Comparison of the efficacy of accelerated corneal cross-linking therapy in different pediatric age groups having progressive keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To report a comparison analysis of accelerated corneal cross-linking (A-CXL) treatment for progressive keratoconus patients in different pediatric age groups.

STUDY

DESIGN

Retrospective, cross-sectional.

METHODS

Patients with progressive keratoconus aged ≤ 18 were retrospectively reviewed. Forty-one eyes of 41 patients were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups according to their age (≤ 14 years and 15-18 years). All patients underwent epithelium-off A-CXL protocol. Acquired data were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The mean age was 14.3 ± 1.8 (10-18) years. Twenty-five (61%) of the participants were male, and 16 (39%) were female. Twenty (49%) patients were separated into group 1 (≤ 14 years of age), and 21 (51%) were in group 2 (15-18 years). Age at presentation was found to be the only factor in anticipating the progression of keratoconus at the second postoperative year visit (p < 0.001). Progression in keratometric values was detected in seven (35%) of the 20 eyes in group 1, and one (4%) of the 21 patients in group 2 (Z = - 2.44, p = 0.014).

CONCLUSION

Even if proper treatment is applied, the progression of keratoconus is likely in patients younger than 14 years of age. Instead of evaluating pediatric patients as a whole, closer follow-up and early treatment may be useful in younger age groups (≤ 14 years).