Basic assessment of corneal collagen cross-linking in Sudanese sample

Abstract

Background: Collagen Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL) is a surgical technique that combines ultraviolet light and riboflavin eye drops as a one of the modern therapies for keratoconus. Objectives: This retrospective study aimed to assess the visual outcome, corneal curvature, corneal thickness, and refractive status after CXL. Methods: The records of 25 patients did CXL during May 2012 to May 2014 at Makkah Eye Hospital were reviewed. The recorded data included uncorrected and best-corrected visual acuity (Nidek Chart Projector CP 670 Japan), central corneal thickness and average K-readings (ATLAS 9000, Corneal Topography System, Germany), and refraction (Nidek Auto Refractometer, AR310A Japan); all these measurements were taken at baseline before CXL and after 1 year post-CXL. Results: The age range of this group was 12–26 years of whom 60% females and 40% males. A little improvement of vision was achieved from a presenting mean 6/30 to CXL mean 6/20 at P = 0.024. No significant difference was observed in corneal central thickness preoperative mean 447.72 ± 27.52 μm) and postoperative (mean 448.83 ± 22.35 μm). K-readings showed only limited changes in the form of astigmatism and not in the degree of astigmatic error (mean 2.80 ± 1.327 D) preoperative and (mean 3.08 ± 1.717 D) postoperative. A moderate spherical refractive error (noncorneal) was persisting (mean 2.79 ± 2.09 D preoperative and 2.66 ± 2.10 D postoperative). Conclusions: CXL assumes controlling of corneal ectasia and regarded as one of effective procedures in improving the vision, particularly when combined with optical correction.