Efficacy of Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL) in the Treatment of Pediatric Keratoconus

Efficacy of Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL) in the Treatment of Pediatric Keratoconus

This prospective interventional study investigates the efficacy of corneal cross-linking (CXL) in managing progressive keratoconus in pediatric patients. The procedure involved standard epithelium-off CXL, and patients were followed to assess outcomes such as visual acuity, keratometric stability, and corneal thickness.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age between 8 and 18 years
• Clinical and topographic diagnosis of keratoconus based on the Belin/Ambrosio Enhanced Ectasia Display
• Evidence of progression within the past 6-12 months (e.g., an increase in maximum keratometry (Kmax) by ≥1.0 diopter, a decrease in minimal corneal thickness by ≥10 µm, or deterioration in visual acuity not attributable to other causes

Exclusion Criteria:

• Corneal scarring or opacities.
• Active ocular infection or inflammation.
• Prior ocular surgery or trauma.
• Autoimmune or connective tissue disorders.