Corneal cross-linking for keratoconus at Tripoli University Hospital, Libya

Abstract EN

Objective: Keratoconus is a progressive, noninflammatory corneal disorder where the normally spherical corneal structure progressively assumes a cone shape, thereby distorting vision and decreasing the quality of life from a young age.

Cross-linking remains the only procedure for keratoconus that can be used to halt the progression of the disease.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of corneal cross-linking in Tripoli University Hospital, Libya in patients between the ages of 13 and 35 years.

Methods: A retrospective study on patients from the Tripoli University Hospital records the cross-linking procedures performed for keratoconus conducted between February 2017 and October 2019.

Population size of 49 patients (54 eyes) was selected from patients attending cornea clinic at Tripoli University Hospital between February 2017 and October 2019.

Results: A total of 54 eyes from 49 patients were analyzed from the records, 2 eyes progressed postcross-linking on both K-max and pachymetry values.

Twelve eyes showed an increase in K-max readings only and 16 showed progression on pachymetry only.

Conclusions: The study showed that cross-linking for keratoconus is an effective method of treating progressive keratoconus but seems less effective than comparative studies done in other places elsewhere.