Effect of Epithelium-on Corneal CXL for Corneal Ectasia on Spectacle-Corrected Visual Acuity
Narrative Responses:
Purpose
To evaluate the effect of epithelium-on corneal collagen crosslinking on best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA).
Methods
This prospective, randomized trial includes subjects with corneal topographic evidence of corneal ectasia. Enrolled subjects are administered topical riboflavin until adequate corneal penetration is attained. The corneas are then exposed to a proprietary UV light source. Best spectacle corrected visual acuity preoperatively and postoperatively are measured.
Results
The results are of 26 eyes of 18 subjects treated. Twenty-three eyes had a diagnosis of keratoconus (1 had prior photorefractive keratotomy, one had prior penetrating keratoplasty), and three eyes had post-lasik ectasia. BSCVA was 20/40 or better in 81% of eyes preoperatively and in 96% at 1 and 3 months, and in 100% at 6 months postoperatively. Mean follow-up is currently 5.0 months (3 to 6 months). At last follow-up, 35% of eyes gained one or more lines or more of BSCVA (19% gained more than one line), and no eyes lost more than one line of BSCVA.
Conclusion
This study suggests that treatment with epithelium-on corneal collagen crosslinking for corneal ectasia can commonly improve best spectacle visual acuity in the short term.