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Intracorneal rings provide significant benefits to advanced keratoconus patients
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PARIS — Patients with advanced keratoconus, above maximum keratometry of 53 D, can benefit from intracorneal ring implantation with Intacs SK, designed for severe keratoconus, according to a study. These rings have a smaller diameter of 6 mm instead of 7 mm and are 450 µm thick.
 Loic Pinsard |
“Previous studies had shown that, beyond the 53 D limit, the predictability and efficacy of intracorneal rings was very low,” Loic Pinsard, MD, said at the meeting of the French Society of Ophthalmology. “In our study, carried out at the University of Bordeaux, we demonstrated that smaller diameter rings, such as the Ferrara (Mediphacos) or the Intacs SK (Addition Technology), which we use more often, allow us to overcome those limits.”
Out of 212 eyes implanted with intracorneal rings since 2007, the best results in patients with advanced keratoconus above maximum keratometry of 53 D were seen in a group of 23 eyes in which Intacs SK were implanted.
“The K max decreased from a mean of 58 D preop to a mean 54 D postop. Though the visual acuity does not improve significantly, 4 D provides correction of anisometropia and a better binocular vision,” Dr. Pinsard said.
The most important parameters are related to quality of vision.
“By stretching and flattening the cornea, the rings significantly improve contrast sensitivity, decrease optical aberrations and reduce the astigmatism by about 1 D. When visual quality improves, quality of life improves,” he said.
Patients were happy with their results and reported significant life quality changes. These rings, he said, allow patients with advanced keratoconus to postpone the need for corneal transplantation.
- Disclosure: Dr. Pinsard has no relevant financial disclosures.