Corneal crosslinking efficacy in patients with keratoconus under 18 years of age

Abstract

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.