Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of transepithelial corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) technique in patients with pediatric keratoconus. METHODS: 33 eyes of 18 patients who were admitted to Kocaeli University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology for the treatment of progressive keratoconus under the age of 18 years who were admitted in 2015-2016 years and followed up at least one year were retrospectively evaluated. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central corneal thickness (CCT), thickness of thinnest location (TTL), keratometric values [simulated flat keratometry (K1), simulated step keratometry (K2), maximum corneal steepness (Kmax)] and corneal astigmatism (Cyl) values were assessed by Sirius topography preoperatively and in postoperative 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between preoperative and postoperative examinations in terms of BCVA (p = 0.052). There was no statistically significant change in CCT and TTL findings during follow-up (p = 0.806, p = 0.063, respectively). It was seen that Sim K1, sim K2, Kmax and Cyl values were similar between preoperative and postoperative one year follow-up (p = 0.619, p = 0.661, p = 0.953, p = 0.311, respectively). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Transepithelial crosslinking treatment was observed to be easy to apply, comfortable and prevent progression in pediatric age group of keratoconus

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