Mean Maximum Keratometry Research Articles

Dramatic Reduction in Corneal Transplants for Keratoconus 15 Years After the Introduction of Corneal Collagen Crosslinking.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the implementation of corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) on the frequency of corneal transplants among patients with keratoconus (KC) in the same region. Before the introduction of CXL in 2007, 55 primary corneal transplants had been conducted in patients with KC (2005 and 2006) at the Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital, Norway. We collected data from our corneal transplant registry for 2021 and 2022. The primary outcome was the number of corneal transplants performed in patients with KC. Age, sex, visual acuity (logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution), KC stage according to the Amsler-Krumeich classification system, and steepest keratometry reading (maximum keratometry, Pentacam, HR) were recorded. Furthermore, we registered the annual number of CXL treatments conducted from 2007 to 2022. A total of 352 corneal transplants were performed in 2021 and 2022. Among them, 11 (3.1%) were transplants for patients with KC. All included patients were male; further, 90.1% and 9.1% of the patients were graded stages 4 and 3, respectively. The mean maximum keratometry was 79.0 diopter (range 61.0-109). The mean best-corrected visual acuity (logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution) was 1.3 (range 0.2-3.0). In 2021 to 2022, 431 CXL treatments were performed. There was a significant decrease in the number of corneal transplants performed in patients with KC 15 years after the introduction of CXL. This indicates that the availability of CXL treatment over many years may considerably reduce the need for keratoplasties in this group of patients.

Long-Term Outcomes After Corneal Cross-linking for Progressive Keratoconus and Corneal Ectasia: A 10-Year Follow-Up of the Pivotal Study.

To report on the topographic and visual outcomes 10 years after corneal cross-linking in patients with progressive keratoconus and corneal ectasia after refractive surgery. Cross-sectional cohort study of an original, prospective, randomized, clinical trial. Patients treated in a single center cornea and refractive surgery practice as part of the U.S. pivotal trials, which led to the Food and Drug Administration approval of corneal cross-linking, were recruited for a 10-year follow-up examination. LogMar lines (LL) of uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best spectacle--corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), maximum keratometry, and thinnest pachymetry were evaluated. In addition, the Belin ABCD progression display was used to determine progression (95% confidence interval) of the anterior curvature, posterior curvature, and corneal thickness of each individual eye included. Nineteen eyes of 13 patients treated with standard cross-linking returned for a 10-year follow-up examination. Mean maximum keratometry changed from 58.2±12.0 diopters (D) to 58.3±10.1 D, thinnest pachymetry changed from 440.6±51.6 µm to 442.3±54.4 μm, UCVA changed from 0.79±0.42 LL to 0.86±0.46 LL, and BSCVA changed from 0.38±0.26 LL to 0.33±0.34 LL, 10 years after cross-linking. Individually, 68.5% of the entire cohort, 81.8% of keratoconus eyes, and 50% of eyes with corneal ectasia remained topographically stable 10 years after standard cross-linking. In the entire cohort, visual acuity and topography remained stable 10 years after cross-linking. Over the long-term, eyes with keratoconus seem to be more stable than those with corneal ectasia.

Femtosecond laser-assisted Bowman layer transplantation for advanced keratoconus.

To assess the technical feasibility and outcomes of femtosecond laser-assisted Bowman layer transplantation (FLABOLT) in stabilizing progressive, advanced keratoconus, which is ineligible for corneal crosslinking. This single-center retrospective study included 50 eyes of 49 patients with progressive advanced keratoconus, ineligible for corneal crosslinking, that underwent FLABOLT with both the donor graft and recipient mid-stromal pocket using a femtosecond laser. The mean follow-up was 13.2 ± 4.9 months (range 7-35 months). Donor graft preparation and accurate dissection of the recipient mid-stromal pocket were successful in 96% and 100% of cases, respectively. The mean maximum keratometry decreased by 1.93 D at 6 months after surgery and there was no change in the mean preoperative best contact lens-corrected visual acuity (BCLVA). Three eyes developed hydrops postoperatively and recovered after clinical treatment. One eye that achieved useful BCLVA postoperatively, worsened 2 years after the surgery due to progressive corneal scarring and required corneal transplantation for visual rehabilitation. Preoperative corneal scarring was a risk factor for BCLVA loss. All other eyes remained stable (92%), and no other procedure was required until the last follow-up. In this series, FLABOLT was successfully performed as an alternative to stabilize advanced progressive keratoconus. This technique is highly reproducible for graft preparation and recipient pocket dissection when assisted by femtosecond laser. Despite promising initial results, more studies with longer follow-up periods are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of FLABOLT in stabilizing advanced progressive keratoconus.

