To review the background, epidemiology and current management of trachoma in endemic areas and worldwide. Review of literature. Trachoma is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness in developing countries. It was reported as one of the seven most neglected tropical diseases that can be prevented via drug administration. Its infliction is primarily aimed at those living in areas deprived of clean water and proper sanitation. It is estimated that trachoma is the cause of visual impairment in about 2.2 million people worldwide of which about 1.2 million are completely blind. With implementation of the SAFE (surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness, and environmental control) strategy with support from the International Trachoma Initiative (ITI) the incidence of trachoma has decreased significantly in the Middle East and North Africa region. With the enhancement of socioeconomic and sanitary status of people, advent of new generations of antibiotics, training of expert ophthalmologists and eye care facilities the prevalence of trachoma is decreasing.

To review the historical background and basic principles of collagen cross-linking, to bring together the data regarding the outcomes and complications of collagen cross-linking and finally to explore the efficacy and safety of new variations of this technique. A literature review was performed using PubMed and Scopus. The following keywords were used for literature search: cross linking, crosslinking, cross-linking, keratoconus, keratectasia. In contrast to traditional treatment modalities for keratoconus (KCN), this new technique addresses the progression of the disease. Several clinical studies have been conducted to assess the efficacy of corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) in the last decade. The results were promising as collagen cross-linking showed significant improvement in visual acuity and keratometric values. Moreover, initial results show that it is a safe procedure with few reported complications. CXL is an emerging treatment method in ophthalmology that offers the possibility to effectively treat progressive KCN.