Cataract surgery using two 3D visualization systems: Complication rates, surgical duration & comparison with traditional microscopes.

PURPOSE: To compare the complication rates and surgical duration of cataract surgery using two 3D visualization systems and a traditional binocular microscope among experienced and inexperienced surgeons. METHODS: This retrospective case series included 571 eyes that received cataract surgery using either heads up cataract surgery, via a 3D head mounted system (N = 148-Group 1) or a 3D display screen (N = 338 eyes-Group 2), or traditional binocular microscope (N = 85 eyes-Group 3). The surgical records of consecutive patients who underwent cataract surgery by two groups of surgeons (experienced and inexperienced) were reviewed. Patients in all groups received either femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) or traditional phacoemulsification. Complication rate, as well as duration of cataract surgery were evaluated between all three visualization approaches, between experienced and inexperienced surgeons. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in duration of surgery between all 3 visualization approaches for both experienced and inexperienced surgeons (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the type of surgical technique (manual or FLACS) did not affect the surgical duration for both experienced and inexperienced surgeons (p < 0.05). No intraoperative complications were demonstrated in the current cohort. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of heads up-3D visualization either through a screen or a head mounted platform for cataract surgery seems to offer similar safety and efficiency as the traditional binocular microscope, and both experienced and inexperienced surgeons demonstrate the same outcomes in terms of safety and efficiency.

ZEPTO-assisted pseudophakic capsulotomy: Precision pulse technology for management of capsular contraction syndrome.

We describe a novel technique that uses precision pulse capsulotomy (PPC) to perform a secondary capsulotomy for the management of anterior capsule contraction syndrome (ACCS), a condition that comprises a late complication after cataract surgery and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. Micropulse secondary capsulotomy offers a controlled and safe approach for patients with severe anterior capsule contraction syndrome and may be considered as an alternative surgical technique.

Current Developments in the Management of Amblyopia with the Use of Perceptual Learning Techniques.

Background and Objectives: Amblyopia is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by interocular suppression of visual input, affecting visual acuity, stereopsis, contrast sensitivity, and other visual functions. Conventional treatment comprises occlusion of the sound eye. In recent years, novel therapies that deploy perceptual learning (PL) principles have been introduced. The purpose of this study is to assess the latest scientific data on this topic. Materials and Methods: For this purpose, we conducted a literature search for relevant studies published during the previous 4 years (2020-2023). Results: A plethora of visual perceptual learning protocols have been recently developed. Dichoptic video games, contrast rebalanced movies, and online perceptual training platforms are the main formats. Perceptual learning activates neuroplasticity, overcomes interocular suppression, and improves the visual impairments induced by amblyopia. Conclusions: This novel treatment is effective in both children and adults, as well as in patients non-responding to patching.

Potential Ophthalmological Side Effects Induced by Anti-Neoplastic Regimens for the Treatment of Genitourinary Cancers: A Review.

The outcomes of patients with genitourinary (GU) cancers have been steadily improving in recent years. Novel therapies have entered our armamentarium, while several other regimens are currently being studied in clinical trials. This recent explosion of new agents has improved patient survival and the quality of life for patients, but has also significantly increased the frequency of several side effects. The current review will focus on the potential ocular adverse reactions of GU neoplastic treatments. The broad spectrum of manifestations of ocular toxicity underscores the uniqueness and complexity of the anatomic, physiologic, and metabolic features of the human eye. Most side effects are mild in severity and transient, but some can be severe, disabling, and irreversible. Clinicians should be aware of complications that might be vision threatening and impact the patient's quality of life. In this review, we focused on the ocular toxicity of the antineoplastic regimens that are currently used for the treatment of GU, including prostate cancer, bladder cancer, renal cell carcinoma, testicular cancer, pheochromocytoma, adrenocortical carcinoma, and penile cancer.

Outcomes of toric IOL implantation guided by iris-registered femtosecond laser capsulotomy markings.

