Persistent Corneal Edema After Collagen Cross-Linking for Keratoconus

Abstract

Sharma and associates recently published an interesting retrospective case series of patients who manifested persistent corneal edema after collagen cross-linking (CXL) for keratoconus. 1 Sharma A. Nottage J.M. Mirchia K. Sharma R. Mohan K. Nirankari V.S. Persistent corneal edema after collagen cross-linking for keratoconus. Am J Ophthalmol. 2012; 154: 922-926 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (85) Google Scholar The authors analyzed the clinical data of 350 patients with keratoconus who underwent CXL and identified 10 patients with postoperative corneal edema (2.9%). Corneal edema improved in 4 and resolved in 1 patient, whereas 5 patients underwent penetrating keratoplasty for visual restoration. Based on these findings, the authors underscore the potential risk for endothelial damage and consequent corneal edema after CXL, although they recognize that CXL is a procedure demonstrating a strong overall safety profile. Persistent Corneal Edema after Collagen Cross-Linking for KeratoconusAmerican Journal of OphthalmologyVol. 154Issue 6PreviewTo present a new complication of persistent corneal edema after collagen cross-linking (CXL) in keratoconus patients. Full-Text PDF ReplyAmerican Journal of OphthalmologyVol. 155Issue 3PreviewWe thank Gatzioufas and associates for their interested in our case series of persistent corneal edema after collagen cross-linking for keratoconus and for initiating a discussion of the various methods to prevent this condition in the future.1 Gatzioufas et al proposed various causes for the persistent corneal edema after CXL treatment with epithelium off, including corneal dehydration during the ultraviolet A exposure, imprecise estimation of preoperative and intraoperative corneal pachymetry, and poor calibration of equipment. Full-Text PDF