In this article, we present the results of eight eyes of patients who underwent combined same-day partial topography-guided surface ablation followed by accelerated collagen cross-linking (CXL) procedure at Care-Vision Laser Centers to achieve stabilization of corneal ectasia and enhance visual rehabilitation in keratoconus.

A retrospective nonrandomized review of 8 eyes of 6 patients who underwent the Athens Protocol for progressive keratoconus. Each patient underwent topography-guided ablation followed by CXL procedure.

Follow-up was done on day 1, day 7, and then at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months.

There was a rapid and significant improvement in uncorrected visual acuity and best-corrected visual acuity in 100% eyes, a reduction of keratometric values, and symmetry between vertical hemimeridians. Topographic evaluation showed a marked improvement in irregularity. There were no signs of keratoconic progression noted in any of the eyes on last follow-up. No adverse events were reported in any patient.

Simultaneous surface ablation + CXL seems to be a promising treatment capable of offering patients functional vision and halting progression of the disorder.

Simultaneous topography-guided custom ablation treatment and photorefractive keratectomy with CXL offers keratoconic patients intolerant to contact lenses both stabilization of the cornea and improved functional vision with spectacles correction.

Karmona L, Sela T, Franco O, Shoshani A, Munzer G, Kaiserman I. Simultaneous Topography-guided Surface Ablation with Collagen Cross-linking for Keratoconus. Int J Kerat Ect Cor Dis 2016;5(2):71-76.