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.