Intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation for ectasia after refractive surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of intrastromal corneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation to correct ectasia in eyes with prior refractive surgery.

METHODS

Forty-one eyes of 25 patients (13 men, 12 women; mean age, 28.66 years) with ectasia after refractive surgery [photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) or laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK)] were included in a nonrandomized, retrospective, observational case series. Corneal tunnels were created by mechanical dissection in all eyes. Main outcome measures included uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), refraction, keratometry, and computerized analysis of corneal topography. Patients were divided into two groups by the type of refractive surgery (Group A: PRK, Group B: LASIK).

RESULTS

The mean preoperative manifest astigmatism decreased from -1.88 to -0.84 D in Group A (p=0.096) and -3.18 to -1.77 D in Group B (p=0.000). The mean keratometric astigmatism decreased from -2.58 to -1.66 D in Group A (p=0.010) and -4.80 to -2.78 D in Group B (p=0.000). The mean spherical equivalent decreased from -2.97 to -2.05 D in Group A (p=0.065) and -3.31 to -2.42 D in Group B (p=0.014). No significant between-group differences were noted on the comparison of preoperative and postoperative results. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed.

CONCLUSION

ICRS implantation is a useful treatment option for ectasia following refractive surgery, and it has significantly reduced the refractive cylinder and increased best spectacle-corrected visual acuity.