PURPOSE: To assess the accuracy and stability of iris-registered femtosecond laser-assisted anterior capsule axis markings (compensating cyclotorsion) along with refractive and visual outcomes after toric IOL implantation. METHODS: This prospective case series included eyes with visually significant cataracts and regular corneal astigmatism ranging from 1.25D to 4.0D, which received FLACS and toric IOL implantation, at The Eye Institute of West Florida, Largo, Florida, USA. Preoperative iris registration was used in conjunction with a femtosecond laser platform to create cyclotorsion corrected axis marks at the capsulotomy edge to facilitate toric IOL axial alignment. Patients were examined one, seven and thirty days after surgery to assess capsulotomy marks axis, toric IOL axis along with visual and refractive outcomes. RESULTS: Eighteen eyes of 13 patients aged 74.35 ± 8.65 years were included. Mean pre-op CDVA was 0.24 ± 0.16 LogMAR, while mean post-op UDVA was 0.09 ± 0.09 LogMAR. Mean pre-op corneal astigmatism was 1.85 ± 0.41 D, decreasing to 0.24 ± 0.41 D of refractive astigmatism postoperatively (p < 0.001). The capsular toric axis markings were visible in 100% of eyes throughout the follow-up; the mean difference between intended capsulotomy mark axis and measured capsulotomy mark axis was 1.6°, 1.7° and 1.3 o at the 1, 7 and 30 day intervals (p > 0.05), respectively. No capsule-related or any other type of complications was noted. CONCLUSIONS: Iris-registered femtosecond laser-assisted anterior capsule axis markings are safe and may be considered as an alternative option to the known axis marking techniques for toric IOL axial alignment at the time of cataract surgery.

Argentinian Flag Sign and Its Management during Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery in a Case with Intumescent Cataracts.

We describe a case of radial extension and its management during femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) in a patient with intumescent cataracts. Radial extension was observed after injection of trypan blue into the anterior chamber. Management of the extension was achieved by separation of adhesions between the incomplete capsulotomy, along with manual completion at the areas of extensions. Careful observation during FLACS capsulotomy is advised in cases of intumescent cataracts due to the release of cortex into the anterior chamber which may interfere with the delivery of the laser treatment resulting in incomplete capsulotomy patterns. Furthermore, trypan blue staining is essential to identify possible incomplete capsulotomy patterns and extensions. The Argentinian flag sign may occur after femtosecond laser-assisted capsulotomy in cases of intumescent cataracts. Proper identification of incomplete capsulotomy patterns and radial extensions should be managed with careful manual completion of the capsulotomy.

Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion as a Rare Presentation of Antisynthetase Syndrome.

A 52-year-old woman developed branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) in her right eye, resulting in blurred vision with visual acuities of 6/9 and 6/6-2 in the affected and unaffected eye respectively (Snellen). The patient was successfully treated with a course of eight intravitreal aflibercept injections, improving binocular visual acuity to 6/6. During the course of her ocular management, she was admitted for acute dyspnoea secondary to interstitial lung disease (ILD). The patient was diagnosed with the antisynthetase syndrome (ASS), testing positive for PL-7 auto-antibodies. ASS may have a systemic association with BRVO; although ASS is a rare condition, it should be suspected and investigated in patients with risk factors, particularly if they present with symptoms of ILD. Early ocular intervention is associated with excellent visual outcomes, and prompt diagnosis and treatment of ASS may potentially reduce risks of further retinal vaso-occlusive episodes.

Outcomes of toric intraocular lens implantation after femtosecond laser and traditional cataract surgery.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Having an understanding of the refractive outcomes of different forms of cataract surgery will assist optometrists in explaining the implication of such procedures to patients being referred for such procedures. BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the refractive outcomes after toric intraocular lens implantation between femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery and traditional phacoemulsification. METHODS: This retrospective non-randomised case series included 114 eyes of 92 consecutive patients (59 male and 55 female) aged 71.65 ± 10.46-years (range 57 to 92-years), who underwent either femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (using two laser platforms) (group 1) or traditional phacoemulsification (group 2) between August 2013 and September 2015. Pre-operative keratometric values, the attempted refraction from the biometry platform and the toric intraocular lens web-based calculator, and the one month post-operative manifest refraction were assessed to evaluate the refractive outcomes of the two groups. RESULTS: Mean pre-operative topographic corneal astigmatism was -1.94 ± 0.73 D (range 0.91 to 4.61 D) and -1.98 ± 0.60 D (range 1.07 to 3.43 D) for groups 1 and 2, respectively (p > 0.05). Mean axial length was 24.22 ± 0.73-mm (range 21.78 to 29.30-mm) and 24.60 ± 1.09-mm (range 21.82 to 25.95-mm) for groups 1 and 2, respectively (p > 0.05). Multivariate vector analysis of the remaining refractive error between the two groups (desired refraction minus achieved refraction) revealed no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). Analysis within each group demonstrated a higher accuracy of refractive outcomes for the femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery eyes (p < 0.05) when compared to the traditional phacoemulsification (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery and traditional phacoemulsification demonstrate similar refractive outcomes after toric intraocular lens implantation, while femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery seems to provide a slightly higher accuracy.

