Intraocular pressure measurements after corneal collagen crosslinking with riboflavin and ultraviolet A in eyes with keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To determine the possible effect of corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) with riboflavin and ultraviolet A (UVA) on intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements by Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT).

SETTING

Institute of Vision and Optics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.

DESIGN

Prospective case series.

METHODS

This noncomparative study measured IOP by GAT before CXL and 6 months and 12 months after CXL.

RESULTS

The study evaluated 55 eyes (55 patients). There was a statistically significant increase in the measured IOP 6 months and 12 months after CXL (both P<.001). The mean measured IOP was 9.95 mm Hg ± 3.01 (SD) before CXL, 11.40 ± 2.89 mm Hg at 6 months, and 11.35 ± 3.38 mm Hg at 12 months. The change in IOP measurements at both postoperative examinations was not correlated with patient age, preoperative pachymetry, or preoperative keratometry readings.

CONCLUSION

After riboflavin-UVA CXL in eyes with keratoconus, there was a significant increase in IOP measured by GAT that was probably caused by an increase in corneal rigidity.