Mid term results in keratoconus treatment by Riboflavin – UVA corneal collagen Cross‐Linking. Siena eye cross project

Abstract Purpose: We present a mid term follow up analysis of 44 keratoconic eyes treated by combined Riboflavin UV‐A collagen cross‐linking. Methods: Progressive keratoconic eyes of 44 patient were treated by combined Riboflavin UV‐A collagen cross linking. UV‐A exposure was delivered by the new CBM X linker 370 nm Led array‐CSO, Italy. Riboflavin 0,1% solution, Ricrolin Sooft, after corneal epithelium debridement in all cases was instilled 15 minutes before starting irradiation and every 5 minutes for 30 minutes. Eyes were dressed with a soft contact lens for 4 days and medicated with levofloxacin drops, flurbiprofen drops and lacrimal substitutes for 15 days. Results: In all treated eyes no progression of keratoconus was detected. the control fellow eye progressed in 30 % of cases in one year follow up. Mean k value improved meanly 2 Diopters with a significative reduction of Comatic aberration, improving corneal simmetry and quality of vision. Conclusions: Corneal crosslinking is indicated in progressive keratoconus particularly in young patients under 26 years. It can delaly or stop keratoconus worsening reducing necessity of donor corneal transplantations.