Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 27, 2026
Three Different Protocols of Corneal Collagen Crosslinking in Keratoconus: Conventional, Accelerated and Iontophoresis
Published on: November 12, 2015
Outcome of corneal collagen crosslinking for progressive keratoconus in paediatric patients
Deepa Viswanathan1, Nikhil L Kumar2, John J Males3
1Australian School of Advanced Medicine, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
Insights
Corneal collagen crosslinking is effective for halting progressive keratoconus in children. This treatment stabilizes the condition, potentially reducing the need for corneal transplants in young patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Surgery
Background:
- Keratoconus is a progressive corneal ectasia that often affects young individuals.
- Early intervention is crucial to prevent severe vision impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) in pediatric patients with progressive keratoconus.
- To evaluate the impact of CXL on keratometry, visual acuity, and astigmatism.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 25 eyes of 18 pediatric patients (≤18 years) with progressive keratoconus.
- Corneal collagen crosslinking was performed using riboflavin and ultraviolet-A irradiation.
- Follow-up duration averaged 20.1 months.
Main Results:
- Significant reduction in mean keratometry values (flattest meridian P=0.03, steepest meridian P=0.005).
- Improvement in best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) and reduction in topometric astigmatism.
- Mean BSCVA (logMAR) decreased from 0.24 to 0.21 (P=0.89); astigmatism reduced from 3.50 D to 3.25 D (P=0.51).
Conclusions:
- Corneal collagen crosslinking with riboflavin and ultraviolet-A is an effective treatment for pediatric progressive keratoconus.
- CXL stabilizes the condition, offering a potential alternative to corneal grafting in young patients.
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.
More Related Videos
05:56Scleral Cross-linking Using Riboflavin and Ultraviolet-A Radiation for Prevention of Axial Myopia in a Rabbit Model
Published on: April 3, 2016
12:25Second Harmonic Generation Signals in Rabbit Sclera As a Tool for Evaluation of Therapeutic Tissue Cross-linking TXL for Myopia
Published on: January 6, 2018
Related Concept Videos
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...