{
  "abstract": "Background/Objective Infectious keratitis is a sight-threatening condition, particularly when refractory to antimicrobial therapy. Photoactivated chromophore for keratitis–corneal cross-linking (PACK CXL) has been proposed as an adjunctive treatment, but real world outcome data remain limited. This audit evaluated the safety and efficacy of PACK CXL in managing complex infectious corneal ulcers at a UK tertiary centre.Methods A single centre clinical audit was conducted at James Cook University Hospital, reviewing patients who underwent PACK CXL for infectious keratitis between 2016 and 2024. Data were collected from electronic patient records and case notes. Primary efficacy outcomes were ulcer resolution and time to epithelial healing. Safety outcomes included complications and surgical escalation.Results Nine patients were included (mean age 63±20 years). Ulcers were predominantly central (56%) with a mean surface area of 17.4±11.5 mm 2; microbiological confirmation was obtained in 67%, including bacterial and fungal pathogens. Resolution occurred in 6/9 eyes (67%). Mean time to epithelial healing was 59±43 days and mean time to resolution was 88±81 days. Four eyes (44%) had no complications. Surgical escalation was required in three eyes. Two patients developed recurrent microbial infection. All healed eyes demonstrated visual improvement or stability.Conclusion In this cohort of complex infectious keratitis, accelerated PACK CXL achieved a two-thirds resolution rate with an acceptable safety profile, comparable to published refractory series. These findings support PACK CXL as a useful adjunctive therapy in selected cases and suggest benefit from earlier use in the treatment pathway.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Sunderland Eye Infirmary, Sunderland, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Mohamed Hegab"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Trushar Patel"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Mohib Naseer"
    }
  ],
  "title": "OP12 Evaluating the safety and efficacy of PACK-CXL as an adjunctive treatment in infectious corneal ulcers: a clinical audit",
  "uid": "6b9f920c-d4a3-53d3-ac97-21dfdd005522"
}