Corneal cross-linking (CXL) combined with refractive surgery for the comprehensive management of keratoconus: CXL plus.

The past two decades have witnessed an unprecedented evolution in the management of keratoconus that demands a holistic approach comprising of inhibiting the ectatic progression as well as visual rehabilitation. The advent of corneal cross-linking (CXL) in the late 1990s resulted in long-term stabilization of the ectatic cornea along with limited reduction in corneal steepening and regularization of corneal curvature. However, CXL as a standalone procedure does not suffice in rehabilitating the functional vision especially in patients who are unwilling or intolerant towards contact lenses. The concept of "CXL plus" was proposed which incorporates adjunctive use of refractive procedures with CXL in order to overcome the optical inefficiency due to corneal irregularity, decrease the irregular astigmatism, correct the residual refractive error and improve functional visual outcome in keratoconus. Several refractive procedures such as conductive keratoplasty (CK), photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), transepithelial phototherapeutic keratectomy (t-PTK), intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS) implantation, phakic intraocular lens (PIOL) implantation and multiple other techniques have been combined with CXL to optimize and enhance the CXL outcome. This review aimed to summarize the different protocols of CXL plus, provide guidelines for selection of the optimum CXL plus technique and aid in decision-making for the comprehensive management of cases with primary keratoconus in addition to discussing the future and scope for innovations in the existing treatment protocols.

Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Review.

BACKGROUND: Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) has emerged as a novel, fast, safe and non-invasive imaging technique of analyzing the retinal and choroidal microvasculature in vivo. OCT-A captures multiple sequential B-scans performed repeatedly over a specific retinal area at high speed, thus enabling the composition of a vascular map with areas of contrast change (high flow zones) and areas of steady contrast (slow or no flow zones). It therefore provides unique insight into the exact retinal or choroidal layer and location at which abnormal blood flow develops. OCTA has evolved into a useful tool for understanding a number of retinal pathologies such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, central serous chorioretinopathy, vascular occlusions, macular telangiectasia and choroidal neovascular membranes of other causes. OCT-A technology is also increasingly being used in the evaluation of optic disc perfusion and has been suggested as a valuable tool in the early detection of glaucomatous damage and monitoring progression. OBJECTIVE: To review the existing literature on the applications of optical coherence tomography angiography in neurodegenerative diseases. SUMMARY: A meticulous literature was performed until the present day. Google Scholar, PubMed, Mendeley search engines were used for this purpose. We used 123 published manuscripts as our references. OCT-A has been utilized so far to describe abnormalities in multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer's disease, arteritic and non-arteritic optic neuropathy (AION and NAION), Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) papilloedema, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Wolfram syndrome, migraines, lesions of the visual pathway and cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL). It appears that OCT-A findings correlate quite well with the severity of the aforementioned diseases. However, OCT-A has its own limitations, namely its lack of wide-field view of the peripheral retina and the inaccurate interpretation due to motion artifacts in uncooperative groups of patients (e.g. children). Larger prospective longitudinal studies will need to be conducted in order to eliminate the aforementioned limitations.

Comparison of Visual Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction After Bilateral Implantation of an EDOF IOL and a Mix-and-Match Approach.

