Keratoconus correction using a new model of intrastromal corneal ring segments

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Surgery
• Refractive Error Correction

Background:

• Keratoconus is a progressive thinning of the cornea, leading to irregular astigmatism and blurred vision.
• Intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS) are a surgical option to regularize the corneal surface and improve visual acuity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the optical effectiveness of a new intrastromal corneal ring segment (ICRS) model (Keratacx Plus).
• To quantify changes in corneal topography and asphericity following ICRS implantation in patients with keratoconus or post-LASIK keratectasia.

Main Methods:

• A prospective case series involving patients with primary keratoconus or post-LASIK keratectasia.
• ICRS implantation via manual or femtosecond laser tunnels in eyes with clear visual axes and sufficient corneal thickness.
• Preoperative and postoperative pachymetry and topographic data analysis.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in uncorrected and corrected visual acuities were observed.
• Median spherical and cylindrical refractive errors were substantially reduced.
• Corneal topography showed significant reductions in maximum, minimum, and mean keratometry, as well as astigmatism and asphericity.

Conclusions:

• The new ICRS model demonstrated significant topographic and visual benefits for patients with keratoconus and post-LASIK keratectasia.
• Further research is needed to explore variations in outcomes based on surgical technique (manual vs. femtosecond laser) and ring size.