Dr. Ester Sekhose

Dr. JOGINDER PAL CHUGH, Dr. RAJENDRA SINGH CHAUHAN, Dr. VANDANA SHARMA

Abstract

PURPOSE: To compare the outcome of corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) in conjunction with antimicrobial agents (AMA) to antimicrobial agents alone in the treatment of infectious keratitis. METHODS: This present prospective comparative study conducted at tertiary eye care hospital on 40 patients divided into two groups: Group 1 and 2. Visual acuity was recorded and grading of ulcer done based on slit lamp examination. Patients in Group 1 underwent CXL followed by AMA and Group 2 patients were treated only with AMA. Follow-up done for 3 months and the visual outcome and time taken for healing was recorded. RESULTS: The mean time taken for healing in Group 1 was 44.5±11.2 days and in Group 2 was 27.65±7.79 days concluding that patients undergoing CXL showed slower healing duration (p=0.00). There was no significant change in the visual outcome of both the groups. CONCLUSION: Use of CXL in conjunction with AMA lowers the risk of complications, but also slows the rate of healing of ulcers.