Influence of intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation on corneal biomechanical parameters in keratoconic eyes.

PURPOSE: To assess the influence of intrastromal corneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation on corneal biomechanics in patients with keratoconus.

METHODS

Patients with keratoconus who underwent femtosecond laser-assisted ICRS (Keraring) implantation were evaluated with the ocular response analyzer (ORA). Metrics of corneal biomechanical parameters, including corneal hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance factor (CRF) were measured both before and after surgery. The postoperative measurements recorded at the 1st, 3rd and 6th months, and 1st and 2nd years after surgery were analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean CRF was significantly lower in the early postoperative period (1st and 3rd month); however, the difference between the mean preoperative and late postoperative (6th months, 1st and 2nd years) CRF values was not significant. There were no significant differences between the mean preoperative and postoperative CH values.

CONCLUSIONS

In the early postoperative period a significant temporary decrease in CRF was observed after the femtosecond laser-assisted ICRS implantation; however, this surgery did not alter the CH significantly in the same time interval. Both CH and CRF did not show significant alteration from preoperative values in the late postoperative period.