Anti-inflammatory and dry eye benefits of accelerated epi-off corneal cross-linking in pediatric keratoconus with allergic ocular surface disease and elevated MMP-9.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

To assess the functional and ocular surface anti-inflammatory outcomes of epithelium-off accelerated corneal cross-linking (ACXL) in adolescents with progressive keratoconus associated with allergic ocular surface disease and dry eye disease (DED) characterized by elevated tear matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) concentrations.

Methods

Prospective interventional case series of 30 eyes from 15 patients (mean age 16.41 ± 2.36 years; Krumeich stage II) undergoing epi-off ACXL. Outcomes at baseline and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months included corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), maximum keratometry (Kmax), minimum corneal thickness (MCT), computerized non-invasive tear break-up time (cBUT), Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), and tear MMP-9 (point-of-care test). In vivo qual

SUBMITTER: Mazzotta C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12763881 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature