Ferrara intrastromal corneal ring segments for severe keratoconus

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Surgery
• Vision Science

Background:

• Keratoconus is a progressive corneal ectasia leading to severe visual impairment.
• Patients with advanced keratoconus often experience disabling visual acuity and contact lens intolerance.
• Penetrating keratoplasty is a common treatment for severe keratoconus, but carries risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intrastromal Ferrara ring segments in eyes with severe keratoconus.
• To assess visual acuity, refractive error, and corneal changes after Ferrara ring implantation.
• To identify potential complications associated with the procedure.

Main Methods:

• Intrastromal Ferrara ring segments were implanted in 36 eyes of 35 patients with severe keratoconus.
• Patients were evaluated at 12 months post-implantation.
• Preoperative and postoperative visual acuity, refraction, keratometry, pachymetry, and anterior chamber depth were analyzed.

Main Results:

• No patient experienced a loss of visual acuity.
• Uncorrected visual acuity improved in 77.78% of eyes, and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity improved in 80.56%.
• Mean spherical equivalent refraction improved, and corneal flattening was observed. Complications included segment extrusion in 13.8% of eyes.

Conclusions:

• Ferrara intrastromal ring segments demonstrate potential as an alternative treatment for severe keratoconus.
• The procedure showed favorable visual outcomes and corneal changes.
• Further research is warranted to optimize safety and efficacy.