Comparison of topical omega-3 fatty acids with topical sodium hyaluronate after corneal crosslinking : Short term results.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of topical omega 3 on ocular surface following corneal crosslinking (CXL) in keratoconus and compare with topical sodium hyaluronate.

Material Methods: 50 patients who underwent CXL were divided into two groups. In addition to topical steroids and antibiotics, Group A was prescribed topical omega 3; Group B was prescribed 0.3% sodium hyaluronate. Postoperatively, epithelial defect was measured everyday and at the first month corneal staining, Schirmer test was performed, tear break up time (TBUT), tear meniscus height (TMH) were measured.

Results: Preoperative keratometric values were similar between groups; there was no difference in terms of corneal staining, tear film stability; epithelial closure time (p: 0.052), and postoperative pain scores between groups. At 1st month, TBUT and TMH were significantly better in Group A than Group B(p: 0.001, p: 0.047).

Conclusion: Topical omega 3 increases tear film stability more prominent than sodium hyaluronate following crosslinking.