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Intrastromal corneal ring segment may be effective in treating keratoconus
J Cataract Refract Surg. 2012;38(1):129-136.
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Intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation proved effective in treating keratoconus, with significantly improved vision and contact lens tolerance, a study found.
"The results were good and stable, enabling patients to achieve good corrected visual acuity and to defer, and in some cases prevent, keratoplasty," the study authors said.
The case series included 31 eyes of 29 patients with moderate to severe keratoconus. Mean patient age was 29.97 years.
All eyes were implanted with the Intacs SK intrastromal corneal ring segment (ICRS, Addition Technology). The primary indication for surgery was contact lens intolerance or inadequate rehabilitation with contact lenses.
Uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity, manifest refraction, biometry and corneal topography were evaluated preoperatively, postoperatively at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 3, 6, 9 and 12 months, and subsequently every 6 months.
Preoperatively, mean logMAR uncorrected distance visual acuity was 1.40 and mean corrected distance visual acuity was 0.44. Mean preoperative spherical equivalent was -6.57 D and the mean keratometry value was 52.07 D.
Contact lenses were ineffective or intolerable in 27 eyes.
At 12 months postoperatively, mean logMAR uncorrected distance visual acuity improved significantly to 0.88 (P = .001) and mean corrected distance visual acuity improved to 0.29 (P = .04). Mean SE improved to -2.84 D (P = .01). The mean keratometry value decreased to 46.15 D (P < .0001).
Twenty-six eyes tolerated contact lenses after surgery, the authors said.