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Published on: November 12, 2015
Visual and Topographic Outcomes After Corneal Allogeneic Intrastromal Ring Segments for Keratoconus: A Systematic
Maximilian Friedrich1, Gerd Uwe Auffarth1, Uri Soiberman2
1From the Department of Ophthalmology (M.F., G.A., V.A., R.K., H.S.), University of Heidelberg, David J. Apple International Laboratory for Ocular Pathology and International Vision Correction Research Centre, Heidelberg, Germany.
Corneal allogeneic intrastromal ring segments (CAIRS) significantly improve vision and corneal shape in keratoconus patients. This meta-analysis confirms CAIRS as an effective treatment with a low complication rate.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Surgery
- Vision Science
Background:
- Keratoconus is a progressive ectatic disease affecting corneal shape and visual acuity.
- Corneal allogeneic intrastromal ring segments (CAIRS) offer a novel therapeutic option for managing keratoconus.
- Improving visual outcomes and corneal topography are key goals in keratoconus treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the visual outcomes and corneal topography changes following CAIRS implantation in patients with keratoconus.
- To synthesize evidence from clinical studies on the efficacy of CAIRS for keratoconus.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of peer-reviewed clinical studies.
- Searched Cochrane, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science databases.
- Analyzed changes in corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), refractive error, keratometry, and higher-order aberrations (HOAs).
- Assessed risk of bias and documented postoperative complications.
Main Results:
- Fourteen studies with 442 eyes were included.
- Significant improvements observed in CDVA (0.37 logMAR) and UDVA (0.43 logMAR).
- Mean spherical equivalent improved by 4.59 D, and maximum keratometry (Kmax) reduced by 4.49 D.
- Total HOAs decreased by 0.33 µm, with a low complication rate (0.2% severe adverse event).
Conclusions:
- CAIRS transplantation is an effective procedure for improving visual acuity and topographic parameters in keratoconus.
- The treatment demonstrates a favorable safety profile with low rates of significant complications.
- CAIRS represents a valuable surgical option for managing keratoconus patients.
