Intracorneal ring segment implantation in advanced Keratoconus.

PURPOSE

To compare the clinical outcomes of intracorneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation in eyes with advanced vs. mild/moderate keratoconus (KCN).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 141 eyes of 111 patients with KCN who underwent ICRS implantation. Preoperative maximum keratometry (Kmax) was <57 diopters (D) in 70 eyes and >57 D in 71 eyes. Postoperatively, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), Kmax, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were assessed at 1 day, 1 month, and 1 year.

RESULTS

Corneas with a preoperative Kmax >57 D experienced greater reduction in axial curvature after ICRS implantation than corneas with a preoperative Kmax <57 D (7.0 D vs. 5.5 D, =0.005) and gained more Snellen lines of CDVA (3 vs. 1, <0.001) by 1 year postoperatively. The incidences of the most prevalent complications (explantation, extrusion, and infectious keratitis) did not differ significantly between the two groups (p=0.29, p=0.99, p=0.98).

CONCLUSIONS

The visual and topographic effects of ICRS implantation are greater in eyes with more advanced KCN, with no increase in the incidence of the most common complications.