Intrastromal corneal ring, a new refractive surgical technique to decrease myopia. Experimental and clinical results

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Surgery
• Myopia Management

Background:

• Myopia is a common refractive error impacting visual acuity.
• Existing keratorefractive surgeries like radial keratotomy (RK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) have limitations.
• Intrastromal corneal ring (ICR) implantation presents a novel approach for myopia correction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the intrastromal corneal ring (ICR) technique for myopia treatment.
• To assess the long-term stability of visual outcomes following ICR implantation.
• To compare ICR outcomes with established refractive surgical methods.

Main Methods:

• Surgical implantation of intrastromal corneal rings (ICR) in canine models.
• Post-operative evaluation using slit lamp examinations, corneal topography, and histological analysis.
• Clinical application of ICR in three patients with high myopia, followed by visual acuity and topographic assessments.

Main Results:

• Favorable outcomes observed in canine models, with clear and stable corneal tissues around the implanted polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) rings.
• Successful correction of up to 10.0 diopters of myopia in human patients.
• Sustained visual acuity and corneal stability observed 3-10 months post-surgery.

Conclusions:

• Intrastromal corneal ring (ICR) implantation is a safe and effective method for correcting myopia.
• The ICR technique offers permanent visual correction comparable to established refractive surgeries.
• ICR implantation represents a promising alternative in the field of keratorefractive surgery.