Safety and efficacy of corneal cross-linking in pediatric patients with keratoconus and vernal keratoconjunctivitis

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to determine the safety and efficacy of corneal collagen cross-linking for keratoconus in pediatric patients with and without vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of 89 eyes of 58 patients <18 years of age that underwent corneal collagen cross-linking for progressive keratoconus; inclusion criteria included a minimum of 2-year follow-up after cross-linking. The main outcomes measures included keratometry, pachymetry, vision, and complications following epithelial-off cross-linking with the Dresden protocol. RESULTS: = 0.83). CONCLUSIONS: Cross-linking appears to be as safe and effective in pediatric patients with vernal keratoconjunctivits as in those without, with similar outcomes, adverse events, and progression of keratoconus after treatment. The proportion of patients exhibiting progression appears to be higher in pediatric patients than adults, and there is an association between male sex and diagnosis of VKC.