Profile of infectious and sterile keratitis after accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking for keratoconus

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the potential risk factors and causes of infectious and sterile keratitis after accelerated collagen cross-linking. METHODS: Case records of 968 eyes that underwent accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking (ACXL) over the period of 4 years were reviewed retrospectively. ACXL was done using (Avedro KXL(®) system, Waltham, MA, USA) 9 mW/cm(2) for 10 min protocol providing total energy of 5.4 J/cm(2). RESULTS: Of 968 eyes, a total of three eyes developed infectious keratitis and seven eyes developed sterile infiltrates. Three of this infectious keratitis had two cases which were resistant to fourth-generation fluoroquinolones. Seven cases of sterile infiltrates had excellent resolution after treatment with topical steroids. Sterile infiltrates were common in corneas with thinnest pachymetry of <400 µm, except in one case of intra stromal corneal ring segments (INTACS) + ACXL. CONCLUSION: Judicious use of steroids in the initial postoperative period is recommended so as to prevent any form of microbial keratitis. Very steep corneas and too thin corneas should be looked with high index of suspicion in view of chances of developing sterile infiltrates.