Experimental study on the treatment of rabbit corneal melting after alkali burn with Collagen cross-linking

AIM: To evaluate the effect of Collagen cross-linking on the prevention of melting in rabbit corneas after alkali burn. METHODS: Twenty New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into model control group and collagen cross-linking treatment group. The second group of rabbits received collagen cross linked treatment. Both groups were applied with antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection. The corneas were evaluated for melting, opacity, pathological and immunohistochemistry, record the changes when 28 days after the animals were killed. RESULTS: In the control group, 6 out of 8 rabbits showed corneal melting after injury (14 +/- 4) days, while two corneal perforated. In collagen cross-linking treatment group, one rabbit showed corneal melting after injury 23 days, without corneal perforation; corneal dissolution rate between the two groups was significantly different (P <0.05). Pathological examination suggested that in the treatment group, mild corneal edema, mild damage to collagen fibers, inflammatory cell infiltration was significantly less than the control group. Immunohistochemistry showed that corneal collagen fibers arranged in neat rows in the control group. CONCLUSION: Collagen cross-linking treatment not only can prevent and delay the corneal melting after alkali burn, but also can reduce the destruction of corneal collagen fibers and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the corneal tissue.

A short-term study of corneal collagen cross-linking with hypo-osmolar riboflavin solution in keratoconic corneas

AIM: To report the 3mo outcomes of collagen crosslinking(CXL) with a hypo-osmolar riboflavin in thin corneas with the thinnest thickness less than 400 μm without epithelium.METHODS: Eight eyes in 6 patients with age 26.2±4.8y were included in the study. All patients underwent CXL using a hypo-osmolar riboflavin solution after its de-epithelization. Best corrected visual acuity, manifest refraction, the thinnest corneal thickness, and endothelial cell density were evaluated before and 3mo after the procedure.RESULTS: The mean thinnest thickness of the cornea was 408.5 ±29.0 μm before treatment and reduced to369.8 ±24.8 μm after the removal of epithelium. With the application of the hypo-osmolar riboflavin solution, the thickness increased to 445.0 ±26.5 μm before CXL and recover to 412.5 ±22.7 μm at 3mo after treatment, P =0.659). Before surgery, the mean K-value of the apex of the keratoconus corneas was 57.6 ±4.0 diopters, and slightly decreased(54.7±4.9 diopters) after surgery(P =0.085). Mean best-corrected visual acuity was 0.55 ±0.23 logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution, and increased to 0.53±0.26 logarithm after surgery(P =0.879).The endothelial cell density was 2706.4 ±201.6 cells/mm2 before treatment, and slightly decreased( 2641. 2 ±218.2 cells/mm2) at last fellow up(P =0.002).CONCLUSION: Corneal collagen cross-linking with a hypo-osmolar riboflavin in thin corneas seems to be a promising treatment. Further study should be done to evaluate the safety and efficiency of CXL in thin corneas for the long-term.

Corneal collagen cross-linking and liposomal amphotericin B combination therapy for fungal keratitis in rabbits

AIM： To observe the therapeutic effect of corneal collagen cross-linking（CXL） in combination with liposomal amphotericin B in fungal corneal ulcers.METHODS： New Zealand rabbits were induced fungal corneal ulcers by scratching and randomly divided into 3groups, i.e. control, treated with CXL, and combined therapy of CXL with 0.25% liposomal amphotericin B（n =5 each）. The corneal lesions were documented with slit-lamp and confocal microscopy on 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 d after treatment. The corneas were examined with transmission electron microscopy（TEM） at 4wk.RESULTS： A rabbit corneal ulcer model of Fusarium was successfully established. The corneal epithelium defect areas in the two treatment groups were smaller than that in the control group on 3, 7, 14 and 21d（P 〈0.05）. The corneal epithelium defect areas of the combined group was smaller than that of the CXL group（P 〈0.05） on 7 and 14 d, but there were no statistical differences on 3, 21 and 28 d. The corneal epithelium defects of the two treatment groups have been healed by day 21. The corneal epithelium defects of the control group were healed on 28 d. The diameters of the corneal collagen fiber bundles（42.960 ±7.383 nm in the CXL group and 37.040±4.160 nm in the combined group） were thicker than that of the control group（24.900±1.868 nm）,but there was no difference between the two treatment groups. Some corneal collagen fiber bundles were distorted and with irregular arrangement, a large number of fibroblasts could be seen among them but no inflammatory cells in both treatment groups. CONCLUSION： CXL combined with liposomal amphotericin B have beneficial effects on fungal corneal ulcers. The combined therapy could alleviate corneal inflammattions, accelerate corneal repair, and shorten the course of disease.

