[Long-term experiences with corneal crosslinking in patients with progressive keratoconus at the University Eye Hospital in Tübingen, Germany].

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE\nThe corneal collagen crosslinking procedure has been clinically performed worldwide for approximately 20 years. The aim of the study was to analyze the long-term outcomes of corneal crosslinking at the University Eye Hospital in Tübingen.\n\n\nMETHODS\nIn this retrospective study 136 consecutive eyes with progressive keratoconus from 107 patients were included. The observational period was from December 2008 to March 2018. The parameters analyzed were best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and the keratometry values from elevation maps measured using a\xa0Scheimpflug camera.\n\n\nRESULTS\nThe study population of 107 patients included\xa096 (90%) male and\xa011 (10%) female subjects and the mean age was 23\u202f±\u20098 years. The mean observation time between corneal collagen crosslinking and the last follow-up examination was 42\u202f±\u200929\xa0months. The mean postoperative BCVA showed a\xa0significant improvement from baseline at each point of postoperative measurement. The mean astigmatism and the mean Kmax showed a\xa0statistically significant reduction in the first 6 postoperative months. The mean thinnest point of the cornea showed a\xa0significant reduction in the first 6\xa0months, after which the cornea thickness stabilized. No serious adverse events relating to the treatment were registered.\n\n\nCONCLUSION\nLong-term outcomes after corneal collagen crosslinking showed a\xa0significant reduction of the keratometry values and the BCVA was significantly higher compared to the preoperative value at all times of observation. In conclusion, corneal collagen crosslinking was shown to be an effective and safe treatment for progressive keratoconus.