Posters

Comparison of accelerated cross-linking results performed with isotonic riboflavin solution with or without dextran in 6 months of follow-up

Poster Details

First Author: A. Kırgız TURKEY

Co Author(s):                        

Abstract Details

Purpose:

Corneal crosslinking (CXL) is a conservative treatment method in progressive keratoconus that increases the mechanical and biochemical strength of the cornea. In this treatment, using ultraviolet A (UV-A) and a photosensitizer (riboflavin), chemical covalent bond formation and bridging between collagen fibrils are induced. There are different forms of riboflavin available in market for epi-off CXL procedure. In this study, we aimed to compare the visual acuity, topographic and the biomicroscopic features in patients who had accelerated CXL by using riboflavin with or without dextran.

Setting:

Department of Opthalmology, Bagcilar Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey

Methods:

In this retrospective study, 62 eyes of 62 patients with progressive keratoconus were included. Accelerated CXL has been performed to all patients. Riboflavin with dextran (0.1% Riboflavin, 20% dextran) (n: 33) or Riboflavin without dextran (0.1 % Riboflavin, 1.1 % HPMC) (n: 29) were used as photosensitizer in CXL procedure. Visual acuity, topographic measurements and biomicroscopic features were compared between 2 groups.

Results:

Although BCVA and UCVA were both better in dextran free riboflavin group at 6th month of follow-up, the differences between 2 groups were not statistically significant. In in-group analysis; the maximum keratometry values and the thinnest point of the cornea significantly reduced in both groups on the 6th month of follow-up as well as the volume of the cornea, but there was not any statistically significant difference between groups regarding any of the topographic findings. The biomicroscopic findings were also very similar in first and sixth months of follow-up in both groups. Ring like haze was the most common finding in 1st month of follow up that disappeared in the 6th month in all cases.

Conclusions:

Accelerated CXL is an effective treatment method in keratoconus. In our study, we did not determine any differences regarding to the topographic features especially corneal thickness, corneal volume and the complication rate in 6 months of follow-up period between 2 riboflavin groups with or without dextran as different from expected. The procedure performed by using riboflavin with or without dextran as photosensitizer represents similar affects in corneal parameters during the 6 months of follow-up period. Larger studies with longer follow-up periods are warranted to define the differences and similarities of these two treatment methods.

Financial Disclosure:

NONE