Scheimpflug imaged corneal changes on anterior and posterior surfaces after collagen cross-linking

AIM:To compare the anterior and posterior corneal parameters before and after collagen cross-linking therapy for keratoconus.METHODS:Collagen cross-linking was performed in31 eyes of 31 keratoconus patients(mean age 30.6±8.9y).Prior to treatment and an average 7mo after therapy,Scheimpflug analysis was performed using Pentacam HR.In addition to corneal thickness assessments,corneal radius,elevation,and aberrometric measurements were performed both on anterior and posterior corneal surfaces.Data obtained before and after surgery were statistically analyzed.RESULTS:In terms of horizontal and vertical corneal radius,and central corneal thickness no deviations were observed an average 7mo after operation.Corneal higher order aberration showed no difference neither on anterior nor on posterior corneal surfaces.During follow-up period,no significant deviation was detected regarding elevation values obtained by measurement in mm units between the 3.0-8.0 mm-zones.CONCLUSION:Corneal stabilization could be observed in terms of anterior and posterior corneal surfaces,elevation and higher order aberration values 7mo after collagen cross-linking therapy for keratoconus.

Variation in Central Corneal Thickness during Open- or Closed-Eye Riboflavin Instillation for Corneal Collagen Cross-linking

Purpose:To assess the effect of having an open or closed eye on the variation in central corneal thickness during riboflavin instillation for corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL).Methods:.Thirty eyes of 15 New Zealand White rabbits underwent an in vivo anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) examination at 0,10,20,and 30 min after riboflavin instillation on the de-epithelialized corneal surface.Each eye of every rabbit was randomly placed into one of two different treatment groups(open-eye or closed-eye)during the instillation;.the examinations were performed one after the other.After instillation for 30 min,the changes in the corneal stroma and anterior chamber were observed by slit lamp.Results:.A significant decrease in the central corneal thickness(CCT).was demonstrated during riboflavin instillation;.the variations were smaller in the measurements performed with the eye closed than with the eye open.(81.36±15.13μm and129.20±12.05μm respectively)..Both methods turned the corneal stroma and anterior chamber yellow.Conclusion:Keeping the eye closed during riboflavin instillation reduced the decrease in the CCT..The same yellow change in the corneal stroma and anterior chamber occurred,but the exposure time of the ocular surface was shorter.Therefore,.keeping the eye closed was a more effective and safer method than keeping the eye open.

Analysis of the effective dose of ultraviolet light in corneal cross-linking

AIM: To analyze the efficacy of ultraviolet (UV) light initiating corneal cross-linking (CXL). METHODS: The time-dependent absorption of UV light due to the depletion of the initiator (riboflavin) was calculated. The effective dose of CXL with corneal surface covered by a thin layer of riboflavin was derived analytically. The cross linking time was calculated by the depletion level of the riboflavin concentration. A comprehensive method was used to derive analytic formulas. RESULTS: The effective dose of CXL was reduced by a factor (R) which was proportional to the thickness (d) and concentrations (C-0) of the riboflavin surface layer. Our calculations showed that the conventional dose of 5.4 J/cm(2) had a reduced effective dose of 4.3 and 3.45 J/cm(2), for d was 100 and 200 pm, respectively, and C-0=0.1%. The surface cross linking time was calculated to be T*=10.75s, for a depletion level of 0.135 and UV initial intensity of 30 mW/cm(2). The volume T* was exponentially increasing and proportional to exp (bdC(0)), with b being the steady state absorption coefficient. CONCLUSION: The effective dose of CXL is reduced by a factor proportional to the thickness and concentrations of the riboflavin surface layer. The wasted dose should be avoided by washing out the extra riboflavin surface layer prior to the UV light exposure.

