Scheimpflug imaged corneal changes on anterior and posterior surfaces after collagen cross-linking

Int J Ophthalmol. 2014 Apr 18;7(2):313-6. doi: 10.3980/j.issn.2222-3959.2014.02.21. eCollection 2014.

Abstract

Aim: To compare the anterior and posterior corneal parameters before and after collagen cross-linking therapy for keratoconus.

Methods: Collagen cross-linking was performed in 31 eyes of 31 keratoconus patients (mean age 30.6±8.9y). Prior to treatment and an average 7mo after therapy, Scheimpflug analysis was performed using Pentacam HR. In addition to corneal thickness assessments, corneal radius, elevation, and aberrometric measurements were performed both on anterior and posterior corneal surfaces. Data obtained before and after surgery were statistically analyzed.

Results: In terms of horizontal and vertical corneal radius, and central corneal thickness no deviations were observed an average 7mo after operation. Corneal higher order aberration showed no difference neither on anterior nor on posterior corneal surfaces. During follow-up period, no significant deviation was detected regarding elevation values obtained by measurement in mm units between the 3.0-8.0 mm-zones.

Conclusion: Corneal stabilization could be observed in terms of anterior and posterior corneal surfaces, elevation and higher order aberration values 7mo after collagen cross-linking therapy for keratoconus.

Keywords: collagen cross-linking; corneal back surface; elevation; high resolution Pentacam; higher order aberration.