Keratoconus is a progressive, bilateral ectatic disease affecting adolescents, causing apical corneal bulging, thinning, and distortion, leading to ocular aberrations, in severe cases may lead to reduced vision, and irregular astigmatism. The etiology and pathogenesis of keratoconus are not known; however, various genetic and environmental risk factors have been implicated. Keratoconus management varies, with mild patients using eyeglasses and moderate patients using contact lenses. Corneal transplantation was once the only option, but keratoplasty is now considered as an alternative. Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) considered contraindication for over a decade due to increased risk of keratectasia, but advances in technology and corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) allow rethinking. Todays, PRK considered alternative to keratoplasty with CXL. CXL treatment for keratoconus uses UVA activation, riboflavin, and collagen fibrils to strengthen cornea. Treatment with PRK / CXL is to strengthen the cornea and stop disease progression.
AIM OF THE WORK:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the visual outcomes of simultaneous non-topography guided photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) in eyes with early stage keratoconus.