Positive early results for Keratoconus treatment trial

18 December 2008

Trials at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital of a new medical treatment for the eye condition Keratoconus have had positive early results.

In 2006 the Eye and Ear started as the only site in Australia to trial the treatment that had already undergone early trials in Germany for this common eye condition.

The early results from this world first, randomised control trial have been encouraging and the preliminary findings have recently been published.

Keratoconus is characterised by thinning of the cornea resulting in a cone-like bulge and significant visual impairment.

The cause of the condition is unknown and, for those with progressive keratoconus, corneal transplantation may be necessary if their vision cannot be adequately corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Keratoconus is the most common condition requiring corneal transplantation in Australia and most other countries.

This new procedure involves applying Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) to the eye before exposing it to a measured dose of UVA light. This generates a chemical reaction which results in strengthening and stabilisation of the cornea. Some patients experience a modest improvement in the corneal shape and vision.

Dr Christine Wittig was invited to Melbourne from Germany where the technique had been developed, to conduct the Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL) trial.

She has been working on the trial in conjunction with a principal specialist at the Eye and Ear, Associate Professor Grant Snibson.

Associate Professor Snibson said one of the further benefits of this procedure is patients can be treated within an hour and only need a short recovery period. The equipment can be easily transported allowing it to be used in rural areas and developing countries.

“While the results have been positive so far, we will need a longer follow up period to investigate long term effects of the treatment and demonstrate this technique is an effective and safe treatment for progressive keratoconus.”

The trial has so far involved more than 80 eyes from approximately 60 patients.

The results of the trial will soon be reviewed and it is hoped that this treatment might soon be more widely available to patients with progressive keratoconus.

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