Clinical Outcomes Comparison of Combined Small Incision Lenticule Extraction with Collagen Cross-Linking Versus Small Incision Lenticule Extraction Only.

Purpose To evaluate clinical outcome during 24 months follow-up between small incision lenticule extraction combined with cross-linking (SMILE Xtra) and small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) only. Setting. Ophthalmology Division of San Rossore Medical Center, Pisa, Italy. Design Retrospective comparative case series. Methods The study comprised 70 eyes (35 patients); 40 eyes were corrected using SMILE and 30 eyes were corrected using SMILE Xtra using a low energy protocol. The outcomes were compared at 1, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Results The mean spherical equivalent (SEQ) reduced from −7.18 ± 1.21 D to −0.01 ± 0.09 D in the SMILE group and from −6.20 ± 2.99 D to −0.04 ± 0.1 D postoperatively in SMILE Xtra (p < 0.05). At 24 months the mean SEQs were −0.01 ± 0.24 D for SMILE and −0.15 ± 0.33 D for SMILE Xtra (p > 0.05). At 1, 6, 12, and 24 months, there were no statistically significant differences between the SMILE and SMILE Xtra groups in logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), safety, and efficacy index (p > 0.05). The mean average keratometry (K-avg) at 1, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery did not shown any statistically significant difference between SMILE and SMILE Xtra group (p > 0.05). The mean maximum keratometry (K-max) readings at 1, 6, 12, and 24 months were not statistically significant between SMILE and SMILE Xtra group (p > 0.05). The preoperative mean thinnest point pachymetry (TTP) was 543.90 ± 22.85 μm in the SMILE group and 523.40 ± 37.01 μm in the SMILE Xtra group (p < 0.05). At 1, 6, 12, and 24 months the mean TTP was not statistically significant between the SMILE and SMILE Xtra groups (p > 0.05). At 24 months, the TTP was 408.29 ± 38.75 μm for the SMILE group and 402.22 ± 37 μm for the SMILE Xtra group (p > 0.05). In the preoperative period, the mean maximum posterior elevation (MPE) was 8.63 ± 4.35 μm for SMILE and 8.13 ± 2.54 μm for SMILE Xtra (p > 0.05). After the surgical procedure, both groups showed a statistically significant increase of the MPE (p < 0.05). At 24 months, the MPE was 11.00 ± 4.72 μm for SMILE Xtra and 10.14 ± 3.85 μm for the SMILE group (p > 0.05). In the preoperative period, the means of the root mean square (RMS) of high-order aberration (HOA) were 0.08 ± 0.03 μm for the SMILE group and 0.08 ± 0.03 μm for the SMILE Xtra group (p > 0.05). At 24 months, the RMS of HOA was 0.13 ± 0.07 μm for the SMILE group and 0.14 ± 0.07 μm for the SMILE Xtra group (p > 0.05). In the preoperative period, the root mean square of coma aberration (RMS-Coma) aberration was 0.06 ± 0.09 μm for the SMILE group and 0.04 ± 0.03 μm for the SMILE Xtra group (p > 0.05). At 24 months, the coma aberration of SMILE group was 0.12 ± 0.21 μm and 0.16 ± 0.25 μm for SMILE Xtra group (p > 0.05). Conclusions SMILE Xtra procedure is a safe and simple procedure that can be offered to patients with high corneal ectasia risk because there were no differences in the indices of ectasia compared to the group treated only with SMILE which has a low corneal ectatic risk.

