Safety and efficacy of a combined treatment with corneal collagen cross-linking and lamellar keratoplasty in patients with keratitis

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: There is a link between an increase in eye infections, environmental deterioration, increased intensity of eye surgery, and the diversification of diagnostic techniques and the development of corneal disease and eye injuries. This study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of a complex treatment for corneal ulcers (keratitis) that combines corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) with lamellar keratoplasty (LK). Materials and Methods: This study consisted of 28 eyes from 28 patients with keratitis. All patients were divided into the main and control groups; each group had 14 patients (14 eyes). All patients underwent a standard ophthalmological examination, which included visometry without correction, with correction, tonometry, biomicroscopy, and ophthalmoscopy. Results: High postoperative astigmatism was found in 50% of cases (7 eyes) of the control group and in 21.4% of cases (3 eyes) of the main group over the 1-6 months follow-up period. Both groups visual acuity development dynamics were very similar from the three-month to three-year follow-up period, and the average visual acuity with maximal correction was between 0.4 - 0.5. Conclusion: Ultraviolet radiation exposure during CXL increases the graft's strength, the recipient's corneal tissue in the suture area, and the pathological flora's direct bactericidal and virucidal effects, reducing infectious process recurrences.