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Three Different Protocols of Corneal Collagen Crosslinking in Keratoconus: Conventional, Accelerated and Iontophoresis
Published on: November 12, 2015
Corneal crosslinking efficacy in patients with keratoconus under 18 years of age
Evandro Ribeiro Diniz1, Júlia Carvalho Barbosa1, Raíza Jacometti1
1Instituto de Olhos Ciencias Médicas, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
Insights
Corneal crosslinking shows promising results for stabilizing pediatric keratoconus, a condition that progresses rapidly in children. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing this eye disease.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Surgery
Background:
- Pediatric keratoconus is often more severe and progresses faster than in adults.
- Effective management strategies for pediatric keratoconus are critical.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of corneal crosslinking in patients under 18 years of age.
- To assess the long-term safety and efficacy of the procedure in pediatric keratoconus.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 12 eyes from 10 pediatric patients.
- Corneal crosslinking performed on all participants.
- Assessment of visual acuity, keratometry, corneal thickness, and endothelial cell count pre- and post-procedure.
Main Results:
- A trend towards reduced maximum keratometry (Kmax) and improved corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was observed.
- Only one eye showed a Kmax increase greater than 1 D over 12 months.
- A slight decrease in corneal thickness was noted in the initial four months post-surgery.
Conclusions:
- Corneal crosslinking demonstrates encouraging safety and efficacy in stabilizing pediatric keratoconus.
- The findings support the importance of early diagnosis and timely intervention for better disease management.
- Results align with previous studies on corneal crosslinking outcomes.
Purpose:
Keratoconus presents certain specificities in pediatric patients compared with adults. The greatest challenge is because the disease is typically more severe and progresses faster in children. This retrospective study aimed to report crosslinking procedure in patients under 18 years of age and their follow-up for at least 24 months after the procedure.
Methods:
Overall, 12 eyes from 10 patients were studied and data, such as visual acuity with and without correction, maximum keratometry, corneal thickness, foveal thickness, and endothelial microscopy, were assessed at both preoperative and postoperative visits. Corneal crosslinking was performed in all patients.
Results:
A tendency toward reduced Kmax and improved Corrected Distance Visual Acuity at all postoperative moments. Only one of the 12 eyes exhibited increased Kmax of more than 1 D during a time frame longer than 12 months. Regarding pachymetry, a tendency for corneal thinning was observed in the first four months after surgery.
Conclusion:
Encouraging results were obtained regarding the stabilization of the disease, progression, and procedural safety, corroborating to other authors' findings. The significance of early diagnosis and short-term follow-up were highlighted.
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