2nd International Conference on Ophthalmology & Vision Science
August 04, 2025 | Virtual Event
Kriti Saxena
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, USA
Keratoconus (KC) is a progressive corneal thinning disorder traditionally managed with rigid
gas permeable contact lenses or Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL). CXL stabilizes the keratoconic
cornea but does not improve vision. Recent studies suggest that combining CXL with Topography-
Guided Photorefractive Keratectomy (TG-PRK) can enhance visual outcomes. This study
evaluates the efficacy of two CXL protocols pulsed and continuous UVA light when combined
with TG-PRK. In this single-site, prospective, unmasked clinical trial, patients were randomized
into two groups receiving either pulsed or continuous UVA light during CXL. Outcomes
measured included uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA, CDVA), manifest
refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE), mean keratometry (Kmean), maximum keratometry
(Kmax), and maximum flattening (Kmaxflat). Twelve eyes were followed for 12 months. CDVA
improved from 0.19 ± 0.12 logMAR to 0.12 ± 0.12 (p < 0.05). Kmean
improved from 47.51 ± 4.10 D to 45.94 ± 3.62 D, and Kmax from 57.43 ± 6.20 D to 52.18 ± 5.33
D (p < 0.05). The mean Kmaxflat at 12 months was -7.98 ± 2.46 D. No significant differences
were observed between UVA treatment groups. Simultaneous CXL and TG-PRK effectively
improve vision and stabilize KC progression. Both pulsed and continuous UVA protocols are
equally effective.
Kriti Saxena has completed her B.S. in Neural Science at the age of 21 years from New York University, graduating
Summa Cum Laude. She is currently a medical student at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine with an
avid interest in Ophthalmology.