Corneal densitometry changes post-CXL for keratoconus: Comparative evaluation of epithelium-off, contact lens-assisted, and transepithelial techniques
Purpose: To evaluate changes in corneal backscattering after collagen cross-linking (CXL) for progressive keratoconus and compare its course with different techniques – standard epithelium-off CXL (SCXL), contact lens-assisted CXL (CACXL), and transepithelial CXL (TECXL). Setting: Advanced Eye Cente...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Indian Journal of Ophthalmology |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/IJO.IJO_485_24 |
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| Summary: | Purpose:
To evaluate changes in corneal backscattering after collagen cross-linking (CXL) for progressive keratoconus and compare its course with different techniques – standard epithelium-off CXL (SCXL), contact lens-assisted CXL (CACXL), and transepithelial CXL (TECXL).
Setting:
Advanced Eye Center, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
Design:
Retrospective comparative study.
Methods:
Ninety-four eyes (SCXL: 47, CACXL: 30, and TECXL: 17) were compared. Corneal haze was quantified using Scheimpflug tomography, pre- and post-CXL at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months.
Results:
The baseline mean density score of the central anterior stromal layer was 16.14 ± 7.07, 15.85 ± 7.89 and 15.89 ± 7.21 in SCXL, CACXL, and TECXL groups, respectively (P 0.93). After SCXL, the score increased to 28.83 and 31.34 at 1 and 3 months, respectively (both P < 0.001) and dropped at 6 months (28.66, P < 0.001) and 12 months (23.72, P 0.003). Post-CACXL, the mean densitometry peaked at 3 months (20.35, P 0.14) and returned toward baseline at 6 months (18.82, P 0.15). After TECXL, it increased slightly at 1 month (18.47, P 0.17), decreased at 3 months (14.88, P 0.7), and plateaued over 1 year. No correlation with visual acuity was seen.
Conclusion:
Corneal haze increased significantly after SCXL, peaking at 3 months, declining over 6–12 months, and returning to baseline at 12 months. In contrast, post-TECXL and -CACXL, there was an insignificant increase in anterior corneal haze, which returned to baseline within 3–6 months. |
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| ISSN: | 0301-4738 1998-3689 |