Ten years experience of corneal collagen cross-linking

Abstract

Purpose To study the effect of corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) using riboflavin and ultraviolet rays on cases of corneal ectasia in keratoconus cases, post-laser–assisted in situ keratomileusis ectasia, and pellucid marginal degeneration and to present its long-term results over many years. Methods This study was conducted throughout 10 “years” experience in corneal collagen CXL, including 6120 cases. The study consists of two parts: a retrospective and a prospective part. All patients in the retrospective part were operated by epi-off, while in the prospective part, the epi-on procedure was used. Also, other machines were used as Peschke Vario, Peschke Phoenix, and different types of riboflavin. The results were analyzed using SPSS. Results The study showed stabilization ectasia in 95% of cases using our standard protocol, and this was proved by topography, pachymetry, refraction, and visual acuity. The effect of CXL was continued in 20% of cases, over a period of 3–5 years, some cases needed to repeat CXL due to the progression of corneal ectasia after cross-linking, in six eyes, that were rubbing their eyes and/or hormonal disturbance. Conclusion Corneal collagen cross-linking CXL is an effective method to prevent the progression of corneal ectasia, whether primary or post-laser–assisted in situ keratomileusis, and the effect was stable over the years of study.