PURPOSE: To evaluate visual outcomes at different distances (near, intermediate, and far), depth of focus, optical quality, quantitative dysphotopsia, and patient satisfaction in two groups. METHODS: The extended depth of focus (EDOF) only group (n = 40 eyes) was implanted bilaterally with an EDOF intraocular lens (IOL) and the mixed group (n = 40 eyes) was implanted with the same EDOF IOL in the dominant eye and a trifocal IOL in the fellow eye. At the 3-month postoperative visit, refractive outcomes and monocular and binocular uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuities for far UDVA, CDVA, distance-corrected intermediate visual acuity (DCIVA) at 80 cm, uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA), distance-corrected near visual acuity (DCNVA) at 40 cm, and binocular defocus curve were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean spherical equivalent (SE) 3 months postoperatively was -0.16 ± 0.41 diopters (D) in the EDOF only group and -0.39 ± 0.63 D in the mixed group. In the EDOF only group, binocular visual acuities were: UDVA = -0.04 ± 0.07 logMAR (20/18); CDVA = -0.04 ± 0.06 logMAR (20/18); DCIVA (80 cm) = 0.07 ± 0.19 logMAR (20/23); DCNVA (40 cm) = 0.32 ± 0.15 logMAR (20/42); and UNVA (40 cm) = 0.24 ± 0.17 logMAR (20/35). In the mixed group, binocular visual acuities were: UDVA = 0.03 ± 0.09 logMAR (20/21) (P = .08); CDVA = -0.01 ± 0.07 logMAR (20/20) (P = .25); DCIVA (80 cm) = 0.24 ± 0.23 logMAR (20/35) (P = .08); DCNVA (40 cm) = 0.19 ± 0.07 logMAR (20/31) (P = .03); and UNVA (40 cm) = 0.18 ± 0.10 logMAR (20/30) (P = .37). CONCLUSIONS: Effective restoration of visual acuity was demonstrated in both groups, with high levels of visual quality and patient satisfaction. Better results in near visual acuity were demonstrated in the mixed group. [J Refract Surg. 2019;35(7):408-416.].

Heads-up Cataract Surgery: Complication Rates, Surgical Duration, and Comparison With Traditional Microscopes.

PURPOSE: To compare the complication rates and surgical duration between a three-dimensional visualization system (heads-up surgery) and traditional binocular microscope in cataract surgery. METHODS: This retrospective case series included 2,320 eyes that received cataract surgery using either a three-dimensional display system (n = 1,673 eyes) (3D group) or a traditional binocular microscope (n = 647 eyes) (traditional group). The medical records of consecutive patients who underwent cataract surgery by a single surgeon in The Eye Institute of West Florida from August 2016 to July 2017 using either a three-dimensional display system or the traditional binocular microscope for visualization were reviewed. Patients in both groups received either femto-second laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) or traditional phacoemulsification. Complication rate (posterior capsular rapture and vitreous prolapse) and duration of cataract surgery were evaluated. RESULTS: The 3D group had 12 (0.72%) complications and the traditional group had 5 (0.77%) complications (P > .05). Mean surgical time was 6.48 ± 1.15 minutes for the 3D group and 6.52 ± 1.38 minutes for the traditional group (P > .05). There was no statistically significant difference in complication rate and duration of surgery between the two groups (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of heads-up three-dimensional visualization for cataract surgery seems to offer similar safety and efficiency as the traditional binocular microscope. [J Refract Surg. 2019;35(5):318-322.].

Outcomes of combining a trifocal and a low-addition bifocal intraocular lens in patients seeking spectacle independence at all distances.

