Corneal Physiology and Responses to Cross-Linking and Intracorneal Rings in Keratoconus

ABSTRACT Keratoconus is a noninflammatory, usually, bilateral progressive disease. It is a pathology characterized by a progressive thinning and ectasia of the stroma that results in cone-shaped cornea. In advanced keratoconus with corneal opacities, keratoplasty, can be the only surgical alternative for a long time. Recently, new treatment alternatives were developed in keratoconus treatment, such as intracorneal ring segments and corneal cross- linking. Intracorneal ring segment acts as spacer elements between the bundles of corneal lamellae producing a shortening of the central arc length. Corneal cross-linking treatment increases the stiffness of the cornea. Several studies reported that collagen cross-linking can delay or stop keratoconus progression and produce better quality of vision. How to cite this article Kiliç A. Corneal Physiology and Responses to Cross-Linking and Intracorneal Rings in Keratoconus. Int J Keratoco Ectatic Corneal Dis 2012;1(1):1-6.