Collagen crosslinking with riboflavin and UVA-light in keratoconus

Reduced corneal mechanical stability in keratoconus and similar corneal diseases can be treated by photooxidative crosslinking of the corneal collagen. This method is currently undergoing clinical evaluation worldwide. To achieve high absorption of the irradiation energy in the cornea, riboflavin at a concentration of 0.1% and UVA light at a wavelength of 370 nm corresponding to the relative maximum of absorption of riboflavin (vitamin B2) is used. These therapeutic parameters were experimentally tested and have been proven clinically. Current data demonstrate that the therapeutic crosslinking procedure is safe when the important theoretical and clinical parameters are observed, and that progression of keratoconus can be prevented. In all, 80% of the published cases show a decrease in corneal curvature of about 2 D, which leads not only to stabilisation but also to an increase in visual acuity.