Oxygen in Corneal Collagen Crosslinking to Treat Keratoconus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Keratoconus is a disorder that results in visual loss from increased corneal high-order aberrations and irregular astigmatism and reduces quality of life. The primary treatment for progressive keratoconus is crosslinking (CXL). Recently, it has been suggested that oxygen enhances the type II photodynamic reaction of CXL that is oxygen dependent. Our study investigated the effect of increased oxygen availability in epithelium-on CXL on visual acuity and corneal curvature. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus databases on November 3, 2021. We included studies that reported increased oxygen availability during CXL in patients with keratoconus published within the last 10 years. A meta-analysis on the primary outcomes, maximum keratometry, and corrected distance visual acuity, was conducted. The search yielded 108 publications which were screened and assessed for eligibility. Six studies were included in the systematic review and 5 studies were included in our meta-analysis of the outcomes of increased oxygen availability in accelerated CXL. The meta-analysis on data after 6 months of follow-up found a significant decrease in mean maximum keratometry of 1.2 diopter (95% confidence interval: 0.2-2.3; P =0.02) and an improvement in mean corrected distance visual acuity by 0.08 logMAR (95% confidence interval, 0.02-0.13; P =0.01). There were no serious adverse events reported. Increasing oxygen during epithelium-on CXL improved visual acuity and produced corneal flattening without any serious adverse events in patients with keratoconus. The demarcation line depth was significantly higher with oxygen compared to the control group. Further data are required with a control group and long-term follow-up across a range of CXL protocols for implementation into standard clinical practice.

Clinical Outcomes of Accelerated Corneal Cross-Linking for Pediatric Keratoconus.

Aim To assess the efficacy and safety of accelerated corneal cross-linking in the treatment of pediatric keratoconus. Method In this retrospective case series, 29 eyes of 20 pediatric patients with keratoconus underwent accelerated corneal cross-linking. Treatment was delivered at 10 mW/cm2 for 9 minutes with a total dose of 5.4 J/cm2. Clinical evaluation included visual acuities and refractive and Scheimpflug corneal tomography assessments. All patients with a minimum follow-up duration of 24 months were included in the study. Results Mean ± standard deviation age was 15.41 ± 2.13 years (range: 8 to 18 years). Uncorrected distance visual acuity improved significantly from 0.56 ± 0.28 to 0.42 ± 0.29 logMAR (P=0.0003), and corrected distance visual acuity improved significantly from 0.34 ± 0.23 to 0.28 ± 0.22 logMAR (P=0.014). The mean manifest refraction spherical equivalent value was significantly reduced (−0.59 ± 0.95 D, P=0.0024). While mean flat keratometry and steep keratometry values were not significantly altered (P > 0.05 for both), the mean maximum keratometry value was significantly decreased from 56.97 ± 5.24 D preoperatively to 55.84 ± 5.37 D at 24 months postoperatively (P=0.003). Maximum keratometry had progressed by >1 D in two eyes (6.89%). Permanent corneal haze was reported in one case (3.44%). Conclusion Our 24-month follow-up demonstrated that accelerated corneal cross-linking appears to halt the progression of keratoconus in pediatric patients without apparent complications. Uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuities were also improved.

Accelerated Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking in Pediatric Keratoconus.

Purpose:To evaluate the visual, refractive, and topographic outcomes of accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) in the pediatric age group.Methods:In this retrospective case series study, 89 eyes of 56 patients with progressive keratoconus (KCN) who were under or equal to 18 years old at the time of surgery were included. All patients underwent accelerated corneal CXL. A thorough baseline and follow-up ophthalmic examination including uncorrected distance visual acuity, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), slit-lamp and fundus examination, and corneal tomography by Scheimpflg camera Pentacam (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany) were performed.Results:The mean age of patients was 16.2 ± 1.8 years. Mean follow-up was 16.46 ± 11.6 months (range, 6–40 months). The mean BCVA improved significantly from 0.26 ± 0.26 to 0.16 ± 0.19 (logMAR) after accelerated CXL (P < 0.001). The mean corneal astigmatism based on refraction decreased from 3.69 ± 2.12 to 3.15 ± 1.86 after the intervention (P = 0.016). The mean maximum keratometry (Kmax) reduced significantly from 53.23 ± 6.07 diopter (D) to 52.23 ± 6.33 D (P = 0.047). The mean flat keratometry (K1) reduced from 46.37 ± 3.69 to 45.95 ± 3.65 after the intervention (P = 0.119).Conclusion:Our study shows that accelerated CXL increases visual acuity and stabilizes or improves keratometric indices in pediatric patients with progressive KCN without any serious complication for a mean follow-up time of 16 months.

