الفهرس | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract Keratoconus is a bilateral, progressive, non inflammatory corneal degeneration. Corneal deformation and thinning causes irregular astigmatism and leads to visual impairment. Treatment modalities were based on refractive correction with spectacles, contact lenses, and intrastromal corneal rings to correct astigmatism and restore visual acuity. Such modalities do not stop ectatic progression and further visual deterioration. Corneal collagen cross linking (CXL) is the only therapeutic approach for progressive keratoconus combining the use of riboflavin and ultraviolet-A radiation by creating new covalent bonds between the stromal collagen fibrils. CXL increases the resistance to deformation, thereby strengthening the cornea against its natural ectatic proces.cheimpflug imaging (by pentacam) is considered among the most prevalent modalities in the diagnosis, staging, and follow-up of keratoconus patients. It is based on a rotating camera and a monochromatic slit-light source, which rotate together. In addition to pachymetry and topographic imaging, Scheimpflug devices provide elevation maps of the anterior and the posterior corneal surfaces.Our study included 23 eyes of 18 patients. All underwent CXL between March 2013 and November 2013. All patients were evaluated preoperatively for their UCVA, BCVA and pentacam image including K readings, degree of corneal astigmatism, pachymetry at thinnest corneal poing, anterior elevations, posterior elevations and aberrations coefficient.After 6 months, we recorded a significant improvement in the UCVA, BCVA, K readings, anterior elevations and posterior elevations. Corneal thickness at thinnest locations showed initial thinning followed by restoration to nearly its preoperative value. Corneal astigmatism and aberrations coefficient showed stability all through the study with no signs of deterioration.We recommend CXL as a successful, safe and inexpensive procedure for patients with progressive keratoconus that helps to stop progression and to achieve a good visual quality for these patients. Combination with other procedures must be considered for even better visual outcome. |