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Collagen cross-linking for resistant corneal ulcer

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Abstract

Corneal ulcer is a devastating corneal disease which is potentially sight-threatening and conventionally is treated by topical antibiotics and in some cases with more invasive procedures such as keratoplasty. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of corneal collagen cross-linking in resistant corneal ulcers. Ten patients with resistant infectious corneal ulcers who had not responded properly to maximal treatment with topical and subconjunctival antibiotics were enrolled in the study and underwent classic corneal collagen cross-linking with riboflavin and UV-A under sterile conditions in the operating room and were followed up regularly. The result was healing and scar formation with improvement of vision in all patients except for two who underwent enucleation and tectonic penetrating keratoplasty. Corneal collagen cross-linking is a viable therapeutic option for treatment of corneal ulcers and can be used as an adjuvant for conventional treatment in resistant cases.

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Acknowledgments

This work is supported by the vice-chancellor of the research center of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran through a grant. We also express our appreciation to all the patients who willingly participated in the study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran

    Rana Sorkhabi, Mohamadreza Sedgipoor & Ali Mahdavifard

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  1. Rana Sorkhabi
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  2. Mohamadreza Sedgipoor
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  3. Ali Mahdavifard
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Correspondence to Rana Sorkhabi.

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Sorkhabi, R., Sedgipoor, M. & Mahdavifard, A. Collagen cross-linking for resistant corneal ulcer. Int Ophthalmol 33, 61–66 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10792-012-9633-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10792-012-9633-2

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