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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2015 Jul-Sep;22(3):340-5.
doi: 10.4103/0974-9233.159755.

Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking in the Treatment of Progressive Keratoconus: A Randomized Controlled Contralateral Eye Study

Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking in the Treatment of Progressive Keratoconus: A Randomized Controlled Contralateral Eye Study

Mohammad A Seyedian et al. Middle East Afr J Ophthalmol. 2015 Jul-Sep.

Abstract

Background: To assess the short-term efficacy and safety of corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) in preventing the progression of keratoconus (KCN).

Materials and methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial enrolled 26 patients diagnosed with bilateral progressive KCN and were eligible for CXL. In each patient, one eye was randomly selected for treatment, and the contralateral eye served as the control. The patients underwent CXL with riboflavin drops and ultraviolet radiation in the treated eye. One year follow-up data are presented. Postoperatively, patients were assessed for progression of KCN, visual changes, and other findings. The main outcome measures were maximum simulated keratometry (K-max), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), and average simulated keratometry. P <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results: In the treated eyes, the mean K-max values decreased by 0.22 D at 1-year postoperatively and increased by 0.41 D in the control group. This difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). BSCVA improved slightly (a decrease of 0.13 LogMAR) and decreased slightly in the control group (a 0.01 LogMAR increase). The difference between groups was statistically significant (P = 0.014). There was no decrease in visual acuity attributable to complications of CXL in the treated eyes. At 1-year, the keratometry in 3 (12%) treated eyes increased by more than 0.50 D and were considered cases of failed treatment.

Conclusion: Preliminary and 1-year results indicate CXL can halt the progression of KCN in most cases without causing serious complications.

Keywords: Collagen Cross-Linking; Keratoconus; Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Comparison of changes in maximum keratometry readings over time in the two groups
Figure 2
Figure 2
Changes in maximum keratometry in the two groups after 1-year
Figure 3
Figure 3
Changes in average keratometry readings in the two groups over time
Figure 4
Figure 4
Comparison of spherical equivalent values in the two groups over time

References

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