The Cross-Linking Experts’ Meeting is an annual event that brings together clinicians and researchers from around the world to discuss the latest developments in corneal cross-linking technology. The 18th edition of the meeting was held in last weekend at the Mövenpick Airport Hotel in Zurich, Switzerland – and streamed online via Zoom – and featured a range of workshops and in-depth discussions on a variety of topics related to corneal cross-linking.
Organised by the Light for Sight Foundation, the Cross-Linking Experts’ Meeting is chaired by ELZA’s Chief Medical Officer, Prof. Farhad Hafezi. Some of the key topics at this year’s meeting included the role of corneal cross-linking for treating corneal infections – a procedure called PACK-CXL (photoactivated chromophore for infectious keratitis–corneal cross-linking) – plus several advances in the way CXL can be used in combinations with other procedures to treat the visual problems caused by keratoconus. These include PACE (PTK-assisted customized epi-on CXL) and combining CXL with the implantation of intracorneal ring segments. These techniques can flatten the cornea, counteracting the visual disturbances caused by steepening of the cornea caused by keratoconus cone formation.
The meeting also saw presentations on the topics of corneal biomechanics assessments to determine whether a cornea has keratoconus or not. These ranged from using corneal hysteresis (deforming the cornea with a puff of air, then recording the way in which it bounces back into shape), Brillouin microscopy (a laser generates a pattern of light on the cornea; a sensor measures the resulting shift in the frequency of the light as it reflects off the cornea, and the difference reflects the cornea’s elasticity), and OCT elastography (OCT imaging shows detailed images of the corneal structure; when a small amount of pressure is applied to the cornea, and the structures change shape, and this information can be used to determine corneal strength). ELZA has all three of these instruments.
In addition to presentations on the latest research and developments, the meeting also offered participants the opportunity to network with their peers and share ideas and best practices. It was an exciting and informative event for all involved.
