Standard CXL better at stabilizing progressive keratoconus

Benzalkonium chloride-assisted (BAC) transepithelial collagen crosslinking (CXL) with 0.5% proparacaine drops is less effective than standard CXL in patients with progressive keratoconus, claims a study in the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.

The study, headed by Dr Carina Koppen, Department of Ophthalmology, Antwerp University Hospital, Belgium, enrolled 53 eyes of 38 keratoconus patients. The Placido disk device was used to measure sphere, cylinder, as well as maximum keratometry (K max) simulated K values and refractive power values.

Standard CXL was preceded by administration of proparacaine drops 0.5% preserved with BAC 0.005% every five minutes during a thirty minute time period. Results were compared before CXL and post-CXL at 6, 12 and 18 months.

Only corrected distance visual acuity demonstrated a statistically significant improvement at six and twelve months postoperatively. Standard CXL was significantly more effective in stabilizing progressive keratoconus.