New perspectives in keratoconus treatment: an update on iontophoresis-assisted corneal collagen crosslinking

Int Ophthalmol. 2021 May;41(5):1909-1916. doi: 10.1007/s10792-021-01713-4. Epub 2021 Feb 16.

Abstract

Keratoconus is a bilateral, asymmetric and progressive corneal disease. It usually results in apical thinning and steepening with corneal deformation and impaired vision. Since the early 1990 s, corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) has remained the primary treatment to stabilize the progression of the disease. Iontophoresis-assisted CXL (I-CXL) has been proposed as a non-invasive alternative to standard epithelium-off technique, showing promising results. In this article, we review up to date literature to provide state of art knowledge and future perspectives of I-CXL.

Keywords: Crosslinking; Iontophoresis; Keratoconus.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Collagen / therapeutic use
  • Corneal Stroma
  • Corneal Topography
  • Cross-Linking Reagents / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Iontophoresis
  • Keratoconus* / drug therapy
  • Photochemotherapy*
  • Photosensitizing Agents / therapeutic use
  • Riboflavin / therapeutic use
  • Ultraviolet Rays

Substances

  • Cross-Linking Reagents
  • Photosensitizing Agents
  • Collagen
  • Riboflavin