Corneal iron lines associated with the intrastromal corneal ring

Corneal epithelial iron lines commonly occur, and their shape is characteristically influenced by the underlying corneal surface topography. We studied a pattern of iron deposition, observed after implantation of the Intrastromal Corneal Ring (KeraVision, Inc., Santa Clara, California). In five of ten patients undergoing placement of the Intrastromal Corneal Ring, an arcuate pattern of epithelial iron deposition was observed eight to 12 months postoperatively. There was no significant clinical or topographic difference over time among the corneas of patients who developed an iron line vs those who did not. Of the five patients with an arcuate epithelial iron line, three underwent explantation of their Intrastromal Corneal Ring at 12 months according to the study protocol. Iron deposition either reverted to a Hudson-Stähli pattern or disappeared in each of these three patients.