Changes in higher order aberrations after central corneal regularization - a comparative two-year analysis of a semi-automated topography-guided photorefractive keratectomy combined with corneal cross-linking

Abstract Background The optical quality in progressive keratoconus deteriorates due to ectasia and distortion of the corneal shape and optics. While corneal cross-linking (CXL) aims at stopping disease progression, “CXL-Plus” combines CXL with excimer laser ablation to improve visual function. Central Corneal Regularization (CCR) represents a therapeutic excimer laser modality specifically designed to smoothen the ectatic corneal shape and to reduce higher order aberrations (HOA). We set out to compare CXL-Plus, consisting of CXL combined with CCR, with CXL by itself for patients with progressive keratoconus. Methods Retrospective 2-year matched group analysis of patients who either underwent CXL-Plus (n = 28) or CXL as a sole procedure (n = 28) for progressive keratoconus. Main outcome parameters were HOA, visual function and tomographic results 12 and 24 months postoperatively. Results After 12 months, the total HOA root mean square wavefront error was reduced from 0.79 ± 0.30 to 0.40 ± 0.19 μm (CXL-Plus; p <  0.0001) and changed from 0.71 ± 0.28 to 0.73 ± 0.36 μm (CXL; p = 0.814). Uncorrected distance visual acuity improved from 0.70 ± 0.35 to 0.36 ± 0.29 logMAR (CXL-Plus; p = 0.0002) and from 0.65 ± 0.39 to 0.46 ± 0.37 logMAR (CXL; p = 0.067), translating to gains of three or more lines in 50% (CXL-Plus) and 36% (CXL) of patients. The steepest keratometry value (Kmax) regressed by 5.84 D (CXL-Plus; p <  0.0001) and 0.66 D (CXL; p = 0.752). For none of the investigated parameters a statistically significant change could be shown between 12 and 24 months. Conclusions CXL-Plus in the form of a CCR reduces HOA and Kmax more effectively than CXL as a sole procedure.