Corneal collagen cross-linking in keratoconus -- long-term prospective study.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Surgery
• Vision Science

Background:

• Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition causing blurred vision.
• Current treatments aim to halt disease progression and improve visual acuity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate refractometric, keratometric, and functional outcomes 3 years post-cross-linking in keratoconus patients.
• To assess the long-term efficacy of cross-linking therapy for keratoconus.

Main Methods:

• Eighty-one patients with varying stages of keratoconus were included.
• All participants met eligibility criteria for the cross-linking procedure.

Main Results:

• A significant decrease in keratometry (K-values) by approximately 1.5 D was observed.
• Refractive error also decreased, and 70% of patients experienced visual acuity improvement of 1-3 Snellen lines.
• Cross-linking effectively stabilized keratoconus progression.

Conclusions:

• Corneal cross-linking is a modern and effective therapeutic option for managing keratoconus.
• The procedure demonstrates sustained positive outcomes in visual function and corneal stability.