Preliminary results of a new intrastromal corneal ring segment as a tissue saving procedure in photorefractive keratectomy to correct moderate to high myopia.

AIM: To evaluate the clinical results after implantation of a new intrastromal corneal ring segment (ICRS) associated with photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) to correct high myopia (HM) patients with thin corneas.

METHODS

We evaluated 42 eyes of 23 HM patients that had ICRS implantation followed by PRK. The mean age of patients was 29.1±7.12y (range 18 to 40 years old). Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), keratometry, spherical equivalent, pachymetry, and aberrometry were compared using ANOVA with repeated measurements evaluated preoperatively and at last follow-up visit after the procedures. The refractive predictability and simulated/real corneal ablation were also assessed.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up time after PRK was 6.8±1.6mo. The mean preoperative UCVA improved from 20/800 preoperative to 20/100 after ICRS and 20/35 after PRK. The mean preoperative BCVA was 20/25 (range from 20/30 to 20/20) and remained unchanged after ICRS implantation. Following the PRK the mean BCVA was 20/25 (range from 20/30 to 20/20). The mean spherical equivalent decreased from -7.25±1.12 (range -5.00 to -9.00) preoperatively to -3.32±1.0 (range -2.00 to -5.00) postoperatively (P<0.001) after ICRS implantation and decreased from -2.44±1.51 preoperatively to 0.32±0.45 (range -0.625 to 0.875) postoperatively (P<0.001) after PRK. The change in BCVA and topographic astigmatism was statistically significant (P<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

ICRS in HM associated with PRK can be a tissue saving procedure and an alternative surgical option for correction of moderate to high myopia.