Transepithelial versus epithelium-off corneal collagen cross-linking for corneal ectasia: protocol for a systematic review, meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis of randomised controlled trials.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Corneal ectasias are progressive, degenerative ocular diseases defined by abnormal structural changes in the cornea, leading to distortion of vision and substantial reduction in quality of life. Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) increases the biomechanical rigidity of the cornea and has been shown to halt ectatic processes. The established CXL protocol requires removal of the corneal epithelium. However, some surgeons have proposed transepithelial approaches to enhance patient recovery and minimise adverse events. Whether novel transepithelial approaches are as effective in arresting ectasia as the established epithelium-off protocol remains unclear. This study will systematically review the evidence on transepithelial CXL approaches and compare it to the epithelium

SUBMITTER: Nath S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6549647 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature