Expert shows intracorneal rings stable over 10 years

BERLIN — In the 10 years following first implantation, intracorneal rings have been used in 50,000 keratoconus cases worldwide, and 37,000 grafts have been avoided, according to one expert.

"The technique is now pretty standardized, and we have reliable parameters to make the technique successful according to the type, shape and stage of keratoconus," Joseph Colin, MD, said at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons meeting here.

Results with intracorneal rings (Intacs, Addition Technology) are generally satisfactory, with 70% to 80% of the patients gaining lines of vision, 20% remaining stable, and only a few decreasing.

Dr. Colin's personal experience shows that results are stable over time. In his first patient, implanted in 1997, the K-max decrease and visual acuity gain has been stable. Of the 65 eyes implanted in the last 8 years, 5 have needed PK.

He added that the use of femtosecond laser has improved the procedure, but the insertion of the segments in the channels can be cumbersome, due to the collagen bridges that the laser does not cut.

Collagen cross-linking can be a complementary technique to Intacs implantation. Sequence and combination of the two procedures should be adapted to single cases, Dr. Colin said.