Tomographic and Biomechanical Properties Changes Following Transepithelial (Epi-on) Corneal Crosslinking in Keratoconus

This is a prospective, interventional and non-controlled case series study; performed on 20 eyes having keratoconus. The aim of this study is to evaluate effect of transepithelial (epi-on) Corneal Collagen Crosslinking (CXL), in the management of keratoconus, regarding changes in vision, tomographic and biomechanical properties of the cornea, for 1 year All patients underwent transepithelial (epi-on) corneal collagen crosslinking, and evaluation was done preoperatively and postoperatively at 3,6 and 12 months, regarding: Changes in Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BSCVA), maximum corneal curvature (Kmax), Central Corneal Thickness (CCT), Corneal Hysteresis (CH) and Corneal Resistance Factor (CRF). Results of the study showed that BSCVA decreased significantly after 1 year, associated with insignificant flattening of the cornea (Kmax insignificant decrease after 1 year). Results also showed statistically significant decrease in Central Corneal Thickness (CCT) after 1 year. Biomechanical properties of the cornea did not improve after 1 year, with the decrease in Corneal Hysteresis (CH) and Corneal Resistance Factor (CRF). No corneal haze occurred postoperatively in all patients.