Changes of corneal topography indices after corneal collagen crosslinking for treatment of keratoconus assessed by scheimpflug camera

Abstract

Introduction Keratoconus is a bilateral, progressive ectasia of the cornea resulting in irregular astigmatism and myopia. We can use spectacles or contact lenses to correct the symptoms of keratoconus, whereas in advanced cases, corneal grafting is the only treatment. Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) is a promising treatment to strengthen and stabilize the cornea in cases of keratoconus. Aim To evaluate changes in corneal topography indices after corneal CXL in patients with keratoconus and analyze these changes. Patient and methods CXL was performed in eyes with keratoconus. Quantitative descriptors of corneal topography were measured with the Pentacam topographer and included seven indices: index of surface variance, index of vertical asymmetry, keratoconus index, central keratoconus index, minimum radius of curvature, index of height asymmetry, and index of height decentration. Follow-up was 6 months. Results The study comprised 50 eyes of 35 patients with keratoconus. In the entire patient cohort, there were significant improvements in the index of surface variance, index of vertical asymmetry, keratoconus index, and minimum radius of curvature at 6 months compared with baseline (all P<0.001). Conclusion There were improvements in four of seven topography indices 6 months after CXL, suggesting an overall improvement in corneal shape.