Dr. Tanuj Limbasiya, Dr. Vinay Sukumara Pillai
AIM-To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ACXL in keratoconus.
MATERIAL AND METHODS:Retrospective study of 55 eyes which underwent ACXL – UV radiation of 9mw/cm2 for 10mins after instillation of riboflavin drops on a de-epithelialised cornea. Full ophthalmic examination including refraction, ultrasonic pachymetry and pentacam was done pre and postoperatively at 1, 3 and 6 months.
RESULTS :55 eyes were included. 67% were males. Mean age was 22 years. Mean follow-up was 6 months. 70.9% either maintained or had improvement in visual acuity. 29.1% had reduction in vision due to corneal haze, quantified with densitometry in pentacam. Post CXL there was a statistically significant flattening of the steepest keratometry value from 4.6 to 3.78. Sterile corneal infiltrates seen in 2 cases.
CONCLUSIONS:ACXL is a safe and effective procedure for arresting the progression in keratoconus. Development of corneal haze following the procedure is unpredictable and can limit the extent of visual improvement.