The impact of keratoconus treatment with the Athens Protocol (partial topography-guided photorefractive keratectomy combined with higher-fluence corneal collagen cross-linking) on quality of life: a long-term study

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) before and after the management of keratoconus (KCN) with Combined Topography-Guided Transepithelial partial photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and corneal Cross-Linking: the Athens Protocol. Patients and methods: Thirty-four consecutive patients treated for progressive KCN were selected for retrospective telephone interview and individual questionnaire submission. A disease-specific HRQoL questionnaire was administered before and after the Athens Protocol intervention, using the following administrative questionnaires: National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ) 25/39 and IVI-28. The disease grade was ranked according to the Amsler-Krumeich classification (KCN severity). Reliability of collected data was evaluated with Cronbach's α test. Results: Patients' age ranged from 15 to 51 years at the time of the operation. Mean time before the operation during which the questionnaires were administered was 52±6 months. General visual acuity, psychological well-being, and driving ability showed significant improvement. Younger keratoconic patients tend to have more enhanced psychological status and to cope better with difficulties in everyday activities (prior to operation) than older patients. Conclusion: The Athens Protocol treatment has been proven to be beneficial to patients in a large number of aspects.