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Intrastromal corneal ring effective in inhibiting immune reactions at 5 years after PK
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SIENA, Italy — Implantation of the Krumeich intrastromal corneal ring in patients undergoing penetrating keratoplasty significantly lowers the rejection rate, according to a 5-year study.
"I first implanted this ring to concentrate the suture forces around it and reduce postoperative astigmatism. The other effects came as a surprise," Jörg H. Krumeich, MD, said at the meeting of the Italian Society of Corneal Transplantation.
Probably due to the impact of its metal components (cobalt, steel, molybdenum and titanium) on immune-competent cells, the ring has a barrier effect against superficial vascularization, inhibits pterygium progression, stabilizes the wound and improves healing.
"The effectiveness of the ring in decreasing immune reactions was observed in two groups of 179 and 101 PK patients, respectively with and without the ring. Over a period of 5 years, we had five cases (2.8%) of immune reactions, three of which successfully treated, in the group with the ring. In the group without the ring, we had seven cases (7%), one of which successfully treated," Dr. Krumeich said.
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