Clinical Outcomes of Accelerated Corneal Cross-Linking for Pediatric Keratoconus. (18th November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Salman, Abdelrahman; Darwish, Taym; Ghabra, Marwan; Kailani, Obeda; Khalil, Hussam; Shaaban, Rafea
• Other Names: Lombardo Marco Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of ophthalmology. Volume 2021(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-11-18
• Subjects: Ophthalmology -- Periodicals; Eye Diseases; Ophthalmology; Ophthalmology; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Periodicals; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 617.7
• DOI: 10.1155/2021/1851883
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-004X

Abstract

Abstract : Aim . To assess the efficacy and safety of accelerated corneal cross-linking in the treatment of pediatric keratoconus. Method . In this retrospective case series, 29 eyes of 20 pediatric patients with keratoconus underwent accelerated corneal cross-linking. Treatment was delivered at 10 mW/cm 2 for 9 minutes with a total dose of 5.4 J/cm 2 . Clinical evaluation included visual acuities and refractive and Scheimpflug corneal tomography assessments. All patients with a minimum follow-up duration of 24 months were included in the study. Results . Mean ± standard deviation age was 15.41 ± 2.13 years (range: 8 to 18 years). Uncorrected distance visual acuity improved significantly from 0.56 ± 0.28 to 0.42 ± 0.29 logMAR P = 0.0003, and corrected distance visual acuity improved significantly from 0.34 ± 0.23 to 0.28 ± 0.22 logMAR P = 0.014 . The mean manifest refraction spherical equivalent value was significantly reduced (−0.59 ± 0.95 D, P = 0.0024 ). While mean flat keratometry and steep keratometry values were not significantly altered (P > 0.05 for both), the mean maximum keratometry value was significantly decreased from 56.97 ± 5.24 D preoperatively to 55.84 ± 5.37 D at 24 months postoperatively P = 0.003 . Maximum keratometry had progressed by >1 D in two eyes (6.89%). Permanent corneal haze was reported in one case (3.44%). Conclusion . Our 24-month follow-up demonstrated that accelerated corneal cross-linking appears to halt the progression of keratoconus in pediatric patients without apparent complications. Uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuities were also improved.