Topography versus non-topography-guided photorefractive keratectomy with corneal cross-linking variations in keratoconus

AIM:To compare the visual results of non-topographyguided and topography-guided photorefractive keratectomy(PRK)applying sequential and simultaneous corneal crosslinking(CXL)treatment for keratoconus.METHODS:Interventional and comparative prospective study.Sixty-nine eyes(36 patients)suffering from keratoconus(stages 1 Amsler-Krumeich classification)were divided into four groups:sequential topography-guided photorefractive keratectomy with CXL,simultaneous topography-guided photorefractive keratectomy with CXL,simultaneous nontopography guided photorefractive keratectomy with CXL,and sequential non-topography guided photorefractive keratectomy with CXL.The main outcome measures were pre-and postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity(UDVA),best corrected distance visual acuity(CDVA),manifest refraction,contrast sensitivity,and keratometry.RESULTS:All analyzed visual,contrast sensitivity,and refractive parameters showed a significant improvement in the four groups(all P<0.05).A noticeable improvement was seen in keratometry in all the groups,and a remarkable difference was observed between topography-guided groups in comparison to non-topography-guided groups(P<0.05).Interestingly,the improvement in all parameters showed a degree of stability to the end of the follow-up.CONCLUSION:The treatment priorities in all four groups are safety,efficacy,and predictability in the correction of the sphero-cylindrical errors in mild and moderate keratoconus.No significant differences among groups in the recorded objective outcomes were found.

Corneal collagen crosslinking in keratoconus and other eye disease

Keratoconus is a condition characterized by biomechanical instability of the cornea, presenting in a progressive, asymmetric and bilateral way. Corneal collagen crosslinking(CXL) with riboflavin and Ultraviolet-A(UVA) is a new technique of corneal tissue strengthening that combines the use of riboflavin as a photo sensitizer and UVA irradiation. Studies showed that CXL was effective in halting the progression of keratoconus over a period of up to four years. The published studies also revealed a reduction of max K readings by more than 2 D, while the postoperative spherical equivalent(SEQ) was reduced by an average of more than 1 D and refractive cylinder decreased by about1 D. The major indication for the use of CXL is to inhibit the progression of corneal ecstasies, such as keratoconus and pellucid marginal degeneration. CXL may also be effective in the treatment and prophylaxis of iatrogenic keratectasia, resulting from excessively aggressive photo ablation. This treatment has been used to treat infectious corneal ulcers with apparent favorable results. Most recent studies demonstrate the beneficial impact of CXL for iatrogenic ecstasies, pellucid marginal degeneration, infectious keratitis, bullous keratopathy and ulcerative keratitis. Several long-term and short-term complications of CXL have been studied and documented. The possibility of a secondary infection after the procedure exists because the patient is subject to epithelial debridement and the application of a soft contact lens. Formation of temporary corneal haze,permanent scars, endothelial damage, treatment failure,sterile infiltrates, bullous keratopathy and herpes reactivation are the other reported complications of this procedure.

Combined corneal CXL and photorefractive keratectomy for treatment of keratoconus: a review

Keratoconus and iatrogenic keratectasia are the corneal ectatic disorders occurring due to biomechanical weakening of the cornea resulting in distorted images,myopia, and irregular astigmatism. Corneal collagen cross-linking(CXL) is performed to arrest keratoconus successfully. The main aim of this review is to discuss the safety and efficacy of the adjuvant therapies, such as the combination of CXL and photorefractive keratectomy(PRK) for the treatment of corneal ectatic disorders. A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubM ed, MEDLINE, and Scopus using keywords ‘collagen’‘keratoconus’,‘keratectasia’,‘collagen cross-linking’,and ‘photorefractive keratectomy’. Search results were restricted to clinical studies published in English. Corneal CXL effectively arrests the progression of keratoconus by enhancing corneal rigidity. However, functional vision is not improved by cross-linking. Combining CXL to refractive surgeries such as topography-guided PRK or transepithelial PRK is found to be a safe and effective method in providing corneal stability as well as significantly improving functional visual acuity with few minor complications. This combined technique also prevents regression of keratoconus and reduce the risk of keratectasia. CXL combined with PRK is a promising therapeutic approach in ophthalmology that can be successfully used to treat progressive keratoconus and other corneal ectatic disorders and to enhance visual acuity.

