[Corneal melting in both eyes after simultaneous corneal cross-linking in a patient with keratoconus and Down syndrome].

Corneal cross-linking is one of the options for treatment of progressive keratoconus. Following the published standards regarding indication and treatment schedules, it seems to be a highly safe and effective operation. Only a very few severe complications, such as stromal scarring and bacterial keratitis, have been reported.We describe a patient with keratoconus and Down syndrome who was treated with corneal cross-linking on both eyes simultaneously. One week after the operation he developed central corneal melting without signs of infection in his right eye, and 1 month after the operation in his left eye. Penetrating keratoplasties had to be performed on both eyes and were successful. A possible reason for the corneal melting might have been a corneal stroma that was thinner than the proposed limit of 400 µm at the centre. The published recommended standards should be met.