March 3, 2026Open Access

Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Conventional Dresden, Transepithelial, and Accelerated Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking Protocols for Progressive Keratoconus: A Systematic Review

Key Points

Conventional epi-off cross-linking showed the strongest evidence for stabilizing keratometry and preserving vision in progressive keratoconus.
Accelerated protocols matched short-term efficacy of conventional methods while being more efficient, indicating practical benefits.
Transepithelial approaches may suit certain patients preferring less invasive treatment despite potential long-term trade-offs.
Findings highlight the need for tailored approaches to keratoconus treatment based on patient preferences and clinical goals.

Abstract

Conventional epi-off CXL has the strongest evidence for durable keratometric stabilization and visual acuity preservation in progressive keratoconus. Accelerated protocols offer similar short-term efficacy with improved treatment efficiency, while enhanced transepithelial approaches may be appropriate for selected patients prioritizing reduced invasiveness and postoperative discomfort, with potential trade-offs in long-term durability.

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Discussion

Authors

Bradley A Nordin

Journals

Cureus

Actions

Institutions

Columbia College

References and Citations

Connected Papers

Building similarity graph...

Analyzing shared references across papers

Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Conventional Dresden, Transepithelial, and Accelerated Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking Protocols for Progressive Keratoconus: A Systematic Review

Key Points

Abstract

Citation Network

Connected Papers

Discussion

Authors

Journals

Actions

Institutions

References and Citations

Citation Network

Connected Papers

Discussion

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