Intracorneal ring segments implantation followed by same-day topography-guided PRK and corneal collagen CXL in low to moderate keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS) implantation followed by same-day topography-guided photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and ultraviolet-A/riboflavin collagen cross-linking (CXL) in patients with low to moderate keratoconus.

METHODS

Patients with low to moderate keratoconus and contact lens intolerance were included in the study. All patients first underwent femtosecond laser-enabled placement of ICRS (Keraring, Mediphacos) (first step). Same-day topography-guided PRK and CXL (second step) were subsequently performed in all patients after the refraction was stable (average 6 months [range: 3 to 11 months]).

RESULTS

Thirteen eyes from 13 patients were included in the study. Based on values before the first step and 6 months after the second step, significant improvements were noted in uncorrected distance visual acuity (0.7±0.32 logMAR vs 0.08±0.08 logMAR), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) (0.16±0.19 logMAR vs 0.02±0.04 log-MAR), sphere (-3.65±3.08 diopters [D] vs 0.06±1.6 D), astigmatism (-3.31±1.5 D vs -0.98±0.75 D), average K (47.28±1.99 D vs 41.42±3.22 D), and coma (2.36±1.23 μm vs 1.47±0.68 μm) (P<.05). Approximately 63% of eyes gained ⩾2 lines of CDVA, whereas no change in CDVA was reported in ∼27% of eyes. No eyes lost lines of CDVA.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of ICRS implantation followed by sequential same-day topography-guided PRK/CXL may be a reasonable option for improving visual acuity in patients with low to moderate keratoconus.