Transepithelial Riboflavin/Ultraviolet A Corneal Cross-linking in Keratoconus: Morphologic Studies on Human Corneas – Corrected Proof
Purpose: To evaluate histologic and molecular changes in human keratoconic corneas after the procedure of transepithelial collagen cross-linking (CXL), without the removal of corneal epithelium.Design: Experimental laboratory investigation.Methods: Thirty corneal buttons were examined, 18 of which were from patients affected by severe keratoconus and submitted to penetrating keratoplasty (PK). Among these, 8 were analyzed without any treatment, 4 were treated with transepithelial CXL 2 hours before PK, and 6 were treated with transepithelial CXL 3 months before PK. Twelve normal corneal buttons from healthy donors were used as controls. The corneal buttons were then evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin staining and by immunostaining (Read more...)