Comparison of ocular discomfort after three different epithelial debridement techniques for corneal collagen cross-linking in keratoconus treatment.

Purpose:To compare the severity and duration of ocular discomfort after three different epithelial debridement techniques for corneal collagen cross-linking in the treatment of keratoconus.Methods:Fifty-five patients (65 eyes) known to have keratoconus were enrolled in this retrospective study. The eyes were divided into three groups based on the technique used for epithelial debridement for corneal collagen cross-linking procedure; excimer laser transepithelial phototherapeutic keratectomy was used in group 1 (18 eyes), alcohol-assisted epithelial removal was used in group 2 (27 eyes), and mechanical epithelial debridement was used in group 3 (20 eyes). Preoperative and postoperative (third month) best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) using Snellen chart, objective refraction, and keratometry results were recorded. The results of the questionnaire obtained from the patient’s medical records were reviewed regarding their subjective evaluation of postoperative symptoms including foreign body sensation, tearing, photophobia, and burning at the end of the first postoperative week. Paired-samples t test was used to compare preoperative and postoperative clinical findings. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the differences between three independent groups.Results:BCVA improved from 0.51 ± 0.27 to 0.58 ± 0.21 (p = 0.05). Objective mean spherical and cylindrical refraction decreased from −5.08 ± 2.78D to −4.46 ± 2.91D (p = 0.22) and from −3.45 ± 2.73D to −3.03 ± 1.97D (p = 0.25). Mean maximum keratometry reading (Kmax) decreased from 57.63 ± 4.73D to 56.13 ± 4.47D (p = 0.001). The mean score for foreign body sensation was the highest in group 3 (4.50 ± 0.53) and the lowest in group 1 (2.10 ± 1.85) (p = 0.01). The mean scores for tearing, photophobia, and burning sensation were comparable in three groups (p = 0.84, p = 0.13, and p = 0.61, respectively). The duration of photophobia was the shortest in group 1 (1.50 ± 2.37 days), followed by group 3 (2.00 ± 1.31 days) and group 2 (4.00 ± 1.83 days) (p = 0.04).Conclusions:The severity and duration of adverse subjective symptoms during the first postoperative week after corneal collagen cross-linking appear to be milder with epithelial debridement using excimer laser transepithelial technique compared with -assisted debridement and mechanical debridement.

Accelerated (45 mW/cm2) Transepithelial Corneal Cross-Linking for Progressive Keratoconus Patients: Long-Term Topographical and Clinical Outcomes.

Aims: We characterized long-term clinical outcomes of accelerated (45 mW/cm2) transepithelial corneal cross-linking (ATE-CXL) for the treatment of progressive keratoconus.Methods: Forty-two eyes from 37 patients treated for keratoconus were observed. ATE-CXL was performed using riboflavin and pulsed-light ultraviolet treatment (45 mW/cm2, 7.2 J/cm2). Structural and functional measurements were made after 1 week and 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 months subsequently. Corneal topographic parameters were observed using Scheimpflug topography (Pentacam software).Results: Surgery was uneventful in all subjects. Mean uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) (logMAR) were 0.99 ± 0.58 and 0.44 ± 0.27 (P = 0.022), 0.24 ± 0.29 and 0.27 ± 0.35 (P = 0.601), at baseline and last follow-up, respectively. The pre-operative mean maximum keratometry (Kmax) value was 57.29 ± 9.13 diopters (D), and the thinnest corneal thickness (TCT) was 456.21 ± 44.66 μm. Mean Kmax was 56.67 ± 9.36 D, 4 years post-operatively (P = 0.781). TCT changed to 453.17 ± 46.76 μm at 4 years post-operatively (P = 0.780). Multiple linear regression indicated that patients with thinner pre-operative TCT (≤ 450 μm) showed decreasing post-operative average keratometry (Kavg) and increasing post-operative TCT. Patients with posterior central elevation (PCE) >80 μm showed decreasing post-operative Kavg as well as post-operative PCE. No complications were observed during follow-up.Conclusion: Stabilization after ATE-CXL was achieved for the treatment of keratoconus. The clinical efficacy of ATE-CXL in advanced keratoconus patients with thin corneal thickness and greater PCE will require further investigation.

