Three-Year Outcomes of Cross-Linking PLUS (Combined Cross-Linking with Femtosecond Laser Intracorneal Ring Segments Implantation)‎ for Management of Keratoconus

Abstract EN

Purpose.

To analyze the results of three-year outcomes of combined epithelium-on cross-linking with femtosecond laser ICRS (cross-linking PLUS) for keratoconus management.

Design.

A retrospective multicenter clinical study.

Methods.

43 eyes of 38 patients were subjected to preoperative and postoperative UCVA, BCVA, refraction, Pentacam pachymetry, and keratometry examinations at 3-, 6-, 12-, 24-, and 36-month follow-up period.

Results.

The preoperative and postoperative mean UCVA was 1.30 ± 0.48 (logMAR ± SD) and 0.82 ± 0.22 respectively.

The preoperative and postoperative mean BCVA was 0.90 ± 0.40 and 0.60 ± 0.30, respectively.

The preoperative and postoperative mean K average was 50.63 ± 0.87 (D ± SD) and 45.56 ± 0.98, respectively.

The preoperative and postoperative mean pachymetry was 471 ± 92.36 (μm ± SD) and 423 ± 39.58, respectively.

The preoperative and postoperative mean astigmatism was 7.55 ± 1.75 and 3.39 ± 1.26, respectively.

One eye showed ICRS edge exposure while 6 eyes showed progression of keratoconus.

Conclusion.

CXL PLUS was proved to be a successful procedure to halt progression (mainly by CXL) and to correct the refractive status of the keratoconic eye (mainly by ICRS).

CXL PLUS performed a synergistic action correcting and maintaining the correction of both myopic and astigmatic components of keratoconus.