The results of cross-linking with riboflavin/UV-A in patients with progressive keratoconus

Purpose: To evaluate of results of corneal cross-linking with UV-A/riboflavin in patients with progressive keratoconus. Material and Method: 47 eyes with progressive keratoconus of 30 patients (16 female, 14 male) were included in the study. Uncorrected distance visual acuities (UDVA) and corrected distance visual acuities (CDVA), biomicroscopic findings, intraocular pressure measurements, fundoscopic findings, pachymetric measurements and corneal topography parameters were recorded for each patient. Results: The mean age of patients was 18,3 years (8-31) and the mean follow-up duration was 7±2.4 months (3-12). Following the procedure, the mean decrease in K1, K2, K av, spherical and sylindrical values was 0,77 D, 0,85 D, 0,80 D, 0,50 D, 0,74 D. (p< 0.05) There were no cases with decrease in visual acuity and significant complication during or after treatment. Conclusion: Cross-linking with riboflavin/UV-A in patients with progressive keratoconus is an effective procedure and can be considered as safe regarding preservation of visual acuities and absence of significant complication. However, large prospective randomized controlled studies are needed for evaluate the effects of this treatment in long turn. Key Words: Corneal cross-linking, keratoconus, corneal topography