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Combined application of prophylactic corneal cross‐linking and laser in‐situ keratomileusis – a review of literature
Author(s) -
Chan Tommy C. Y.,
Ng Alex L. K.,
Chan Karen K. W.,
Cheng George P. M.,
Wong Ian Y. H.,
Jhanji Vishal
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.534
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1755-3768
pISSN - 1755-375X
DOI - 10.1111/aos.13324
Subject(s) - keratomileusis , lasik , keratoconus , cornea , medicine , refractive surgery , ophthalmology , photorefractive keratectomy , optometry , surgery
Laser in‐situ keratomileusis ( LASIK ) is safe and effective laser refractive procedures in treating refractive errors. However, regression of treatment and iatrogenic keratectasia remain to be a major concern, especially in treating thin cornea with high ametropia. Collagen cross‐linking ( CXL ) is an effective method in stopping keratoconus progression through increasing the biomechanical strength of the cornea. Adjuvant cross‐linking to refractive procedures can theoretically help prevent regression and reduce the risk of keratectasia development by increasing the mechanical stability of cornea. During the procedure, riboflavin is directly applied to the corneal stroma, thereby reducing the need of de‐epithelialization as in the conventional protocol for keratoconus. Currently, there is still no consensus regarding the indication of CXL during refractive procedure, nor any standardized treatment protocol. This article aims to summarize the current evidence regarding the use of adjuvant CXL in LASIK .