Efficacy of Standard and Accelerated (10 Minutes) Corneal Crosslinking in Keratoconus Stabilization.

PurposeTo evaluate whether Accelerated CXL for 10 minutes is as effective as standard CXL for 30 minutes for the treatment of progressive keratoconus.Patients and MethodsEighty-two eyes of 62 patients with keratometry examinations performed before and 6 months after surgery were studied. A total of 39 eyes underwent standard CXL with UVA irradiation of 3 mW/cm2 for 30 minutes and 32 eyes underwent Accelerated CXL UVA irradiation of 9 mW/cm2 for 10 minutes. The eyes of all patients had corneal thicknesses of at least 450 microns (400 microns after epithelium removal).ResultsThe means of the keratometry measurements in the preoperative period for the eyes subjected to standard CXL were 46.27 dioptres (D) on the flat axis (K1) and 48.93 D on the steep axis (K2). Postoperatively, K1 was 46.21 D and K2 was 48.97 D, a difference without statistical significance (p = 0.47 and p = 0.48, respectively). In the Accelerated CXL protocol, the preoperative measurements were 44.55 D and 46.19 D for K1 and K2, respectively. In the postoperative period, K1 was 43.37 D, and K2 was 46.64 D (p = 0.38 and p = 0.27, respectively). In the standard group, the mean maximum keratometry (Kmax) preoperatively was 55.87 D, with no statistical significance (p = 0.29). In the preoperative period, the Kmax of the Accelerated group was 51.15 D, with no statistical significance (p = 0.32).ConclusionBased on the keratometry results, the accelerated protocol was as effective as the standard protocol for keratoconus stabilization.

Extrusion of Femtosecond Laser-Implanted Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments in Keratoconic Eyes: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Clinical Outcomes.

Purpose To evaluate the prevalence, possible risk factors, and clinical results of femtosecond laser implanted intrastromal corneal ring segment (ICRS) extrusion in keratoconic eyes. Patients and Methods. This is a retrospective observational study evaluating 333 eyes of 269 patients who were subjected to femtosecond laser-implanted Keraring ICRS in the Sohag Refractive Center, Sohag, Egypt, from January 2014 to January 2019. The study included eyes with channels created by a femtosecond laser (60 kHz IntraLase femtosecond system; Advanced Medical Optics, Santa Ana, California, USA) with implantation of Keraring intrastromal corneal ring segments (Mediphacos, Belo Horizonte, Brazil). Patient data and causes of Keraring extrusions were identified as being those rings that migrated or showed melting of the cornea with no other reason which required segment removal. Results Seven eyes were found to fit the criteria of ring extrusion (2.1%) out of the 333 eyes which had Keraring implantation. All extruded rings were from patients with keratoconus grade 3, with eccentric cones, and with femtosecond creation of the tunnel. Four eyes belonging to 3 patients (57.1%) had a history of vernal Keratoconjunctivitis, yet they did not show signs of activity at the time of implantation. They reported excessive rubbing just before they presented with conjunctival hyperemia and foreign body sensation. Five eyes (71.4%) showed chronic sun exposure. The mean minimal corneal thickness was 401.85 μm (range 384–420 μm), while the mean maximum keratometry was 61 D (range 55.18–68.96 D). Most of the extruded rings had large arcs. Six eyes had crosslinking (CXL) at the same session of the Keraring implantation. The simultaneous CXL treatment is considered as a possible significant risk factor for ring extrusion. Conclusion ICRS is an effective reversible option for patients with keratoconus who are intolerant to hard contact lenses, yet the choice of cases and ring segments is mandatory for satisfactory results. Moreover, meticulous history taking and examination reduces the incidence of complications including extrusion.

