Standard Corneal Collagen Crosslinking Versus Transepithelial Corneal Crosslinking by Iontophoresis of Riboflavin

Comparative Study of Results of Standard Corneal Collagen Crosslinking Versus Transepithelial Corneal Crosslinking by Iontophoresis of Riboflavin: a Randomized Control Trial

The standard CXL technique involves removal of the epithelium to enable riboflavin to penetrate into stromal tissue, to avoid epithelial debridement and increasing the patient's comfort and safety transepithelial corneal crosslinking (CXL) was suggested. Iontophoresis of riboflavin is one of approach for riboflavin impregnation.

In this study, the investigators compared the results of standard corneal crosslinking (CXL) and transepithelial CXL via iontophoresis of riboflavin after 24 months follow up.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Documented progressive KC (by Pentacam and/or corneal topography imaging).
• A clear central cornea.
• A minimal corneal thickness of ≥ 400 µm at the thinnest corneal location (Pentacam imaging).
• Minimal Snellen corrected distance visual acuity of ≥ 0.4.
• Patient age of ≥ 18 years.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Corneal scarring.
• History of epithelial healing problems.
• History or presence of ocular infection (such as herpes keratitis)
• Pregnancy and/or breastfeeding.