Efficacy of Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL) in the Treatment of Pediatric Keratoconus

This prospective interventional study investigates the efficacy of corneal cross-linking (CXL) in managing progressive keratoconus in pediatric patients. The procedure involved standard epithelium-off CXL, and patients were followed to assess outcomes such as visual acuity, keratometric stability, and corneal thickness.

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Key information

Conditions

Keratoconus Corneal Diseases Eye Diseases

Age range

10 year–20 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Ehab tharwat, Damietta, New Damietta, Egypt

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Age between 8 and 18 years
Clinical and topographic diagnosis of keratoconus based on the Belin/Ambrosio Enhanced Ectasia Display
Evidence of progression within the past 6-12 months (e.g., an increase in maximum keratometry (Kmax) by ≥1.0 diopter, a decrease in minimal corneal thickness by ≥10 µm, or deterioration in visual acuity not attributable to other causes

Exclusion criteria

Corneal scarring or opacities.
Active ocular infection or inflammation.
Prior ocular surgery or trauma.
Autoimmune or connective tissue disorders.

Treatment and study plan

Crosslinking

Procedure

Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL) is a minimally invasive procedure used to strengthen the cornea by increasing the chemical bonds between collagen fibers. It is primarily used to treat keratoconus and corneal ectasia, conditions where the cornea becomes progressively thinner and weaker.

Primary outcomes

keratometry (Kmax)

Time frame: Baseline

Kmax (Maximum Keratometry) is the steepest point of curvature on the cornea, and it is a key parameter in diagnosing and monitoring keratoconus.
keratometry (Kmax)

Time frame: After 12 months

Kmax (Maximum Keratometry) is the steepest point of curvature on the cornea, and it is a key parameter in diagnosing and monitoring keratoconus.
BCVA

Time frame: Baseline

Measurment of the visual acuity
BCVA

Time frame: After 12 months

Measurment of the visual acuity

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Al-Azhar University

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start: 2024
Primary completion: 2025
Study completion: 2025
First posted: Jul 23, 2025
Registry last updated: Jul 23, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.

Completed