Individualized topography-guided cross-linking for keratoconus – comparison of epi-on/high oxygen to epi-off room air protocols

Session Details

Session Title: Cornea & Miscellaneous
Session Date/Time: Saturday 22/02/2020 | 08:30-11:10
Paper Time: 09:13
Venue: Auditorium des Ministres.

First Author: A.Behndig SWEDEN
Co Author(s): S. Näslund                 

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To compare the efficacy, safety and healing phase of two different Customized Remodeled Vision (CuRV) crosslinking protocols for keratoconus.

Setting:

Department of Clinical Sciences/Ophthalmology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.

Methods:

This ongoing study so far includes 15 patients with bilateral progressive keratoconus treated with bilateral CuRV; one eye with a high-oxygen epi-on protocol, the other eye with an epi-off protocol in room air, which was randomized. Uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected visual acuities (CDVA), low-contrast visual acuities, refractive spherical equivalents (SE), endothelial cell count (ECC) and adverse events were analyzed pre- and post treatment. The discomfort symptoms during the healing phase for each eye was registered during the first week post treatment.

Results:

In both protocols, improved UDVA was seen at 3 months (p<0.01). Improved low-contrast visual acuities was seen with the high-oxygen epi-on protocol (p<0.05), but not with the epi-off protocol. The high-oxygen epi-on treated eyes had significantly less pain and light sensitivity during the first week post treatment. The ECC and CDVA remained unchanged. No adverse events occurred.

Conclusions:

Our preliminary results indicate that the novel high-oxygen epi-on treatment protocol may be a promising alternative to epi-off CuRV. Inclusion of more patients and a longer follow up will show if this preliminary impression can be confirmed.

Financial Disclosure: