The Results of Cross-Linking With Riboflavin/UV-A in Patients With Progressive Keratoconus

Objective: To evaluate the results of corneal cross-linking with UV-A/riboflavin in patients with progressive keratoconus. Methods: Forty-seven eyes of 30 patients with progressive keratoconus (16 female, 14 male) were included in the study. Uncorrected and the best corrected distance visual acuities, biomicroscopic findings, intraocular pressure measurements, fundoscopic findings, pachymetric measurements and corneal topography parameters were recorded for each patient. Results: The mean age of the patients was 18.3±5.34 (range: 8-31) years and the mean follow-up duration was 7±2.4 (range: 3-12) months. Following the procedure, the mean decrease in K1, K2, Kav, spherical and cylindrical values were 0.77 D, 0.85 D, 0.80 D, 0.50 D and 0.74 D, respectively (p<0.05). There were no cases with decrease in visual acuity and significant complication during or after the treatment. Conclusion: Cross-linking with riboflavin/UV-A in patients with progressive keratoconus is an effective procedure. In addition, the preservation of visual acuity and not seen a significant complication indicate that a safe metod. However, large prospective randomized controlled studies are needed to evaluate the long-term effects of this treatment. Key words: corneal cross-linking, keratoconus, corneal topography