No abstract

Rapid UV cross-linking treatment can be regarded as equivalent to the standard procedure in terms of increase in corneal stiffness. The new rapid protocol shortens the treatment duration by more than two thirds, from 30 to 9 minutes. The safety of the higher intensities must be addressed in further clinical studies.

This theoretical model predicts the spatial distribution of increased stiffness by corneal cross-linking and, as such, can be used to customize treatment, according to the patient's corneal thickness and medical indication.

Generating particular cutting patterns inside lens tissue can increase the deformation-ability of the crystalline lens. Thus, it might be one possible way to treat presbyopia.

The intended depth of CXL using current light sources is achieved only within the central area of the cornea. To provide CXL to the peripheral cornea, the ultraviolet beam either should have an improved intensity profile or may have to be decentered.