5-year follow-up of combined non-topography guided photorefractive keratectomy and corneal collagen cross linking for keratoconus

AIM： To evaluate the visual outcomes of simultaneous non-topography guided photorefractive keratectomy（PRK） and corneal collagen cross-linking（CXL） in eyes with keratoconus 5 y after the procedure.METHODS： Prospective, interventional, non-randomized, and non-controlled case series design was used. Sixty eyes of 30 patients（16 males and 14 females; age： 21-41 y） with mild, non-progressive（stages 1-2） keratoconus were enrolled. Refraction, uncorrected distance visual acuity（UDVA） and corrected distance visual acuity（CDVA）, flat and steep keratometry readings, and adverse events were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively. Data were collected preoperatively and postoperatively at 3 mo, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 y follow-up visits after combined non-topography-guided PRK with CXL was performed. All patients had at least 5 y of follow-up.RESULTS： All study parameters showed a statistically significant improvement at 5 y over baseline values. The mean follow-up time was 68.20±4.71 mo（range： 60-106 mo）. Patients showed a significant improvement in UDVA from 1.24±0.79 log MAR prior to combined non-TG-PRK＋CXL to 0.06±0.15 log MAR postoperatively at the time of their last follow-up visit. CDVA significantly increased from 0.06±0.19 log MAR preoperatively to 0.03±0.12 log MAR postoperatively. A significant decrease in the mean spherical equivalent（SE） refraction was observed from-2.28±1.8 to-0.79±0.93 diopters（D）（P〈0.05）, and the manifest sphere decreased from-1.62±1.23 to-0.27±0.21 D（P=0.001）. The manifest cylinder significantly decreased from-1.73±0.86 to-0.29±0.34 D postoperatively（P=0.001）. The mean steep keratometry was 45.13±1.32 vs 47.28±2.12 D preoperatively（P〈0.05）, and the preoperative mean steepest keratometry（Kmax） 48.6±3.1 was reduced significantly to 46.8±2.9 postoperatively（P〈0.05）. CONCLUSION： Combined non-TG-PRK with 15 min CXL is an effective and safe option for correcting mild refractive error and improving visual acuity in patients with mild stable keratoconus.

Clinical outcomes at one year following keratoconus treatment with accelerated transepithelial cross-linking

This study evaluated the clinical outcomes in keratoconus corneas following accelerated transepithelial corneal collagen cross-linking（CXL）（Avedro KXL system,Waltham,MA,USA） over one year of follow-up.The mean depth of the demarcation line measured by optical coherence tomography（OCT） was 205.19 μm.One month after surgery,a non-statistically significant change was noted in sphere（P= 0.18） and in spherical equivalent（P= 0.17）,whereas a significant improvement was observed in corrected distance visual acuity（P=0.04）.A significant change was observed in topographic astigmatism（P= 0.03） and posterior corneal a sphericity（P= 0.04）.Accelerated transepithelial CXL may be a useful technique for the management of progressive keratoconus.

Different accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking treatment modalities in progressive keratoconus

Background:To compare the outcomes of two different protocols of accelerated corneal crosslinking(CXL)on visual,corneal high order aberrations(HOA)and topographic parameters in patients with progressive keratoconus.Methods:In this prospective comparative study,sixty-six eyes of 66 patients with progressive keratoconus were divided into two groups;37 eyes in Group 1 received 18 mW/cm^(2) for five minutes,and 29 eyes in Group 2 were treated with 9 mW/cm^(2) for 10 min.The uncorrected distant visual acuity(UCVA),best-corrected distant visual acuity(BCVA),corneal HOAs and topography parameters were measured preoperatively and postoperatively at the end of 12 months.The data for the two groups were compared statistically.Results:The mean UCVA and BCVA were significantly improved at the postoperative 12 months compared with the preoperative values in both groups(P<0.05 for all).A significant improvement in corneal HOAs was observed in both groups(P<0.05 for all).The change in corneal coma value was significantly higher in Group 2(P<0.05).The change in keratometric values K1,K2,AvgK and maximum keratometry(AKf)were significantly higher in Group 2(P<0.05 for all).The regression model showed that the most important factor predicting the change in AKf was the type of CXL(β=−0.482,P=0.005).Conclusions:Accelerated CXL using 10 min of UVA irradiance at 9 mW/cm^(2) showed better topographic improvements and coma values than five minutes of UVA irradiance at 18 mW/cm^(2) independent of keratoconus severity.

