Podcast Beta
Questions and Answers
What condition is characterized by irregular astigmatism affecting younger individuals?
Corneal crosslinking (CXL) has universally positive outcomes for all pediatric cases of keratoconus.
False
What is the gold standard treatment when refractive correction is no longer possible due to severe irregular astigmatism?
Penetrating keratoplasty
What is the primary purpose of applying riboflavin solution to the de-epithelized cornea?
Signup and view all the answers
Transepithelial cross-linking (CXL) is an older technique compared to conventional CXL.
Signup and view all the answers
The incidence of keratoconus (KC) is estimated to be 1 in _______.
Signup and view all the answers
What is the recommended power of UVA light exposure during the riboflavin treatment?
Signup and view all the answers
Which treatment has been proposed to address thin corneas that are not candidates for CXL?
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following treatments or conditions with their descriptions:
Signup and view all the answers
The corneal epithelium is typically removed mechanically with a __________.
Signup and view all the answers
What can be used to correct vision in the initial stages of keratoconus?
Signup and view all the answers
What complication can arise after de-epithelizing the cornea?
Signup and view all the answers
Match the treatment with its associated effect:
Signup and view all the answers
Photosynthetic pigments have been shown to increase corneal stiffness when excited with near-infrared illumination.
Signup and view all the answers
The study conducted by Stulting et al. involved 512 eyes of patients with ________.
Signup and view all the answers
What is the minimum corneal thickness that should be obtained before considering treatment?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a risk factor for progression following corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL)?
Signup and view all the answers
Dry eye symptoms can worsen after CXL treatment due to abnormal nerve migration.
Signup and view all the answers
What does CXL stand for in the context of ophthalmology?
Signup and view all the answers
Corneal subepithelial nerve fibers are affected following _____ treatment.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the studies with their findings related to corneal collagen crosslinking:
Signup and view all the answers
After how long did one study observe complete regeneration of corneal subepithelial nerve fibers following CXL treatment?
Signup and view all the answers
Progression in abnormal nerve migration can be observed for up to 5 years after CXL treatment.
Signup and view all the answers
How long after CXL treatment did early regeneration of corneal subepithelial nerve fibers occur according to a study?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the focus of the study by Ng et al. in 2021?
Signup and view all the answers
Corneal collagen crosslinking is effective for treating infectious keratitis.
Signup and view all the answers
What technique is used in the study by Cherfan et al. to increase corneal stiffness?
Signup and view all the answers
The study conducted by Martinez et al. in 2020 focused on cross-linking-assisted infection reduction in _____ keratitis.
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following studies evaluates the cellular and molecular effects of rose Bengal photodynamic antimicrobial therapy?
Signup and view all the answers
Match the authors with their respective studies:
Signup and view all the answers
Which study discusses the use of the bacteriochlorophyll derivative WST11?
Signup and view all the answers
Data sharing was applicable in all studies mentioned.
Signup and view all the answers
What is the purpose of corneal collagen cross-linking (CCL)?
Signup and view all the answers
Collagen cross-linking is only used in adult patients.
Signup and view all the answers
What technique can be used alongside collagen cross-linking for keratoconus?
Signup and view all the answers
Collagen cross-linking is effective in treating ____________ degeneration.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following outcomes with their corresponding study:
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is a review article about patient selection for corneal collagen cross-linking?
Signup and view all the answers
All studies agree on the same measurement techniques for evaluating outcomes after CCL.
Signup and view all the answers
What procedure was performed alongside collagen cross-linking in the Athens protocol?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL) Procedure
- The central corneal epithelium, measuring 9 mm, can be mechanically removed through various methods, including debridement with specialized tools.
- Riboflavin solution (0.1% riboflavin in 20% dextran) is applied to the de-epithelialized cornea for 30 minutes before exposure to UVA light (370 nm).
- UVA exposure is conducted at a power of 3 mW/cm2 for a duration of 30 minutes, with riboflavin solution applied every 2-5 minutes during the process.
- Potential complications from de-epithelialization include corneal haze and pain; a bandage contact lens is often used postoperatively for pain management.
Importance of Riboflavin and Corneal Thickness
- Riboflavin serves as a crucial agent for enhancing corneal stiffness and is subject to penetration limitations due to the epithelium acting as a barrier.
- Ultrasound pachymetry can assess corneal thickness and determine suitability for CXL; a minimum corneal thickness of 400 µm is preferred.
- For corneas thinner than 400 µm, hypotonic riboflavin ophthalmic solution can be used to ensure adequate riboflavin absorption.
Transepithelial CXL (Epi-On)
- Transepithelial CXL is a less invasive alternative that promotes faster healing, improved comfort, and a reduced risk of corneal haze.
- Clinical studies have shown significant improvements in visual acuity and decreased keratometric values after CXL treatment.
Keratoconus (KC) Details
- Keratoconus is a common form of spontaneous corneal ectasia occurring predominantly in younger individuals, with an estimated incidence of 1 in 2000.
- Initial treatment often involves rigid gas permeable or scleral lenses; penetrating keratoplasty is considered the gold standard in cases of severe irregular astigmatism.
Pediatric Population Considerations
- The efficacy of CXL in children (ages 9-18) for keratoconus remains debated; some studies show improvement while others report worsening of corneal thickness.
- The Siena Pediatrics CXL study, a significant study with 152 KC patients aged 10-18, gives insights into long-term outcomes post-treatment.
Risks and Complications
- Risks associated with CXL treatment include corneal haze, changes in corneal shape, and potential for disease progression or flattening.
- Steeper Kmax preoperatively may indicate a higher risk of progression after CXL.
Dry Eye and Nerve Damage
- CXL affects corneal subepithelial nerve fibers, with early regeneration observed within the first month, though symptoms of dry eye may persist.
- Long-term neuropathic symptoms can develop, impacting patient comfort.
Innovative Treatment Strategies
- Prophylactic and simultaneous treatments are being explored to improve corneal stiffness without the drawbacks associated with traditional CXL, especially in thin corneas.
- Recent advancements include the use of photosynthetic pigments and novel formulations to enhance treatment outcomes.
Summary of Findings
- Visual acuity improved by 1–1.5 Snellen lines after 1–2 years post-CXL, with a decrease in mean Kmax measurements.
- The approach must balance effectiveness with patient comfort and potential complications, requiring careful patient selection and monitoring.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
This quiz covers the methods of mechanically removing the central corneal epithelium and the subsequent application of riboflavin solution. It highlights various techniques such as using a blunt hockey knife and transpethelial phototherapeutic approaches. Test your knowledge on the procedures involved in corneal treatment.