Keratometry in children: Comparison between auto-refractokeratometer, rotating scheimpflug imaging, and biograph

PurposeTo determine the agreement and validity of keratometric measurements in children with the Nidek ARK-510A auto-refractokeratometer compared to rotating Scheimpflug imaging with Pentacam and biograph with Lenstar LS 900. MethodsThis study was conducted on 5620 schoolchildren aged 6–12 years in Shahroud, Iran. Minimum and maximum keratometry values and corneal astigmatism magnitude were compared by calculation of Paired difference, interclass correlation coefficient, and 95% limits of agreement (LoA) between devices. ResultsAfter applying the exclusion criteria, 4215 right eyes were enrolled into the study. Mean minimum keratometry with Nidek ARK-510A, Pentacam, and Lenstar was 43.13±1.51, 43.14±1.48, and 42.87±1.46 diopters (D), respectively, and mean maximum keratometry was 43.97±1.59, 44.00±1.56, and 43.75±1.54D, respectively. Nidek ARK-510A overestimated minimum and maximum keratometry by 0.25±0.37 and 0.22±0.41, respectively, compared to Penatcam. The LoA between Nidek ARK-510A and Pentacam for minimum and maximum keratometry measurements were −0.98 to 0.47D and −1.02 to 0.57D, respectively. The LoA between Nidek ARK-510A and Lenstar for minimum and maximum keratometry measurements were −0.70 to 0.72D and −0.79 to 0.85D, respectively. The agreement between devices was best in emmetropes, worst in hyperopes. For astigmatic vector components, the agreements between devices were poor but best agreement was between Nidek ARK-510A and Pentacam. ConclusionsKeratometry measurement with Nidek ARK-510A was not significantly different from Pentacam and Lenstar, and this device can be used in screening programs in emmetropes.

Corneal Cross-linking to Halt the Progression of Keratoconus and Corneal Ectasia: Seven-Year Follow-up

To determine long-term efficacy and safety of riboflavin/ultraviolet A corneal cross-linking (CXL). Prospective cohort study. Thirty-six patients (36 eyes) who underwent epithelium-off CXL at a University Hospital (Guy's and St Thomas' National Health Service Foundation Trust) 6-8 years previously were examined. The main outcome measures were refractive error, visual acuity, corneal topographic keratometry, ultrasonic pachymetry, and topography-derived corneal wavefront. At 7 years compared to preoperative values, mean spherical equivalent refractive error (SEQ) increased by+0.78 diopter (D) (P < .005) and mean simulated topographic keratometry (SimK) and mean maximum keratometry (Kmax) reduced by-0.74 D (P< .0001) and-0.91 D (P < .0001), respectively. Uncorrected distance acuity (UCDA) (P < .0005) and corrected distance acuity (CDVA) (P < .0001) had improved and root mean square (RMS) (P < .0005), coma (P < .0005), and secondary astigmatism (P < .005) lessened. At 7 years compared to 1 year, CDVA improved (P < .05); mean SimK (P < .0005) and mean Kmax (P < .005) reduced by-0.45 D and-0.56 D, respectively; and RMS (P < .0005) and coma (P < .0005) decreased. At 7 years compared to 5 years, CDVA improved (P < .05) and trefoil reduced (P < .05). No treated eyes progressed. In 29 initially untreated fellow eyes mean SimK increased by+0.54 D (P< .02), mean Kmax by+0.87 D (P < .05), and refractive astigmatism increased (P < .0005). Following corneal cross-linking, improvements in topographic and wavefront parameters evident at 1 year were seen to continue to improve at 5 years and were maintained at 7 years. No treated eyes progressed over the 7-year follow-up period.

