Reduced High-order Aberrations using Wavefront-guided Partial Photorefractive Keratectomy and Accelerated Epithelium-off Corneal Cross-linking for Keratoconus

Abstract

Purpose: To demonstrate clinical outcomes of epithelium-off corneal cross-linking (CXL) in combination with wavefrontguided photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for the treatment of keratoconuns. Materials and methods:Total, 28 keratoconic eyes of 21 patients were included. The Sirius Wavefront Analyzer (SCHWIND eye-tech-solutions GmbH and Co. KG) was used to evaluate the high-order aberrations (HOAs). The coupled Amaris 750S excimer laser then performed a PRK of no more than 40 μm using the measured HOA. The CXL was then carried out respecting the standard of 400 μm of corneal thickness. Conclusion:Utilizing HOA to guide the laser treatment in combination with CXL resulted in a significant decrease of HOA at 6 months postprocedure. This is a small case series, but demonstrates a promising trend of improved HOA. Considering that keratoconic eyes have very irregular surfaces with significant HOA, reducing these aberrations should improve best corrected quality of vision. Having longer follow-up and greater numbers may demonstrate a clearer improvement.