Corneal collagen cross-linking and infectious keratitis.

Corneal collagen cross-linking increases the stability of the cornea through the use of the photosensitive material - riboflavin (vitamin B2) and ultraviolet A radiation. Progressive keratoconus is the most common indication and the frequency of these procedures is increasing worldwide. As cross-links in the cornea are a physiological principle of all connective tissue, additional indications were proposed. These include postrefractive surgery ectasia, bullous keratopathy, and, infectious keratitis. Infectious keratitis can lead to blindness without proper antimicrobial therapy. But even prompt initial management, with appropriate antimicrobial treatment, can be subjected to microorganism sensitivity and resistance. This article presents current data regarding the use of corneal collagen cross-linking in the treatment of corneal infections. This treatment modality may become important, but unanswered questions remain. Larger, prospective comparative studies should give the answers.