ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Corneal cross-linking (CXL) with riboflavin and ultra-violet A is less invasive in comparison with other procedures such as penetrating keratoplasty. Hence, we planned this study to evaluate the efficacy of CXL in disease progression and to compare keratoconus indices before and 1 year after cross-linking by Pentacam. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective clinical trial, we enrolled 37 eyes of 37 patients suffering from keratoconus who were candidates for CXL. All eyes were examined before and one 1 year after surgery with a slit lamp and Pentacam for corneal topography. To compare the mean of each Pentacam parameter and index before and 1 year after the surgery, we used paired t-test. RESULTS: There were 23 males and 14 females. The mean age was 21.5 years 18-30 years). At the 12(th) month examination, the corneal thickness had decreased (P = 0.0068) and the Index of Height Decentration (IHD) had increased (P = 0.016). There were no statistically significant differences in other indices and parameters 1 year after CXL. CONCLUSION: Most of the parameters and indices had not changed during 1 year after CXL. The procedure seems to be effective in stopping the disease progression at least for 12 months after surgery.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To compare two phakic intraocular lenses, Artiflex and STAAR(®) implantable contact lens (ICL), in high myopia. SETTING: Isfahan Ophthalmology Clinic, Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a randomized, prospective clinical trial study, 40 eyes of 20 patients who came to Isfahan ophthalmology clinic to correct their refractive error were examined. Artiflex was inserted in 20 eyes and ICL in the other 20 eyes. After 1 year, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), contrast sensitivity, intraocular pressure (IOP), and specular microscopy of corneal endothelium were assessed in both the groups. RESULTS: In this study, there was no statistical difference between UCVA, BCVA, IOP, cataract incidence, contrast sensitivity, and specular microscopy, 1 year after surgery. 40% of eyes in the Artiflex group developed anterior chamber cell and flare reaction 1 year postoperatively, but no patient in the ICL group developed the same. So, there is obvious difference in the rate of anterior chamber cell and flare reaction between these two groups. CONCLUSION: These two lenses have similar outcomes except in the incidence rate of anterior chamber cell and flare reaction that is greater in the Artiflex group. So, these two lenses are safe with predictable outcome in treating high myopia.
