Complication rate after corneal cross-linking

Session Details

Session Title: Cross-Linking II

Session Date/Time: Tuesday 16/09/2014 | 16:30-18:00

Paper Time: 16:30

Venue: Boulevard A

First Author: : G.Steinwender AUSTRIA

Co Author(s): :    V. Thaler   N. Ardjomand           

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To evaluate the complication rate of corneal crosslinking (CXL) for treatment of primary keratectasia.

Setting:

Medical University of Graz, Austria

Methods:

The outcome of patients who underwent standard CXL for treatment of verified progressive keratectasia between 2008 and 2014 was retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative and postoperative examinations included corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), slit lamp evaluation and Scheimpflug imaging (Pentacam).

Results:

124 eyes of 97 patients were evaluated; the mean follow-up time was 12,0 ±13,0 month. The incidence rates of the observed complications were: transient stromal haze in 26.6%, sterile infiltrates in 1.6%, infectious keratitis in 1.6% and crystalline keratopathy in 0.8%. Two out of the three severe complications (eyes losing 1 or more Snellen lines) occurred in patients under 16 years of age. The failure rate of CXL (percentage of eyes with continued progression) was 0.8%.

Conclusions:

Severe complications after CXL for primary keratectasia are rare. Since the risk for severe complications seems to be higher in young patients, we suggest a postoperative monitoring on a daily basis in adolescents.

Financial Interest:

NONE