Publication Exclusive: Corneal cross-linking may have application in infective keratitis

Corneal cross-linking has been popularly used to prevent progression of keratoconus and corneal ectasia. The procedure is based on using riboflavin as a photosensitizer, which generates reactive oxygen species when activated by ultraviolet A at 365 nm. It induces a photochemical reaction that forms covalent bonds or cross-links in the corneal stroma. In the last decade, it has been introduced in keratitis and infective corneal ulcers that are resistant to drugs. With the rising incidence of multidrug resistance, corneal infections are increasing and devastating consequences are faced in aggressive microbial infections. Corneal cross-linking has provided a significant contribution in controlling the pathogenesis of the infections.