High-irradiance accelerated collagen crosslinking for the treatment of keratoconus: Six-month results

To evaluate the effectiveness of accelerated corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) with riboflavin for keratoconus by the change in dioptric power and corneal topography. Private practice, Tokyo, Japan. Case series. The accelerated CXL treatments (KXL system) were performed using a 10-minute riboflavin 0.1% (Vibex Rapid) soak and a 3-minute ultraviolet-A (UVA) irradiance at a level of 30 mW/cm(2). This corresponds to a total radiant exposure of 5.4 J/cm(2). Preoperative and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperative examinations were performed. The study enrolled 39 eyes of 22 patients. The mean uncorrected distance visual acuity showed a statistically significant improvement, from 1.11 ± 0.42 logMAR preoperatively to 0.89 ± 0.53 logMAR 6 months postoperatively (P<.01). The mean maximum keratometry readings also changed significantly, from 49.95 ± 6.11 diopters (D) preoperatively to 49.19 ± 5.82 D at 6 months (P<.01). There were no statistically significant changes in the endothelial cell density between preoperatively and postoperatively. The changes after accelerated CXL were similar to those after conventional CXL. Thus, accelerated CXL has the potential to efficiently treat and halt the progression of keratoconus and may be an effective, efficient therapeutic option for treating corneal ectatic disease. No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Comparison of Corneal Epithelial and Stromal Thickness Distributions between Eyes with Keratoconus and Healthy Eyes with Corneal Astigmatism ≥2.0 D

PurposeTo identify corneal epithelial- and stromal-thickness distribution patterns in keratoconus using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).Patients and MethodsWe analyzed SD-OCT findings in 20 confirmed cases of keratoconus (group 1) and in 20 healthy subjects with corneal astigmatism ≥2 D (group 2). Epithelial and stromal thicknesses were measured at 11 strategic locations along the steepest and flattest meridians, previously located by corneal topography. Vertical mirrored symmetry superimposition was used in the statistical analysis.ResultsThe mean maximum keratometry measurements in groups 1 and 2 were 47.9±2.9 D (range, 41.8–52.8) and 45.6±1.1 D (range, 42.3–47.5), respectively, with mean corneal cylinders of 3.3±2.2 D (range, 0.5–9.5) and 3.6±1.2 D (range, 2.0–6.4), respectively. The mean epithelial thickness along the steepest meridian in group 1 was the lowest (37.4±4.4 µm) at 1.2 mm inferotemporally and the highest (59.3±4.4 µm) at 1.4 mm supranasally from the corneal vertex. There was only a small deviation in thickness along the steepest meridian in group 2, as well as along the flattest meridians in both groups. The stromal thickness distribution in the two groups was similar to the epithelial, while the stromal thickness was generally lower in group 1 than in group 2.ConclusionsSD-OCT provides details about the distribution of corneal epithelial and stromal thicknesses. The epithelium and stroma in keratoconic eyes were thinner inferotemporally and thicker supranasally compared with control eyes. The distribution pattern was more distinct in epithelium than in stroma. This finding may help improve the early diagnosis of keratoconus.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT02023619

Prevalence of Keratoconus in a Population-based Study in Shahroud

To determine the prevalence of keratoconus in the 40- to 64-year-old population of Shahroud, Iran. This study was done cross sectionally based on the data from the first phase of the Shahroud Eye Cohort Study. In this study, 6311 patients were selected using random cluster sampling, and 5190 patients (response rate = 82.2%) participated in the study. Here, the analysis was done on data pertaining to those whose topographic map (with Pentacam) had no errors. These patients were categorized as keratoconus, forme fruste keratoconus, and non-keratoconus. After applying the exclusion criteria, data from 4592 patients with a mean age of 50.83 ± 0.12 years were analyzed. Of these, 35 patients (0.76%) were diagnosed with keratoconus in at least 1 eye, and 47 patients (1.02%) were identified as having forme fruste keratoconus. The prevalence of keratoconus was 0.72% (95% confidence interval, 0.35-1.09) in men, and 0.79% (95% confidence interval, 0.43-1.15) in women (P = 0.793). The mean age of the keratoconic patients was 47.6, which was significantly lower than 50.9 of normal individuals (P < 0.001). The mean maximum keratometry and central corneal thickness in patients with keratoconus were 48.67 ± 3.6 diopters and 470 ± 29 μm, respectively. Keratoconus was associated with an 8.1 greater odds of visual impairment (P < 0.001). The prevalence of keratoconus in the Shahroud population is far higher than in western populations. Because of the high odds of visual impairment in this population, it can be a serious warning for the need to assess the prevalence and causes of keratoconus in the Middle Eastern region.

