Recent advances in medicinal compounds related to corneal crosslinking

Danyi Qin; Yi Han; Lixiang Wang; Hongbo Yin

doi:10.3389/fphar.2023.1232591

Recent advances in medicinal compounds related to corneal crosslinking

Front Pharmacol. 2023 Sep 29:14:1232591. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1232591. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Danyi Qin^{1

2}, Yi Han², Lixiang Wang¹, Hongbo Yin¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
² Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute and Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.

Abstract

Corneal crosslinking (CXL) is the recognized technique to strengthen corneal collagen fibers through photodynamic reaction, aiming to halt progressive and irregular changes in corneal shape. CXL has greatly changed the treatment for keratoconus (KCN) since it was introduced in the late 1990's. Numerous improvements of CXL have been made during its developing course of more than 20 years. CXL involves quite a lot of materials, including crosslinking agents, enhancers, and supplements. A general summary of existing common crosslinking agents, enhancers, and supplements helps give a more comprehensive picture of CXL. Either innovative use of existing materials or research and development of new materials will further improve the safety, effectiveness, stability, and general applicability of CXL, and finally benefit the patients.

Keywords: agents; corneal crosslinking; enhancers; medicinal compounds; nanomaterials; supplements; treatment.

Publication types

Review