Adhering to the Dutch Crosslinking for Keratoconus (DUCK) score may prevent unnecessary treatments, reduce exposure to treatment risks, and improve the cost effectiveness of crosslinking without increasing the risk of disease progression, according to a study published in Jama Ophthalmology.
Researchers in the Netherlands said the study validated the DUCK score as a tool to assess whether a crosslinking treatment might be warranted. Compared with the conventional maximum keratometry criterion of more than 1.0 diopter, they added, the DUCK score may better select patients who might benefit from crosslinking treatment.
The easy-to-use tool is based on changes in five clinical parameters that are routinely assessed: age, visual acuity, refraction error, keratometry, and subjective patient experience. The DUCK score is derived by scoring 0 to 2 points per item, and cutoffs were determined by clinical experience.
Defining keratoconus progression was fundamental in clinical decision-making because crosslinking treatments are indicated when the disease is considered progressive, the researchers said, adding there was currently no consensus which parameters should be used to define progression.
