Lens densitometry after corneal cross-linking in patients with keratoconus using a Scheimpflug camera

Purpose: to evaluate changes in crystalline lens densitometry following corneal cross-linking (cxl) in keratoconic patients. methods: in a quasi-experimental study,three-dimensional lens densitometry was performed using the pentacam scheimpflug camera (oculus optikgerate gmbh,wetzlar,germany) at baseline and six months after cxl. densitometry was performed in a fixed area of 2 inch × 1 inch of the anterior capsule and anterior lens cortex. the subject group included patients with progressive keratoconus who underwent cxl (n = 40) and the control group was comprised of aged-matched patients with non-progressive keratoconus (n = 36). results: mean age of the case and control groups was 25.8 ± 4.0 and 25.0 ± 4.1 years,respectively (p = 0.392). mean lens density in the cxl group was 6.68% ± 0.58% at baseline and 6.77% ± 0.53% at the last visit (p = 0.352). corresponding figures in the control group were 6.53% ± 0.27% and 6.39% ± 0.31%,respectively (p = 0.213). there was no significant difference between the study groups at baseline or six months later (p = 0.96). conclusion: in this short term study with six months' follow-up,we observed no significant impact on lens density following exposure of the crystalline lens to ultraviolet a and riboflavin free radicals in the cxl procedure. © 2015 journal of ophthalmic and vision research.