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. 2014:2014:140461.
doi: 10.1155/2014/140461. Epub 2014 Jun 11.

Outcome of corneal collagen crosslinking for progressive keratoconus in paediatric patients

Deepa Viswanathan  1 , Nikhil L Kumar  2 , John J Males  3
Affiliations

Outcome of corneal collagen crosslinking for progressive keratoconus in paediatric patients

Deepa Viswanathan et al. Biomed Res Int. 2014.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of corneal collagen crosslinking for progressive keratoconus in paediatric patients.

Methods: This prospective study included 25 eyes of 18 patients (aged 18 years or younger) who underwent collagen crosslinking performed using riboflavin and ultraviolet-A irradiation (370 nm, 3 mW/cm2, 30 min).

Results: The mean patient age was 14.3±2.4 years (range 8-17) and mean followup duration was 20.1±14.25 months (range 6-48). Crosslinked eyes demonstrated a significant reduction of keratometry values. The mean baseline simulated keratometry values were 46.34 dioptres (D) in the flattest meridian and 50.06 D in the steepest meridian. At 20 months after crosslinking, the values were 45.67 D (P=0.03) and 49.34 D (P=0.005), respectively. The best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) and topometric astigmatism improved after crosslinking. Mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) BSCVA decreased from 0.24 to 0.21 (P=0.89) and topometric astigmatism reduced from mean 3.50 D to 3.25 D (P=0.51).

Conclusions: Collagen crosslinking using riboflavin and ultraviolet-A is an effective treatment option for progressive keratoconus in paediatric patients. Crosslinking stabilises the condition and, thus, reduces the need for corneal grafting in these young patients.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Difference in K2 between pre- and post-CXL treated eyes.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Corneal topography showing a reduction in keratometry after CXL.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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