PURPOSE: To assess the visual and refractive outcomes and patient satisfaction after cataract surgery in patients with a diffractive multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) with a low addition (add) power (+2.75 diopters [D]) (Tecnis ZKB00) in the dominant eye and a diffractive trifocal IOL (AT LISA tri 839MP) in the nondominant eye. SETTING: Augenärzte Gerl, Kretz, and Kollegen, Head Office, Ahaus, Germany. DESIGN: Prospective case series. METHODS: All patients had implantation of the low-add multifocal IOL in the dominant eye and a trifocal IOL in the fellow eye. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively for monocular and binocular uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity, intermediate and near visual acuities, the binocular defocus curve, and manifest refraction. Dysphotopic phenomena were objectively evaluated and subjective patient satisfaction questionnaires administered. RESULTS: The study included 42 patients (84 eyes). The mean postoperative spherical equivalent was -0.06 D ± 0.57 (SD). The binocular visual acuities were 0.00 ± 0.05 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) (UDVA), 0.19 ± 0.11 logMAR (uncorrected intermediate visual acuity at 80 cm), 0.16 ± 0.10 logMAR (distance-corrected intermediate visual acuity at 80 cm), 0.11 ± 0.09 logMAR (uncorrected near visual acuity at 40 cm), and 0.08 ± 0.09 logMAR (distance-corrected near visual acuity at 40 cm). The binocular defocus curve showed a visual acuity of 0.20 logMAR or better between +0.50 D and -3.00 D. Of the patients, 92%, 92%, and 75% reported never wearing spectacles for distance, intermediate, or near distance, respectively. CONCLUSION: The mix-and-match approach seemed to provide functional visual performance at all distances while achieving spectacles independence in the majority of patients.

Impact of lens density and lens thickness on cumulative dissipated energy in femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery.

To evaluate the required cumulative dissipated energy (CDE) to fragment the crystalline lens in femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) in relation to lens density and lens thickness. Consecutive eyes that underwent FLACS between September 2014 and March 2017 by a single surgeon using in all cases the same femtosecond laser and phacoemulsification platform were included in our retrospective study. Prior to surgery, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), optical biometry corneal, and crystalline lens tomographies were performed to assess anterior chamber depth (ACD), axial length (AL), and crystalline lens parameters (i.e., lens density, thickness, and nucleus staging (NS)). After surgery, CDE was calculated and analyzed in relation to lens density (LD) and lens thickness (LT). Zero ultrasound expenditure cases were recorded and their occurrence analyzed. The chart review identified 236 eyes of 200 patients, 98 males and 102 females aged 65± 15 years which were included in the study. Mean LD was 11.26 ± 2.05 pixel intensity units (range 7.30-18.80), and the mean LT was 3417 ± 405.17 µm (range 2545-4701). LD and LT correlated moderately (r = 0.50, p < 0.001) and weakly (r = 0.23, p < 0.001), with post-laser CDE. Higher LD and LT were also associated with lower rates of zero phaco (eyes in which no phacoemulsification energy was necessary). Furthermore, NS (r = 0.528, p < 0.001) and CDVA (r = - 0.3524, p < 0.001) also correlated with CDE. Higher LD, LT, NS values, and low CDVA are associated with higher ultrasound expenditure (CDE-cumulative dissipated energy) and with lower rates of zero ultrasound expenditure during FLACS.

Comparison of phacoemulsification parameters between manual and femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the nucleus removal time (NRT) and cumulative dissipated energy (CDE) outcomes of traditional phacoemulsification and femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) performed by cornea attendings and fellows. DESIGN: Prospective nonrandomized comparative study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 410 eyes of 410 patients. METHODS: Nucleus removal time and CDE were recorded from patients who underwent cataract surgery using either FLACS (Catalys, LenSx, or Victus) or traditional phacoemulsification technique performed by 3 cornea attendings and 4 cornea fellows. One-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni post hoc tests and unpaired t tests were used to determine the differences between groups. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in cataract grade between groups. NRT was significantly lower only when using the Catalys system compared with the LenSx and Victus platforms and the traditional surgery, in both the attending group (p = 0.006, p = 0.002, p < 0.000, respectively) and the fellow group (p = 0.049, p = 0.038, p = 0.011, respectively). With respect to CDE, there was no significant difference when using the laser systems compared with the traditional surgery in both attending and fellow groups (p > 0.05). NRT and CDE were significantly higher in the fellow group (NRT = 269.10 ± 117.67, CDE = 7.30 ± 4.83) compared with the attending group (NRT = 218.87 ± 109.67, CDE = 5.76 ± 3.66) in traditional cases; however, in FLACS cases, there was no significant difference in NRT and CDE between the fellow group and the attending group. CONCLUSIONS: Inexperienced surgeons seem to require more time and use more ultrasound energy during traditional phacoemulsification when compared with experienced surgeons. The use of FLACS seems to significantly improve the NRT of experienced and inexperienced surgeons.

