Results of intrastromal corneal ring implantation in advanced keratoconus With the aim of postpoing or avoiding corneal transplantation

Abstract

Purpose To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the surgery of intracorneal ring segment implantation with 320° of arc (320-ICRS) in patients with advanced keratoconus stage IV and maximum keratometry (Kmax) above 60 D. Methods A prospective, interventional case series study evaluating 25 eyes of 19 patients with keratoconus stage IV and Kmax > 60D in which 320-ICRS were implanted using VisuMax® femtosecond. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), keratometric values (mean - mean-K, flat - K1, and steep - K2), maximum keratometry (Kmax), tomographic astigmatism, refractive astigmatism and asphericity (Q) were assessed preoperatively and at 3, 6 and 12 months after the procedure. Results The UDVA improved from 1.03 ± 0.28 LogMAR (20/200) to 0.54 ± 0.21 LogMAR (20/60), (p < 0.001), the CDVA (with glasses) improved from 0.63 ± 0.29 LogMAR (20/80) to 0.31 ± 0.16 LogMAR (20/40),(p = 0.004), K1 reduced from 54.41 ± 4.46 D to 49.36 ± 4.11 D (p < 0.001), K2 reduced from 61.15 ± 4.37 D to 53.715 ± 4.05 D, (p < 0.001), mean-K reduced from 57.55 ± 4,17 D to 51.44 ± 3,94 D (p < 0.001), Kmax reduced from 69.80 ± 8.20 D to 63.43 ± 6.31 D (p < 0.001) and asphericity (Q) changed from −1.57 ± 0.35 to −0.77 ± 0.56 (p < 0.001). A total of 89.9% patients reached BCVA wearing scleral contact lens  0.2 LogMAR(20/25). Conclusion 320-ICRS to treat advanced keratoconus appears to be an efficacious and safe procedure, being a surgical alternative to delay or even prevent corneal transplantation.