Open AccessCorneal Cross-linking can halt the Progression of Keratoconus, but what is the Best Approach to Treatment?
Author(s) -
Frederik Raiskup,
Mark Hillen
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
international journal of keratoconus and ectatic corneal diseases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2277-4203
pISSN - 2277-3800
DOI - 10.5005/jp-journals-10025-1097
Subject(s) - keratoconus , corneal collagen cross linking , ultraviolet a , stroma , ophthalmology , cornea , riboflavin , corneal epithelium , medicine , chemistry , dermatology , immunohistochemistry , biochemistry
There are a number of treatment options for keratoconus, but only corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) appears to halt the progression of the disease. To guarantee effective cross-linking, CXL treatment involves removal of the corneal epithelium prior to riboflavin application and ultraviolet light illumination to ensure that riboflavin reaches the collagen in the stroma—epithelial-on cross-linking (‘Epi-off’ CXL). Several methods of ‘Epi-on’ (transepithelial) CXL have been proposed, as keeping the corneal epithelium intact should be less painful and help avoid other CXL-associated adverse events. The evidence to date is that Epi-off CXL remains the most effective method of strengthening the cornea and slowing keratoconus progression—but transepithelial methods are gaining ground. How to cite this article Raiskup F, Hillen M. Corneal Crosslinking can halt the Progression of Keratoconus, but what is the Best Approach to Treatment? Int J Kerat Ect Cor Dis 2015; 4(2):47-51.