PACK-CXL: Corneal cross-linking in infectious keratitis

Background:Corneal cross-linking(CXL)using ultraviolet light-A(UV-A)and riboflavin is a technique developed in the 1990’s to treat corneal ectatic disorders such as keratoconus.It soon became the new gold standard in multiple countries around the world to halt the progression of this disorder,with good long-term outcomes in keratometry reading and visual acuity.The original Dresden treatment protocol was also later on used to stabilize iatrogenic corneal ectasia appearing after laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis(LASIK)and photorefractive keratectomy(PRK).CXL efficiently strengthened the cornea but was also shown to kill most of the keratocytes within the corneal stroma,later on repopulated by those cells.Review:Ultraviolet-light has long been known for its microbicidal effect,and thus CXL postulated to be able to sterilize the cornea from infectious pathogens.This cytotoxic effect led to the first clinical trials using CXL to treat advanced infectious melting corneal keratitis.Patients treated with this technique showed,in the majority of cases,a stabilization of the melting process and were able to avoid emergentàchaud keratoplasty.Following those primary favorable results,CXL was used to treat beginning bacterial keratitis as a first-line treatment without any adjunctive antibiotics with positive results for most patients.In order to distinguish the use of CXL for infectious keratitis treatment from its use for corneal ectatic disorders,a new term was proposed at the 9th CXL congress in Dublin to rename its use in infections as photoactivated chromophore for infectious keratitis-corneal collagen cross-linking(PACK-CXL).Conclusion:PACK-CXL is now more frequently used to treat infections from various infectious origins.The original Dresden protocol is still used for this purpose.Careful modifications of this protocol could improve the efficiency of this technique in specific clinical situations regarding certain types of pathogens.

Corneal collagen cross-linking epithelium-on vs. epithelium-off: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background The purpose of the study was to determine the advantages and disadvantages of epi-on corneal cross-linking(CXL)techniques compared with standard epi-off CXL.Methods We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE for randomized controlled trials(RCTs)and non-randomized studies of interventions(NRSIs)and we evaluated the selected papers according to the Cochrane risk of bias tool.We considered,as primary outcomes,average Kmax flattening,changes in uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity(UDVA and CDVA);as secondary outcomes,we considered changes in pachymetry values and endothelial cell density(ECD).We also investigated adverse events related to the treatments and treatment failure.Meta-analysis was conducted with a fixed or random-effects model using weighted mean difference(MD)with 95%confidence interval(CI)as the effect size.Results A total of 15 studies were included and among these 15 trials,9 were RCTs and 6 were NRSIs,but only 4 studies showed no high risk of bias and were included in this meta-analysis.Our analysis revealed significant postoperative differences in CDVA(MD=0.07;95%CI 0.04 to 0.10;P<0.001),and no significative differences in UDVA,Kmax,central corneal thickness(CCT)and ECD(P>0.05).Epi-on CXL protocol was found to be significantly less prompt to have risks of delay in epithelial healing(P=0.035)and persistent stromal haze(P=0.026).Conclusion Epi-on CXL is as effective as epi-off CXL.Except for a higher significant improvement in CDVA with current epi-on protocols,our meta-analysis demonstrates that epi-on and epi-off CXL have comparable effects on visual,topographic,pachymetric,and endothelial parameters.Epi-on CXL has clinical advantages in terms of comfort and avoidance of complications as it reduces the risk of developing delay in epithelial healing and persistent stromal haze.

