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Intracorneal ring implantation a possible substitute for keratoplasty in keratoconus patients
Patients with advanced keratoconus may be able to undergo intracorneal ring implantation using femtosecond laser technology as a substitute for keratoplasty, according to a study.
The prospective, nonrandomized, consecutive case series included 98 keratoconic eyes of 98 patients: 15 eyes had grade I keratoconus (15.3%), 37 eyes had grade II (37.7%), 24 eyes had grade III (24.5%) and 22 eyes had grade IV (22.4%). Measurements for visual, refractive, aberrometric and corneal biomechanical outcomes were taken preoperatively and at 1, 3 and 6 months and then 1 year postoperatively.
Visual acuities and spherical and cylindrical errors improved at 1 month after surgery (P < .001), but not thereafter. Spherical aberrations increased significantly (P < .001), and primary coma decreased significantly, according to the authors (P = .03).
Disclosure: The study authors report no relevant financial disclosures.