Intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRs): three- and six months results

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Surgery
• Refractive Error Correction

Background:

• Low myopia presents a significant refractive challenge.
• Surgical interventions aim to improve uncorrected visual acuity and reduce spectacle dependence.
• Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments (ICRS) are an option for myopia correction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments (ICRS) for surgical correction of low myopia.
• To assess visual acuity, refractive outcomes, and induced astigmatism following ICRS implantation.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 15 patients (21 eyes) with low myopia underwent ICRS implantation.
• Pre-operative and post-operative refractions, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) were recorded.
• Follow-up assessments were conducted at 3 and 6 months post-surgery.

Main Results:

• At 3 months, 44% of eyes achieved UCVA ≥1.0, and 94% achieved UCVA ≥0.5. Refraction was within 1.0 D of emmetropia in 94% of eyes.
• At 6 months, 43% of eyes achieved UCVA ≥1.0, and 100% achieved UCVA ≥0.5. Refraction was within 0.5 D of emmetropia in 81% of eyes.
• Mean induced astigmatism was approximately 1.00 D; complications included vascular ingrowth and induced astigmatism, with one ICRS explantation.

Conclusions:

• ICRS implantation appears to be a safe, stable, and reproducible surgical option for correcting low myopia.
• Achieving optimal outcomes requires careful ICRS insertion to minimize postoperative astigmatism.
• The procedure demonstrates a low risk profile for myopia correction.