Corneal collagen cross-linking for correction of low myopia?

DOI:10.1097/ICU.0b013e3283622cb1 Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) was first described in 1997 by Sporl et al. [1]. Since then, it has been increasingly used in the treatment of postlaser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) keratectasia as well as keratoconus [2–6]. Recently, this technique has been used as an adjunct to refractive surgery, such as LASIK, to provide increased structural stability following correction of refractive error [7]. Given the corneal flattening that occurs with CXL, the possibility of using this particular technique alone as a method to correct low myopia has been proposed [8]. In this issue of Current Opinion in Ophthalmology, Nguyen and Chuck [9] review the application of CXL in a variety of keratoplastic procedures, including photorefractive keratectomy , LASIK, thermal keratoplasty, and orthokeratology. This review highlights numerous instances in which CXL has been shown to halt regression and even produce additional effects in all of the above keratoplastic procedures, with the exception of orthokeratology. If the addition of CXL to these procedures results in these prolonged and/or additional effects, the potential effects of using CXL alone should be considered. In 2011, Hersh et al. [2] demonstrated significant improvement in both uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) at 1 year in eyes that had undergone CXL in keratoconus or corneal ectasia patients. Their results revealed an improvement in mean UDVA from 0.84 logMAR 0.34 (SD) (20/137) to 0.77 0.37 logMAR (20/117) and an improvement in mean CDVA from 0.35 0.24 log MAR (20/45) to 0.23 0.21 logMAR (20/34). Brooks et al. [10] also suggested that patients experience subjective improvement in visual function, such as night driving, difficulty reading, diplopia, glare, halo, starbursts, and foreign-body sensation, after undergoing CXL for keratoconus and corneal ectasia, corroborating the objective results described by Hersh et al. These results included the following: a decrease in the mean maximum keratometry value by 2.0 D or more in 31% of patients, an increase in the mean maximum keratometry value by 2.0 D or more in 4.2% of

Evaluation of Orbscan II Corneal Topography in Individuals with Myopia

To evaluate Orbscan II (Bausch & Lomb, Orbtek Inc., Salt Lake City, UT) corneal topography in individuals with myopia. Retrospective, observational, consecutive, clinical case series. One hundred forty eyes of 70 persons with myopia. Manifest refraction results and the Orbscan II corneal topographic maps were reviewed retrospectively. Refractive powers and the following test indices produced by Orbscan II were analyzed: anterior elevation best-fit sphere (BFS), posterior elevation BFS, maximum posterior elevation (Max PE), radius of Max PE, maximum keratometry, minimum keratometry, astigmatism, 3-mm irregularity, 3-mm mean power, 3-mm astigmatism, 5-mm irregularity, 5-mm mean power, 5-mm astigmatism, corneal diameter, pupil diameter, thinnest pachymetry, and anterior chamber depth. The correlations between right eyes and left eyes and between indices were explored. Of the 140 eyes, the mean manifest refraction was -5.27+/-2.19 diopters (D; range, -10.50 to 0.00 D), the mean Max PE was 28+/-7 mum, and the mean maximum keratometry was 44.5+/-1.5 D. Correlation coefficient analyses of Orbscan II quantitative indices combined with pattern recognition showed that there were high degrees of correlations between the right and left eyes of each individual patient. Maximum posterior elevation, corneal irregularity, and thinnest pachymetry did not vary with the degree of maximum keratometry. This article provides a detailed description and analysis of Orbscan II corneal topography of a normal population with myopia. This helps in establishing normal standards in Orbscan II corneal topography that will aid in preoperative assessment in refractive surgery.