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Use of corneal allogenic intrastromal ring segments (CAIRS) in high astigmatism, a case report
Bader Khayat1, Omar M Alabbasi2, Ghadi Aljohani3
1Südblick Eye Clinic, Munich, Germany.
Background:
Corneal allogenic intrastromal ring segments (CAIRS) were developed as a biologic alternative to synthetic intracorneal ring segments and are primarily reported in the management of keratoconus and corneal ectasia. Its role in high corneal astigmatism still limited.
Case Report:
A 54-year-old male presented with decreased visual acuity in the left eye due to high regular corneal astigmatism. Preoperative best-corrected visual acuity was 0.8 (decimal scale), with a manifest refraction of: +3.5/9.25 × 109. CAIRS implantation was performed based on the magnitude of astigmatism, and limitations of alternative corrective options. At one year postoperatively, corneal tomography demonstrated a marked reduction in astigmatism with improved corneal regularity. Pachymetry and posterior corneal parameters remained stable, and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) confirmed appropriate intrastromal segment positioning without complications.
Conclusion:
This case demonstrates the feasibility of CAIRS implantation in isolated high corneal astigmatism, with stable tomographic outcomes at one year. With careful patient selection, CAIRS may represent a tissue-preserving option in selected cases.
