Abstract:
Keratoconus is a bilateral noninflammatory conelike ectasia of the cornea. Corneal Collagen Cross
linking with riboflavin (UVTM–X) strengthens the intrinsic biomechanical property of the cornea
using ultraviolet A (UVA) and riboflavin 0.1%.
Aim: To evaluate the clinical usefulness of crosslinking – UVTM for stopping the progression of
keratoconus.
Method: Clinical prospective study, that included 82 eyes with moderate or advanced progressive
keratoconus (K: 48 – 72 D). Two techniques of treatment were performed: in 42 eyes - UVTM-X
epi-off and in 40 eyes - UVTM-X epi-on. The first is accomplished with central corneal abrasion,
riboflavin drops and exposure to UVA (365 nm, 3 mW/cm2) at 5 cm distance for 30 minutes.
UVTM–X epi-on is performed without desepitalization of the cornea with balanced solution of
riboflavin instilled for 20 minutes and UVA exposure (365 nm, 9mW/cm2) for 10 minutes.
Postoperative examinations were carried over the course of 1 day, 1 week, 1, 3 and 6 months,
including visual acuity, biomicroscopy, corneal topography, pachymetry, refractometry,
keratometry.
Result: In all treated eyes, the progression of keratoconus was stopped. In 42 eyes (51,2 %) visual
acuity was improved. The priority of UVTM–X epi-on tehnique results in absence of pain syndrome
and fast postoperative recovery.
Conclusion: Crosslinking – UV™-X is a way for stopping the progression of keratoconus.
