Effect of cross-linking on corneal thickness in patients with corneal edema.

PURPOSE: To investigate the pachymetric changes of collagen cross-linking in corneas with edema because of endothelial dysfunction.

METHODS

Interventional case series included 25 eyes of 25 consecutive patients with corneal edema for at least 4 months related to Fuchs endothelial dystrophy, corneal graft failure, and postoperative bullous keratopathy. Central corneal thickness was measured preoperatively, 1, 3, and 6 months after the procedure by ultrasound pachymetry and optical coherence tomography.

RESULTS

Mean central corneal thickness measured by ultrasound pachymetry decreased after corneal cross-linking (mean +/- SD): 712.0 +/- 99.7, 618.3 +/- 103.0, and 657.5 +/- 114.8 for preoperative, 1-, and 3-month follow-up, respectively. Differences between preoperative value and 1- and 3-month follow-up values were statistically significant (P < 0.01). Similar results were found with the optical coherence tomography (mean +/- SD): 777.3 +/- 131.0, 711.6 +/- 133.1, 746.4 +/- 142.4, and 830.6 +/- 198.7, for preoperative, 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up values, respectively. Fourteen patients (56%) developed new epithelial bullae after 3 months; 11 patients (44%) remained asymptomatic until their last visit.

CONCLUSION

Corneal cross-linking showed to be a safe procedure and potential therapeutic alternative for the treatment of corneal edema.