Povidone-iodine and corneal collagen cross-linking show similar outcomes in resistant corneal ulcers
Both 1% povidone-iodine and corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) are effective and equally viable options for treating corneal ulcers that do not respond to standard therapy, with no significant difference in outcomes between the methods, according to a study.
A randomized clinical trial conducted at Al-Zahra Ophthalmology Hospital in Zahedan, Iran, included 30 patients with therapy-resistant ulcers. Participants were randomized to receive either topical 1% povidone-iodine or undergo CXL, with outcomes measured over 28 days. Both treatments significantly improved clinical signs such as wound size, stromal infiltration, corneal edema, and symptoms, including eye pain and burning.
There were no significant differences between the groups, but the improvement rate was slightly higher with povidone-iodine (73.3%) compared with CXL (60%). Researchers concluded that both approaches are viable options for managing refractory corneal ulcers.
Reference
Validad MH, Jamshidian S, Rakhshandadi T, et al. Comparison of Collagen Cross-Linking Alone to 1% Povidone-Iodine Treatment of Refractory Corneal Ulcers: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Ophthalmol. 2025 Sep 21;2025:9559107. doi: 10.1155/joph/9559107. PMID: 41024775; PMCID: PMC12476928.
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