ABSTRACT

Conclusion:

Intracorneal ring implantation using femtosecond laser in keratoconic eyes seems to be an effective and safe procedure improving the patients vision and quality of life.

Results:

The mean follow up period was 10±3.4 months. At the last examination the mean uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) improved from 0.12±0.1 to 0.35±0.2 and the mean best corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) improved from 0.36±0.17 to 0.59±0.2. Keratometric values decreased from 48.01± 3.08 D to 46.2 ±2,3 D and spheric equivalent increased from 6,2 ±3.09 to 3.05 ± 1.78 in average. In one case (%1.7) we had to postpone the surgery because of desantralized tunnel formation. In 5(%8.7) cases, we had to use the mechanical keratome because of incomplete tunnel formation. In 9 (%15) cases we observed ring migration to the incision site. We repositioned the segments and performed suturing in 3 cases in which migration reoccured. In 1 (%1.7) case bacterial keratitis observed after one month but improved with medical therapy.

Methods:

Fifty seven eyes of 49 patients in which we applied intracorneal ring (Keraring, Mediphacos, Brasil) implantation with the diagnosis of keratoconus between January 2006–May 2008 were included in the study. All our patients had contact lens intolarance and clear cornea. Before and after the operation we measured the refractive errors and performed corneal topography by Pentacam (Oculus, Germany). 30 Hz Femtosecond laser system (Intralase, AMO, USA) was used for implantation. The incision was made on the steepest axis and the tunnel depth was set at %80 of the thinnest corneal thickness. We applied one ring in 21 patients and two rings in 36 patients according to localization of the cones and spheric equivalent.

Purpose:

To evaluate the visual outcomes of intracorneal ring implantation in keratoconic eyes.