Table 1.
Description of CXL Protocols
| Parameter | Mechanical Epi-Off CXL | tPTK-asst. Epi-off CXL | Wf-Guided tPRK CXL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Treatment target | Progressive keratoconus | Progressive keratoconus | Progressive keratoconus |
| Fluence, total, mJ/cm² | 5.4 | 5.4 | 5.4 |
| Soak time (interval) | 15 min (q2) | 15 min (q2) | 15 min (q2) |
| Intensity, mW/cm² | 9 mW | 9 mW | 9 mW |
| Treatment time | 10 min | 10 min | 10 min |
| Light source | UV-X 2000 | UV-X 2000 | UV-X 2000 |
| Irradiation mode | Continuous | Continuous | Continuous |
| Epithelium status | Off (mechanical abrasion) | Off (transepithelial phototherapeutic keratectomy) | Off (wavefront-guided transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy) |
| Ablation diameter | 8 mm | 8 mm | 6.8–7.0 mm |
| Chromophore (centration) | Riboflavin (0.1%) | Riboflavin (0.1%) | Riboflavin (0.1%) |
| Chromophore carrier | Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) | Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) | Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) |
| Chromophore osmolarity | Iso-osmolar | Iso-osmolar | Iso-osmolar |