Research Progress on Corneal Cross-Linking in the Treatment of Infectious Keratitis

感染性角膜炎是由病原菌浸润角膜所致的感染性疾病，该病可致角膜出现不可逆混浊，视力出现不可逆损伤，严重者可致角膜溶解，形成角膜溃疡穿孔，导致难以挽回的损失，最终丧失眼球。目前对于该病的治疗主要是使用抗菌药物抑制病原菌的浸润，但近年来随着耐药菌的日益增多，抗菌药物的疗效逐渐下降，为了开发新的治疗方法，角膜交联术(CXL)被发现具有抑制病原菌及加强角膜硬度的作用，其在感染性角膜炎中的应用越来越广泛。文章综述了近年来CXL在操作、疗效、适应症上的优化及其在感染性角膜炎中应用的进展，为CXL在感染性角膜炎中的进一步研究和临床应用提供参考。Infectious keratitis is an infectious disease caused by the infiltration of pathogenic microorganisms into the cornea, which could lead to irreversible corneal opacity and permanent vision loss. In severe cases, it might result in corneal melting, ulceration, and perforation, ultimately leading to irreparable damage and loss of the eyeball. Currently, the treatment for this condition primarily relies on the use of antimicrobial agents to inhibit the infiltration of pathogens; however, in recent years, the increasing prevalence of resistant bacteria has led to a gradual decline in the efficacy of these drugs. To develop new treatment methods, corneal cross-linking (CXL) has been identified to have the ability to inhibit pathogens and enhance corneal stiffness, resulting in its growing application in infectious keratitis. This article reviews the recent optimizations in the procedures, efficacy, and indications of CXL, along with its advancements in the treatment of infectious keratitis, providing a reference for further research and clinical application of CXL in this condition.