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Open Access 03-07-2023 | Original Paper

Five-year results of iontophoresis-assisted transepithelial corneal cross-linking for keratoconus

Authors: Anna Maria Roszkowska, Giovanni William Oliverio, Katarzyna Hydzik-Sajak, Michele De Crescenzo, Pasquale Aragona

Published in: International Ophthalmology | Issue 10/2023

Abstract

Purpose

To assess long-term efficacy and safety of iontophoresis-assisted transepithelial corneal cross-linking (I-CXL) for keratoconus.

Patients and methods

Twenty-seven eyes of 21 patients (15 M, 6F) affected by progressive keratoconus were evaluated. All subjects were treated with iontophoresis-assisted transepithelial CXL. The patients were examined at baseline and each 6 months after the CXL procedure. Only subjects who completed the follow-up of 5 years were considered in this study. The main outcome measures were uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), corrected visual acuity (CDVA), corneal transparency and corneal parameters such as K-max, central corneal thickness (CCT) and at the thinnest point, and high-order ocular aberrations (HOAs). The ABCD system was used to determine the progression and re-progression of ectasia.

Setting

Ophthalmology Clinic, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy.

Results

At 5 years, significant improvements of UCVA from 0.53 ± 0.33 logMAR to 0.4 ± 0.33 logMAR (p = 0.001) and HOAs (p = 0.01) were registered. No significant changes of CDVA (p = 0.4), K-max (p = 0.75), CCT (p = 0.5) were observed at the end of follow-up period.

The ABCD system showed re-progression in 25.9% of eyes after 5 years. No adverse events such as corneal opacities and infections were reported.

Conclusions

Iontophoresis-assisted transepithelial CXL resulted to be safe and effective to stabilize progressive keratoconus in adults at a long-term follow-up.

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Title: Five-year results of iontophoresis-assisted transepithelial corneal cross-linking for keratoconus
Authors: Anna Maria Roszkowska
Giovanni William Oliverio
Katarzyna Hydzik-Sajak
Michele De Crescenzo
Pasquale Aragona
Publication date: 03-07-2023
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Published in: International Ophthalmology / Issue 10/2023
Print ISSN: 0165-5701
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2630
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10792-023-02768-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Five-year results of iontophoresis-assisted transepithelial corneal cross-linking for keratoconus

Abstract

Purpose

Patients and methods

Setting

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Patients and methods

Setting

Results

Conclusions

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