The Effect of NSAID Pretreatment on Aqueous Humor Prostaglandin E2 Concentration in Eyes Undergoing Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Capsulotomy.

PURPOSE: To assess aqueous humor concentration of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) after capsulotomy creation using a femtosecond laser (FLAC) in patients pretreated with short-term topical ketorolac versus patients without pretreatment. METHODS: This prospective study comprised consecutive patients scheduled to undergo cataract surgery using a femtosecond laser platform to perform only capsulotomies. An identical protocol for preoperative mydriasis was used for all the eyes included in the study, while aqueous humor was extracted from the anterior chamber of all patients immediately after the initial side port incision. ELISA was performed to quantify aqueous humor PGE2. The patients were divided into 2 groups; in group 1, the patients received short-term topical ketorolac preoperatively, while the patients in group 2 did not receive NSAID pretreatment. RESULTS: Twenty eyes of 20 patients were included in the study (10 eyes in each group). Mean concentration of aqueous humor PGE2 after FLAC was 392.16 ± 162.00 pg/ml and 622.63 ± 331.84 pg/ml for groups 1 and 2, respectively. A statistically significant difference in aqueous humor PGE2 concentration between the two groups (p < 0.05) was demonstrated, with the eyes that received ketorolac pretreatment demonstrating a lower concentration of PGE2. CONCLUSION: Short-term topical use of ketorolac prior to FLAC seems to prevent excessive release of PGE2 in the anterior chamber of the eyes that received NSAID pretreatment when compared to the eyes that did not receive NSAIDs preoperatively.

Crystalline lens endocapsular fragmentation using an elastic loop filament.

PURPOSE: To describe a novel mechanical endocapsular fragmentation technique of the crystalline lens during cataract surgery using a loop elastic-thin filament. METHODS: An alternative method to mechanically fragment the crystalline lens utilizing a nitinol loop is described. This device achieves lens sectioning in multiple pieces, decreasing ultrasonic energy expenditure during cataract surgery. RESULTS: Endocapsular fragmentation of crystalline lens was achieved using a nitinol loop filament, without the use of ultrasound energy. CONCLUSION: This surgical technique demonstrates that a micro loop filament may be used as an alternative surgical approach for energy-free mechanical endocapsular nucleus disassembly and fragmentation.

Combined transepithelial phototherapeutic keratectomy and conventional photorefractive keratectomy followed simultaneously by corneal crosslinking for keratoconus: Cretan protocol plus.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the visual, refractive, and topographic outcomes after combined transepithelial phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) and conventional photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) followed simultaneously by corneal crosslinking (CXL) for keratoconus. SETTING: Vardinoyiannion Eye Institute of Crete, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece. DESIGN: Prospective case series. METHODS: Patients with progressive keratoconus had simultaneous conventional PRK followed by CXL; the corneal epithelium was removed using transepithelial PTK (Cretan protocol plus). The visual, refractive, and topographic outcomes and the endothelial cell density (ECD) were evaluated preoperatively and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Forty-three patients (55 eyes) were enrolled. The mean uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuities improved significantly from 0.98 ± 0.63 (SD) logarithm of minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) and 0.20 ±â€¯0.23 logMAR preoperatively to 0.39 ±â€¯0.35 logMAR (P < .001) and 0.08 ±â€¯0.16 logMAR (P < .001) 12 months postoperatively, respectively. The mean spherical equivalent improved significantly from -4.67 ±â€¯4.00 diopters (D) preoperatively to -2.24 ±â€¯2.81 D (P < .001) at 12 months. The mean steep keratometry (K) and flat keratometry readings decreased significantly from 50.30 ±â€¯5.00 D and 45.62 ±â€¯3.10 D preoperatively to 46.27 ±â€¯3.90 D (P < .001) and 43.46 ±â€¯3.00 D (P < .001) 12 months postoperatively, respectively. No ECD alterations were observed throughout the follow-up (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Combined transepithelial PTK and conventional PRK followed simultaneously by CXL was effective in corneal stabilization and vision improvement in keratoconic patients.