Effect of complete epithelial debridement before riboflavin-ultraviolet-A corneal collagen crosslinking therapy

Complete removal of the corneal epithelium is an essential component of riboflavin-UVA crosslinking therapy as superficial epithelial trauma and tetracaine administration alone are not sufficient to permit the penetration of riboflavin into the corneal stroma. Failure to achieve adequate stromal absorption of riboflavin may impair the efficacy of the crosslinking process.