Cross-Linking Treatment for Progressive Keratokonus

Background Keratokonus is a degenerative disease, starting generally at 14- 25 years, causing progressive thinning, conical shape of the cornea and causing distortion of vision. Extreme advancement of keratokonus can cause corneal perforation, destroying the vision. To avoid this, corneal transplant is required to save the eye. Considering the young age of the patients, high cost of the of the corneal transplantation, and the risk of transplant reject, high priority is given to the early diagnose and treatment. Cross-linking is a non invasive procedure used to stop the natural progression of keratokonus Aim To assess the efficacy of cross-linking in stopping keratokonus progression. Method Cross-linking procedure was applied in 75 patients, presenting progressive keratokonus. Patients were followed for a period of 3 years after treatment, recording the following parameters keratometry readings flattest, steepest, maximal, pachymetry central and thinnest, BCVA, UCVA Results Clear reduction in keratometry values, reduction in pachymetry values, increasing in BCVA, UCVA starting three months after procedure and continuing also 3 years after it. Conclusion cross-linking is able to flatten the cornea, stopping the evolution of keratokonus and improving visual acuity