Posters

Corneal collagen cross-linking for post-LASIK Ectasia: an Australian study

Poster Details

First Author: J. Tong AUSTRALIA

Co Author(s):    J. Males   D. Viswanathan                 

Abstract Details

Purpose:

Post laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) ectasia is a rare and unpredictable complication that can occur up to several years following LASIK. In recent times, corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) has emerged as a promising technique to address post-LASIK ectasia. This study evaluates an Australian experience with CXL for the treatment of post-LASIK ectasia and its long-term efficacy.

Setting:

Patients were referred to two corneal refractive surgery institutions in Sydney, Australia.

Methods:

Retrospective review of post-LASIK ectasia eyes treated with CXL. Ten patients (14 eyes; mean age 38.1 ± 12.0 years) underwent epithelium-off CXL with follow-up ranging from 6-78 months. Corneal topographic abnormalities and higher-order aberrations were measured with a rotating Scheimpflug camera (Pentacam, Oculus). Comparisons across time-points were made using paired t-tests and linear trend analysis. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity improved significantly by 0.23 ± 0.21 logMAR at last follow-up (p=0.006). Maximum keratometry decreased by 0.48 ± 1.30 dioptres over time (p=0.3), indicating flattening of the corneal curvature. All corneal topographic indices demonstrated a shift towards normality, of which index of vertical asymmetry had the greatest improvement. Mean preoperative vertical coma was skewed in a negative direction, but this parameter normalised following CXL treatment. Central corneal thickness was not significantly altered (p=0.6). No postoperative complications were observed.

Conclusions:

In the Australian setting, CXL is a safe and effective treatment method for reversing the progression of post-LASIK ectasia, inducing central corneal regularity and improving visual acuity.

Financial Disclosure:

NONE