Collagen cross-linking:when and how?A review of the state of the art of the technique and new perspectives

Since the late 1990s corneal crosslinking(CXL)has been proposed as a new possibility to stop progression of keratoconus or secondary corneal ectasia,with the promising aim to prevent progressive visual loss due to the evolution of the pathology and to delay or avoid invasive surgical procedures such as corneal transplantation.The possibility of strengthening corneal tissue by means of a photochemical reaction of corneal collagen by the combined action of Riboflavin and ultraviolet A irradiation(UVA),radically modified the conservative management of progressive corneal ectasia.This is a review of the state of the art of CXL,reporting basic and clinical evidence.The paper describes basic principles,advantages and limits of different CXL techniques and possible future evolution of the procedure.

Impact of hypothermia on the biomechanical effect of epithelium-off corneal cross-linking

Background:The corneal cross-linking(CXL)photochemical reaction is essentially dependent on oxygen and hypothermia,which usually leads to higher dissolved oxygen levels in tissues,with potentially greater oxygen availability for treatment.Here,we evaluate whether a reduction of corneal temperature during CXL may increase oxygen availability and therefore enhance the CXL biomechanical stiffening effect in ex vivo porcine corneas.Methods:One hundred and twelve porcine corneas had their epithelium manually debrided before being soaked with 0.1%hypo-osmolaric riboflavin.These corneas were equally assigned to one of four groups.Groups 2 and 4 underwent accelerated epithelium-off CXL using 9 mW/cm^(2) irradiance for 10 min,performed either in a cold room temperature(group 2,4℃)or at standard room temperature(group 4,24℃).Groups 1 and 3 served as non-crosslinked,temperature-matched controls.Using a stress-strain extensometer,the elastic moduli of 5-mm wide corneal strips were analyzed as an indicator of corneal stiffness.Results:Accelerated epithelium-off CXL led to significant increases in the elastic modulus between 1 and 5%of strain when compared to non-cross-linked controls(P<0.05),both at 4℃(1.40±0.22 vs 1.23±0.18 N/mm)and 24℃(1.42±0.15 vs 1.19±0.11 N/mm).However,no significant difference was found between control groups(P=0.846)or between groups in which CXL was performed at low or standard room temperature(P=0.969).Conclusions:Although initial oxygen availability should be increased under hypothermic conditions,it does not appear to play a significant role in the biomechanical strengthening effect of epithelium-off CXL accelerated protocols in ex vivo porcine corneas.

Impact of hypothermia on the biomechanical effect of epithelium-off corneal cross-linking

Background:The corneal cross-linking(CXL)photochemical reaction is essentially dependent on oxygen and hypothermia,which usually leads to higher dissolved oxygen levels in tissues,with potentially greater oxygen availability for treatment.Here,we evaluate whether a reduction of corneal temperature during CXL may increase oxygen availability and therefore enhance the CXL biomechanical stiffening effect in ex vivo porcine corneas.Methods:One hundred and twelve porcine corneas had their epithelium manually debrided before being soaked with 0.1%hypo-osmolaric riboflavin.These corneas were equally assigned to one of four groups.Groups 2 and 4 underwent accelerated epithelium-off CXL using 9 mW/cm^(2) irradiance for 10 min,performed either in a cold room temperature(group 2,4℃)or at standard room temperature(group 4,24℃).Groups 1 and 3 served as non-cross-linked,temperature-matched controls.Using a stress-strain extensometer,the elastic moduli of 5-mm wide corneal strips were analyzed as an indicator of corneal stiffness.Results:Accelerated epithelium-off CXL led to significant increases in the elastic modulus between 1%and 5%of strain when compared to non-cross-linked controls(P<0.05),both at 4℃(1.40±0.22 vs.1.23±0.18 N/mm)and 24 C(1.42±0.15 vs.1.19±0.11 N/mm).However,no significant difference was found between control groups(P=0.846)or between groups in which CXL was performed at low or standard room temperature(P=0.969).Conclusions:Although initial oxygen availability should be increased under hypothermic conditions,it does not appear to play a significant role in the biomechanical strengthening effect of accelerated epithelium-off CXL protocols in ex vivo porcine corneas.

