Accelerated versus conventional corneal collagen crosslinking.

PURPOSE

To compare the outcomes of accelerated corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) and conventional corneal CXL.

SETTINGS

Private practice, Tokyo, Japan.

DESIGN

Comparative study.

METHODS

Eyes with keratoconus had accelerated CXL (KXL system; 15 minutes riboflavin [Vibex Rapid] presoak; 3 minutes 30 mW/cm(2) ultraviolet-A [UVA] light) or conventional CXL (CCL-365 Vario system; 30 minutes riboflavin [Vibex] presoak; 30 minutes 3 mW/cm(2) UVA light). The postoperative changes in visual acuity, keratometry readings, morphologic changes in the cornea, demarcation line existence, and corneal biomechanical responses with accelerated CXL and conventional CXL were compared. The follow-up was 1 year.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 48 eyes of 39 patients; 30 eyes had accelerated CXL, and 18 eyes had conventional CXL. There were no statistically significant differences in postoperative changes in uncorrected or corrected distance visual acuity or in the manifest refraction spherical equivalent between the 2 procedures. There were also no statistically significant differences in the postoperative changes in the keratometric readings from the Pentacam Scheimpflug device or the corneal biomechanical responses from a dynamic bidirectional applanation device (Ocular Response Analyzer) or a dynamic Scheimpflug analyzer (Corvis ST) between the procedures. Similar morphologic changes and a pronounced demarcation line were apparent in eyes in both groups postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Accelerated CXL and conventional CXL were both safe and effective. Accelerated CXL, being a fast procedure, appears to be more beneficial for patients and surgeons.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.