Intrastromal corneal ring segments for treating keratoconus

Keratoconus is a degenerative condition of the cornea that profoundly affects vision and vision-specific quality of life. The axial cornea thins and protrudes, resulting in irregularity and, eventually, scarring of the cornea. There are multiple options available for treating keratoconus. Intrastromal corneal ring segments are small, crescent-shaped plastic rings that are placed in the deep, peripheral corneal stroma in order to flatten the cornea. They are made of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). The procedure does not involve corneal tissue nor does it invade the central optical zone. Intrastromal corneal ring segments are approved for use when contact lenses or spectacles are no longer adequate.

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of intrastromal corneal ring segments as a treatment for keratoconus.

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register) (2018, Issue 1); Ovid MEDLINE; Embase.com; PubMed; Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature Database (LILACS); ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). We did not implement any date or language restrictions in the electronic search for trials. We last searched the electronic databases on 25 January 2018.

Two review authors independently assessed records from the electronic searches to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Disagreements were resolved by discussion.

We planned for two authors to independently review full-text reports, using standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane.

We found no RCTs comparing intrastromal corneal ring segments with spectacles or contact lenses.

In the absence of eligible RCTs to review, no conclusions can be drawn.