Comparison of Rapid and Conventional Corneal Collagen Cross Linking in Patients Having Keratoconus

Objective: To compare the effect of rapid and conventional methods of corneal collagen cross linking (CXL) on visual acuity (VA) and corneal parameters in Keratoconus. Study Design: Randomized control trial. Place and Duration of Study: Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology, Feb 2012 to Apr 2013. Patients and Method: Thirty patients, fifteen in each group, were randomized by non probability consecutive sampling to rapid or conventional CXL group. Pre and post operative (6 months) best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), anterior and posterior keratometric (K) values and pachymetry were recorded. Intra and inter group comparison of all these parameters were statistically analyzed. Results: All thirty patients showed either stabilization or improvement in BCVA. Both groups showed comparable results in terms of improvement BCVA (p = 0.682), reduction in the corneal thickness at thinnest point (p = 0.062), anterior flat and steep K (p = 0.633, p = 0.443 respectively) and posterior flat and steep K values (p = 0.130, p = 0.068) at six months duration. Conclusion: Conventional and rapid methods of CXL are comparable in terms of their effect on VA and corneal parameters.