Corneal cross-linking versus conventional management for keratoconus: a lifetime economic model.

Aims: To assess the cost-effectiveness of corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) versus no CXL for keratoconus in the United States (US).

Methods: A discrete-event microsimulation was developed to assess the cost-effectiveness of corneal cross-linking (CXL, Photrexa + KXL combination product) versus no CXL for patients with keratoconus. The lifetime model was conducted from a US payor perspective.

Lasik Xtra Provides Corneal Stability and Improved Outcomes.

A new procedure which combines LASIK and corneal cross-linking (Lasik Xtra) has been proposed as an alternative to traditional LASIK. It is aimed at restoring strength to the cornea, increasing stability in visual outcomes, increasing the accuracy of the refractive correction, and potentially lowering enhancement rates. This article reviews the current clinical evidence which has been published on the topic and reviews both the safety and efficacy argument for the procedure.

Consecutive laser in situ keratomileusis and accelerated corneal crosslinking in highly myopic patients: preliminary results.

Purpose: To report the preliminary results of an evaluation of the safety and predictability of Lasik Xtra, a technique combining laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and accelerated corneal crosslinking, in highly myopic patients.

Methods: In this consecutive comparative case series, 70 consecutive eyes undergoing LASIK for correction of high myopia (-8.00 D to -19.

Advances in the technology of corneal cross-linking for keratoconus.

Corneal cross-linking (CXL) with ultraviolet-A (UVA) and riboflavin was introduced over 15 years ago and has been widely adopted as a treatment for keratoconus. Several studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of the procedure performed according to a standard protocol. Recent scientific and technological advances have highlighted the opportunity for optimization of the CXL procedure through modifications to this protocol.

Evaluation of epithelial integrity with various transepithelial corneal cross-linking protocols for treatment of keratoconus.

Purpose. Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) has been demonstrated to stiffen cornea and halt progression of ectasia. The original protocol requires debridement of central corneal epithelium to facilitate diffusion of a riboflavin solution to stroma.

Inhibiting the neuronal isoform of nitric oxide synthase has similar effects on the compensatory choroidal and axial responses to myopic defocus in chicks as does the non-specific inhibitor L-NAME.

In birds, the choroid plays a role in the visual regulation of eye growth, thickening in response to myopic defocus, and thinning in response to hyperopic defocus, in both cases moving the retina towards the image plane. This response is rapid, occurring within hours of the defocus stimulus. These changes are consistently associated with slower changes in the sclera, that result in the appropriate changes in axial elongation, decreasing growth in response to myopic defocus and increasing it in response to hyperopic defocus.

Inhibiting the transient choroidal thickening response using the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor l-NAME prevents the ameliorative effects of visual experience on ocular growth in two different visual paradigms.

It is generally accepted that the increase in choroidal thickness in response to myopic defocus in chicks acts to move the retina towards the image plane. It may also constitute part of the signal cascade in the visual regulation of eye growth. To test this, we used the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor l-NAME to inhibit the defocus induced choroidal thickening under two different visual conditions, and looked at the effects on ocular growth rate.