Copyright restrictions may apply JAMA Ophthalmology Journal Club Slides: Treatment Effect of Corneal Light Scattering Rehnman JB, Lindén C, Hallberg P, Behndig A. Treatment effect and corneal light scattering with 2 corneal cross-linking protocols: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Ophthalmol. Published online August 27, doi: /jamaophthalmol

Copyright restrictions may apply Introduction This study demonstrates that the increase in corneal densitometry (corneal light backscatter) measured with Pentacam HR Scheimpflug photography offers a complementary method to indirectly quantify the treatment effect of corneal cross-linking (CXL) for keratoconus. Objective –To assess the spatial distribution and the time course of the increased corneal densitometry (corneal light backscatter) seen after CXL with riboflavin and UV-A irradiation.

Copyright restrictions may apply In an open-label randomized clinical trial conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology, Umeå University Hospital, Umeå, Sweden, 43 patients (60 eyes) with progressive keratoconus were included, treated, and followed up during a 6-month period between October 13, 2009, and May 31, The patients were randomized to receive conventional CXL (n = 30) using the Dresden protocol or to receive CXL with mechanical compression of the cornea using a flat rigid contact lens sutured to the cornea during the treatment (corneal reshaping and cross-linking [CRXL]) (n = 30). Main outcome measure was the change in corneal densitometry after CXL and CRXL for keratoconus. Methods

Copyright restrictions may apply The corneal densitometry was measured in the following: –Anterior 120-µm layer. –Posterior 60-µm layer. –Center layer of the corneal stroma. –Circular zones around the corneal apex: Central 0- to 2-mm zone. 2- to 6-mm zone. 6- to 10-mm zone. 10- to 12-mm zone. Methods

Copyright restrictions may apply CONSORT Flow Diagram Results

Copyright restrictions may apply A densitometry increase was seen after both treatments. The densitometry increase was deeper and more pronounced in the CXL group (difference between the groups at 1 month in the center layer, zone 0-2 mm, 5.02 grayscale units [GSU]; 95% CI, GSU; P <.001). The densitometry increase diminished with time but was still noticeable at 6 months (difference between the groups at 6 months in the center layer, zone 0-2 mm, 3.47 GSU; 95% CI, GSU; P <.001). Results

Copyright restrictions may apply Results Correlation Between Corneal Densitometry and Maximum Corneal Curvature Interestingly, the increase in densitometry was proportional to the reduction in maximum corneal steepness (R = −0.45 and −0.56 for CXL and CRXL, respectively).

Copyright restrictions may apply The degree of corneal densitometry (corneal light backscatter) measured with Scheimpflug photography is related to the reduction in corneal steepness (maximum corneal curvature) after CXL. Assessment of corneal densitometry has the potential to become a useful complement to other forms of evaluation of cross-linking treatment effects, including assessment of future treatment regimens. Comment

Copyright restrictions may apply If you have questions, please contact the corresponding author: –Jeannette Beckman Rehnman, RN, Department of Clinical Sciences, Ophthalmology Unit, Umeå University, SE Umeå, Sweden Funding/Support This study was supported in part by unrestricted grants from the Kronprinsessan Margaretas Arbetsnämnd (Crown Princess Margareta’s Working Committee) Fund, Ögonfonden, Västerbotten County Council (Avtalet för Läkares Forskning), Stiftelsen J. C. Kempes Minnes Stipendiefond, and the European Regional Development Fund. Conflict of Interest Disclosures All authors have completed and submitted the ICMJE Form for Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest and none were reported. Contact Information