Keratoconus (KC) is one of the most prevalent corneal ectatic disorders characterized by progressive, non-inflammatory changes in stromal collagen structure and usually results in protrusion and alteration of the central and paracentral cornea.
Treatment of early keratoconus involves prescribing spectacles, rigid gas permeable contact lenses. In a small but significant proportion of patients, disease progression may require eventual corneal transplantation. Several new therapeutic options have emerged, including refractive, optical, and lamellar surgery, which slow the progression of the disease and/or delay more intensive treatment. Corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) with ultraviolet A (UV-A) light and riboflavin (vitamin B2) is a relatively new treatment that reportedly slows the advancement of the disease in its early stages.
The focus of postoperative management after corneal crosslinking is to restore a healthy ocular surface as quickly as possible. There are three main aspects to post-crosslinking patient management: 1) hastening reepithelialization, 2) preventing infection, and 3) reducing pain.