Toric topographically customized transepithelial, pulsed, very high-fluence, higher energy and higher riboflavin concentration collagen cross-linking in keratoconus

Abstract

Purpose: To report a novel application of toric topographically customized transepithelial collagen cross-linking (CXL) aiming to achieve refractive astigmatic changes in a keratoconic cornea. Methods: Specially formulated riboflavin transepithelial administration and delivery of high-fluence UVA in a topographically customized pattern was applied in an eye with progressive keratoconus. Visual acuity, cornea clarity, keratometry, topography, and pachymetry with a multitude of modalities, as well as endothelial cell counts were evaluated for >6 months. Results: Uncorrected distance visual acuity changed from preoperative 20/40 to 20/25 at 6 months. A mean astigmatic reduction of 0.8 D, and significant cornea surface normalization was achieved 6 months postoperatively. There was some mild change in the epithelial distribution, with the treated area having a slight normalization in the average epithelial thickness. Conclusions: We introduce herein the novel application of a topographically customizable transepithelial CXL in progressive keratoconus in order to achieve an astigmatic refractive effect and ectasia stabilization. This novel technique offers a nonablative and nonincisional approach to treat irregular astigmatism in ectatic cornea with rapid visual rehabilitation.