Evaluation of the corneal collagen cross-linking demarcation line profile using anterior segment optical coherence tomography

Cornea. 2013 Jul;32(7):907-10. doi: 10.1097/ICO.0b013e31828733ea.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the depth of the stromal demarcation line after corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) using anterior segment optical coherence tomography.

Methods: In this prospective, interventional case series, 23 patients (27 eyes) with progressive keratoconus were enrolled. All patients underwent uneventful CXL treatment. Corneal stromal demarcation line depth was measured centrally, 3 mm temporally, and 3 mm nasally by 2 independent observers using anterior segment optical coherence tomography at 1 month postoperatively in all patients.

Results: Mean depth of the corneal stromal demarcation line measured by the first observer was 310.67 ± 31.04 μm (range, 258-364 μm) centrally, 212.07 ± 24.5 μm (range, 178-279 μm) nasally, and 218.04 ± 21.91 μm (range, 191-261 μm) temporally. Mean depth of the corneal stromal demarcation line measured by the second observer was 308.78 ± 29 μm (range, 262-381 μm) centrally, 211.04 ± 23.93 μm (range, 180-277 μm) nasally, and 217.22 ± 25.51 μm (range, 179-271 μm) temporally. There was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) between central and both nasal and temporal depths of the corneal stromal demarcation line (paired samples t test) for both observers. There was no statistically significant difference between nasal and temporal corneal stromal demarcation line depths (paired samples t test, P > 0.05) for each observer.

Conclusions: Mean depth of the corneal stromal demarcation line after CXL treatment is greater centrally in comparison with nasal and temporal depths.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Collagen / metabolism*
  • Corneal Stroma / drug effects
  • Corneal Stroma / metabolism
  • Corneal Stroma / pathology*
  • Corneal Topography
  • Cross-Linking Reagents / therapeutic use*
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Keratoconus / drug therapy*
  • Keratoconus / metabolism
  • Keratoconus / pathology
  • Male
  • Photosensitizing Agents / therapeutic use
  • Prospective Studies
  • Riboflavin / therapeutic use
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Cross-Linking Reagents
  • Photosensitizing Agents
  • Collagen
  • Riboflavin