Partial transepithelial topography-guided PRK combined with corneal collagen crosslinking in patients with keratoconus

Abstract

INTRODUCTION. The aim of this study is to identify the visual outcome and possible complications of partial transepithelial topography-guided PRK combined with collagen crosslinking in patients with keratoconus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS. Twenty eyes (20 patients) were treated with partial transepithelial topography-guided PRK combined with collagen crosslinking. Patients were evaluated preoperatively for best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), clinical signs of keratoconus via slit lamp examination, and Scheimpflug-generated corneal topography. All eyes were treated with Amaris 750s Excimer Laser and KXL system.

RESULTS . Mean BCVA was improved from 20/100 to 20/25, postoperatively. Mean flat K was 46.8 ± 0.14 D preoperatively and was reduced to 45.2 ± 0.7 D postoperatively. Mean steep K was reduced from 50.2 ± 0.10 D to 47 ± 0.6 D. Total corneal astigmatism was 4.5 ± 0.14 D and decreased to 2.5 ± 0.10 D postoperatively. Average thinnest pachymetry was reduced from 465 ± 9.9 μm to 416 ± 11.3 μm. Total RMS (corneal aberrations) was 15.5 ± 7.4μm and was significantly reduced to 5.5 ± 2 μm.

CONCLUSIONS. Partial transepithelial topography-guided PRK combined with collagen crosslinking can benefit patients fitting the criteria for such a procedure, by stabilising their cornea as well as improving their BSCVA.