Posters

Changes of corneal parameters in patients with keratoconus undergoing corneal cross-linking

Poster Details

First Author: I.Krolo CROATIA

Co Author(s):    D. Šarić   M. Belovari Višnjić   R. Tadić   M. Malenica Ravlić   Z. Mandić  

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To report decrease of corneal thickness and keratometry values after corneal cross linking procedure in patients with keratoconus.

Setting:

University Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Center 'Sestre milosrdnice', Zagreb, Croatia.

Methods:

Fifteen patients (16 eyes; 3 female, 12 male; age 12-49 years) with progessive keratoconus were consecutively scheduled for corneal cross linking (CXL) between January 2012 and June 2013. Changes in keratometry values (K1 and K2) as well as thinnest corneal location in micrometers before and after the procedure were analyzed. Changes in refraction and visual performance are also given. Riboflavin-ultraviolet A (UVA)-induced CXL included the instillation of 0.1% riboflavin drops for 30 minutes followed by riboflavin instillation combined with UVA irradiation for another 30 minutes. Corneal thickness was measured preoperatively, and after 1 and 6 months in all patients and in 12 months postoperatively in 6 patients using OCULUS-Pentacam®.

Results:

One month after the procedure, the corneal thickness was lower than the preoperative thickness (from 481,5±83,5 µm to 461,5±68,5 µm in their thinnest location), but after 6 months, most of the corneas started regaining their original thicknesses (467±67 µm). There was a reduction of a mean keratometry readings (K1 from 48,55±5,85 D to 46,1±6,9 D and K2 from 50,2±8,7D to 49,55±8,35 D), comparing the preoperative results to the ones 1 month after surgery. Readings are still showing decrease in keratometry values even one year after the procedure. The UCVA (uncorrected visual acuity) and BSCVA (best spectacle-corrected visual acuity) were improved 6 months after CXL.

Conclusions:

Corneal thickness decreases significantly one month after CXL but reestablishes its preoperative thickness after 6 months period. Keratometry findings are showing a reduction of values one month after the procedure and maintaining stability even one year after. Visual performance is improved 6 months after CXL. FINANCIAL INTEREST: NONE