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Intrastromal ring segments treat ectasia, surgeon says
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WASHINGTON — Implanting intrastromal corneal ring segments in patients with LASIK-induced ectasia can help stabilize the cornea and may slow progression of the ectasia, said a speaker here.
“Deep insertion of intrastromal corneal segments into the corneas of patients with ectasia reduces corneal toricity and improves vision at variable focal lengths,” Michael B. Brenner, MD, told attendees of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery meeting. “Hopefully, over time, we can prove that intrastromal segments also prevent disease progression.”
In a study, Dr. Brenner implanted two asymmetric corneal segments in the corneas of patients with corneal ectasia following refractive surgery. By 1 year postop, corneal asphericity was reduced by 3 D in most patients, he said.
“The reduction in asphericity occurred immediately, minutes after surgery, and remained consistent up to a year,” Dr. Brenner noted.
With the increase in volume of refractive surgery in the United States, Dr. Brenner said, it is important for surgeons to determine ways of effectively treating refractive complications such as ectasia, which, he noted, “are sure to rise with the influx of refractive patients.”