelial cell count did not show significant differences. Corneal and lens transparency remained unchanged. Topographic analysis findings of corneal symmetry showed a trend toward increasing corneal symmetry with a major reduction in asymmetry between vertical hemimeridians. Conclusions: Refractive results showed a reduction of about 1.5 D in the mean spherical equivalent, topographically confirmed by the reduction in mean K. Results of surface topographic analysis showed improvement in morphologic symmetry. Long‐term results are necessary to evaluate the duration of the stiffening effect and to exclude long term side‐effects.