Scheimpflug parameters after corneal collagen crosslinking for keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To assess the effects of corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) on Scheimpflug imaging system parameters in patients with progressive keratoconus.

METHODS

Forty-seven eyes of 47 patients who underwent CXL treatment (CXL group) for progressive keratoconus and 26 eyes of 26 nontreated patients with keratoconus (control group) were included in this retrospective controlled study. Changes in corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA, logMAR equivalent), maximum K (keratometry), corneal volume (CV), corneal thickness, and anterior chamber parameters including anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber volume (ACV), and anterior chamber angle (ACA) were analyzed at 6 months follow-up.

RESULTS

The mean CDVA improved (p<0.001); maximum K, CV, and pachymetry measurements significantly decreased after CXL treatment in patients with progressive keratoconus (p = 0.001, p<0.001, respectively). However, in the control group, CDVA, maximum K, CV, and pachymetry measurements remained unchanged at 6 months follow-up (p>0.05). The anterior chamber parameters (ACD, ACV, and ACA) did not show significant changes between baseline and 6 months in CXL and control groups (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with progressive keratoconus, CXL treatment is effective in improving visual acuity and maximum keratometry. Although the treatment might cause corneal thinning and volume loss, anterior chamber parameters seem not to be affected during the postoperative course.