Authors' objectives: The purpose of corneal cross-linking (CXL), also known as corneal collagen cross-linking, is to increase the biomechanical strength of collagen fibrils of the cornea in order to avoid the progression of keratoconus. Controversy: Conventional CXL (C-CXL) may provide an additional treatment option for patients with progressive keratoconus, possibly reducing the need for more invasive therapy or eventual corneal transplant. However, the procedure may carry risks for complications, and it is still unclear as to whether C-CXL actually yields improvements in measures of visual acuity, corneal topography and thickness, refractive parameters, and quality of life. Furthermore, additional, better-quality studies are required to define the patient population that is most likely to respond to C-CXL. Relevant Questions: Does C-CXL improve measures of corneal topography, visual acuity, and refraction in patients with progressive keratoconus? How does CCXL compare with alternative CXL approaches for improving measures of corneal topography, visual acuity, and refraction in patients with progressive keratoconus? Are C-CXL and alternative CXL approaches safe? Have definitive patient selection criteria been established for C-CXL for the treatment of progressive keratoconus?

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2016

URL for published report: The report may be purchased from: http://www.hayesinc.com/hayes/crd/?crd=54046

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: United States

Organisation Name: HAYES, Inc.

Contact Address: 157 S. Broad Street, Suite 200, Lansdale, PA 19446, USA. Tel: 215 855 0615; Fax: 215 855 5218

Contact Name: saleinfo@hayesinc.com

Contact Email: saleinfo@hayesinc.com

Copyright: 2014 Winifred S. Hayes, Inc