Recovery of corneal sensitivity after epi-off and epi-on collagen cross-linking in keratoconus

Session Details

Session Title: Cross-Linking II

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

Paper Time: 16:58

Venue: Boulevard A

First Author: : L.Spadea ITALY

Co Author(s): :    S. Salvatore   E. Vingolo           

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To evaluate the changes in corneal sensitivity after corneal cross-linking (CXL) with de-epithelialization (Epi-off) and without de-epithelialization (Epi-on) in patients with keratoconus.

Setting:

To evaluate the changes in corneal sensitivity after corneal cross-linking (CXL) with de-epithelialization (Epi-off) and without de-epithelialization (Epi-on) in patients with keratoconus.

Methods:

Fifty patients with progressive keratoconus (50 eyes) underwent CXL. On the basis of the corneal pachymetry at the area of topographic steepening the eyes were divided in 2 groups: more than 400 m Epi-off group (25 eyes) and less than 400 m Epi-on group (25 eyes). Corneal sensitivity was measured with a Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer before treatment and 1 and 7 days and 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after treatment.

Results:

In Epi-off group corneal sensitivity was significantly reduced up to 3 months after CXL, and gradually recovered to normal levels. In Epi-on group corneal sensitivity was significantly decreased up to 7 days but was not significantly different from pre-operative values at other measurement times. Corneal sensitivity at 7 days after Epi-off CXL treatment was significantly lower than that observed after Epi-on CXL treatment.

Conclusions:

Both Epi-off and Epi-on CXL in keratoconus only transiently affects corneal innervation and sensitivity with a complete recovery during the follow-up. The corneal hypoesthesia was more pronounced in Epi-off technique and the recovery time was faster in Epi-on CXL.

Financial Interest:

NONE