The effect on visual acuity following collagen cross-linking performed on patients with progressive keratoconus

By Emma Fawcett Keratoconus, a progressive condition, is clinically characterised by a conical corneal shape as a result of thinning of the central cornea. The main symptom associated with keratoconus is a reduced visual acuity. Spectacle correction and contact lenses can be effective in the management of keratoconus. A fairly new technique used to strengthen corneal tissue by the use of riboflavin and ultraviolet A (UVA) is named collagen crosslinking (CXL)2. The procedure involves administration of riboflavin sodium phosphate ophthalmic solution and projection of UVA light onto the corneal surface. The aim is to stiffen the cornea with no resultant loss of transparency. Studies have suggested that CXL increases the number and diameter of collagen fibres, subsequently increasing corneal strength effective in slowing the progression of keratoconus. But what effect does this procedure have on visual acuity? *These articles are kindly provided by the Association of British Dispensing Opticians.*