基于角膜生物力学对小切口角膜基质透镜取出手术优化及联合角膜胶原交联手术的效果分析

目的 建立小切口角膜基质透镜取出(small incision lenticule extraction, SMILE)手术的有限元模拟体系,模拟术后角膜生物力学性能变化,为SMILE手术的优化设计提供依据,并探讨角膜胶原交联(corneal collagen cross-linking, CXL)手术对SMILE术后角膜生物力学性能的影响。方法 采用交联强度梯度分布的超弹性本构关系描述角膜的生物力学性能,建立SMILE手术的压痕有限元模型,设置不同的切口位置、切口弧度、侧切口角度和角膜帽厚度,分析SMILE术后角膜生物力学性能的变化;对SMILE术后角膜进行CXL手术的有限元模拟,分析不同辐射能量对角膜生物力学性能的影响。结果 随着切口位置角度变小、切口弧度增加、侧切口角度从90°增大到135°或减小到45°、角膜帽厚度减小,SMILE术后角膜最大von Mises应力不断增大;随着辐射能量增加,CXL术后最大von Mises应力不断增加。结论 构建的有限元模型可有效表征SMILE术后角膜的生物力学响应,为SMILE手术的优化设计提供模拟依据;CXL手术有助于提高SMILE术后角膜的生物力学强度。

Corneal collagen cross‑linking epithelium‑on vs.epithelium‑off:a systematic review and meta‑analysis

Background:The purpose of the study was to determine the advantages and disadvantages of epi-on corneal crosslinking(CXL)techniques compared with standard epi-off CXL.Methods:We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE for randomized controlled trials(RCTs)and non-randomized studies of interventions(NRSIs)and we evaluated the selected papers according to the Cochrane risk of bias tool.We considered,as primary outcomes,average Kmax flattening,changes in uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity(UDVA and CDVA);as secondary outcomes,we considered changes in pachymetry values and endothelial cell density(ECD).We also investigated adverse events related to the treatments and treatment failure.Meta-analysis was conducted with a fixed or random-effects model using weighted mean difference(MD)with 95%confidence interval(CI)as the effect size.Results:A total of 15 studies were included and among these 15 trials,9 were RCTs and 6 were NRSIs,but only 4 studies showed no high risk of bias and were included in this meta-analysis.Our analysis revealed significant postoperative differences in CDVA(MD=0.07;95%CI 0.04 to 0.10;P<0.001),and no significative differences in UDVA,Kmax,central corneal thickness(CCT)and ECD(P>0.05).Epi-on CXL protocol was found to be significantly less prompt to have risks of delay in epithelial healing(P=0.035)and persistent stromal haze(P=0.026).Conclusion:Epi-on CXL is as effective as epi-off CXL.Except for a higher significant improvement in CDVA with current epi-on protocols,our meta-analysis demonstrates that epi-on and epi-off CXL have comparable effects on visual,topographic,pachymetric,and endothelial parameters.Epi-on CXL has clinical advantages in terms of comfort and avoidance of complications as it reduces the risk of developing delay in epithelial healing and persistent stromal haze.

跨上皮快速角膜交联术治疗圆锥角膜的1年期疗效观察

目的评估跨上皮快速角膜胶原交联术(ATE-CXL)治疗圆锥角膜的1年期有效性和安全性。方法选取22例(29只眼)术前处于进展状态的圆锥角膜行跨上皮快速角膜胶原交联术,术后随访平均时长为13.2个月;对比分析术前、术后SimK1、SimK2、Kmax、角膜内皮细胞计数和形态、裸眼视力(UCVA)、最佳镜片矫正视力(BSCVA)、角膜及晶状体情况、主觉验光及角膜最薄处厚度等指标的变化。结果所有患者均顺利完成手术,未见术中并发症,术后1~2d术眼有刺激症状。术后1个月、3个月和6个月的散光较术前减少,所有随访节点的球镜度、等效球镜度以及术后1年的散光度数较术前的减少均无统计学意义。UCVA从术前的(1.07±0.43)LogMAR提高到术后6个月的(0.86±0.40)LogMAR,以及术后1年的(0.75±0.41)LogMAR,而BSCVA从术前的(0.38±0.43)LogMAR提高到术后1年的(0.22±0.17)LogMAR。SimK1、SimK2、Kmax、角膜散光、角膜内皮细胞计数和形态及角膜最薄处厚度是稳定的。结论跨上皮快速角膜胶原交联术治疗圆锥角膜是有效、安全的。