Combined Corneal Collagen Cross-linking and Mini Asymmetric Radial Keratotomy for the Treatment of Keratoconus.

ABSTRACT

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to quantify the visual improvement and the reduction of corneal curvature achieved through association of Mini Asymmetric Radial Keratotomy (MARK) and Corneal Collagen Cross-linking (CXL). Design: Retrospective clinical trial. Methods: Sixteen eyes (sixteen patients) were included. Computerized corneal topography and Scheimpflug camera equipment were used to measure higher order corneal aberrations before treatment and during follow-up. Outcome parameters, including uncorrected visual acuity and best corrected visual acuity, have been measured as well. Examinations were performed at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months following both MARK and CXL. Results: A sharp reduction of both corneal curvature and corneal aberrations was observed after MARK surgery, followed by a smaller improvement following CXL treatment. Conclusion: The combination of MARK with CXL offers a significant improvement of visual acuity and a reduction of corneal curvature along with the corneal reinforcement provided by CXL.