Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42257917›Full record

ReviewDie Ophthalmologie2026

[Light-induced immunomodulation : Corneal cross-linking to reduce neovascularization and optimize outcomes prior to corneal transplantation].

Johanna Wiedemann, Mert Mestanoglu, Simona Schlereth, Björn Bachmann, Claus Cursiefen

Abstract readEnglish AbstractReview
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In one paragraph

Review in Die Ophthalmologie, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Johanna WiedemannZentrum für Augenheilkunde, Medizinische Fakultät und Universitätsklinikum Köln, Universität zu Köln, Kerpenerstr. 62, 50937, Köln, NRW, Deutschland. johanna.wiedemann@uk-koeln.de.
Mert MestanogluZentrum für Augenheilkunde, Medizinische Fakultät und Universitätsklinikum Köln, Universität zu Köln, Kerpenerstr. 62, 50937, Köln, NRW, Deutschland.
Simona SchlerethZentrum für Augenheilkunde, Medizinische Fakultät und Universitätsklinikum Köln, Universität zu Köln, Kerpenerstr. 62, 50937, Köln, NRW, Deutschland.
Björn BachmannZentrum für Augenheilkunde, Medizinische Fakultät und Universitätsklinikum Köln, Universität zu Köln, Kerpenerstr. 62, 50937, Köln, NRW, Deutschland.
Claus CursiefenZentrum für Augenheilkunde, Medizinische Fakultät und Universitätsklinikum Köln, Universität zu Köln, Kerpenerstr. 62, 50937, Köln, NRW, Deutschland.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundCorneal cross-linking (CXL) is a minimally invasive procedure originally developed to stabilize progressive keratoconus. It is now used in various corneal diseases. In addition to its well-known biomechanical stiffening effect, CXL also demonstrates anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties as well as the ability to induce regression of corneal neovascularization.

objectiveTo summarize and evaluate the biomechanical, antiangiogenic and immunomodulatory effects of CXL and to assess its potential to improve outcomes in high-risk keratoplasty. MATERIAL AND

methodsThe Dresden protocol serves as the foundation of the procedure, using riboflavin-mediated UVA photochemistry to induce cross-linking of stromal collagen. Variations include accelerated, epithelium-on and high fluence protocols, for example in the treatment of corneal neovascularization.

resultsClinical and preclinical data demonstrate long-term stabilization of the cornea in keratoconus, often reducing the need for transplantation. Additionally, peripheral CXL leads to a significant reduction in corneal neovascularization, decreased infiltration of inflammatory cells and downregulation of proangiogenic and lymphangiogenic markers. Experimental studies suggest that performing CXL prior to high-risk keratoplasty can reduce the risk of immunological graft rejection.

conclusionThe use of CXL has evolved from a purely biomechanical treatment into a versatile approach with antiangiogenic and immunomodulatory properties. While initial results are promising, optimal indications, dosages and combination treatment remain the subject of ongoing research.

Indexed as

Corneal Cross-LinkingCorneal NeovascularizationCorneal TransplantationCross-Linking ReagentsImmunomodulationKeratoconusAnimalsCollagenCorneaHumansPhotosensitizing AgentsRiboflavinTreatment OutcomeUltraviolet RaysCollagenCross-Linking ReagentsPhotosensitizing AgentsRiboflavinAntiangiogenic propertiesCrossCornealVisionDresden protocolHigh-risk keratoplastyLymphangioregression

Identifiers

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.