Keratoconus (KC)
Keratoconus is a progressive corneal disorder in which the cornea gradually becomes thinner and assumes a more conical shape, leading to visual distortion and reduced visual quality. Although the condition often appears in young adulthood and may affect both eyes, today’s advances in ophthalmology offer effective treatment options that focus, not only on vision improvement, but also on stabilizing the cornea and enhancing quality of life.
IntraCorneal Ring Segments (ICRS)
IntraCorneal Ring Segments (ICRS) are special ophthalmic implants used to correct vision problems caused by keratoconus and other corneal ectatic disorders. Those small, arc-shaped rings are inserted into the corneal stroma to reshape and regularize the cornea, improving vision and reducing visual distortions.
Who can benefit?
ICRS are particularly suitable for patients who cannot tolerate contact lenses, those with high or irregular astigmatism after corneal transplantation, corneal ectasia (keratoconus), or transparent peripheral corneal degeneration. Each patient is carefully evaluated by a specialized ophthalmologist to determine suitability and expected outcomes.
Goals & advantages of ICRS
The main goals of ICRS are to smooth the corneal surface, reduce the conical shape, and correct visual distortions, resulting in improved quality of vision. They can also reduce myopia and astigmatism caused by keratoconus. By stabilizing the cornea, ICRS may slow disease progression and prevent the need for corneal transplantation.
ICRS provide a safe, proven, and customizable solution for correcting corneal irregularities. Different sizes and designs are available to meet individual needs. The procedure is minimally invasive, allowing rapid visual recovery and a quick return to daily activities. The ring segments can be removed postoperatively if necessary. They can also be implanted after a corneal cross linking (CXL) procedure.
The surgical procedure
The procedure is performed under topical anesthesia. Anesthetic eye drops are applied, and a femtosecond laser creates a corneal tunnel and a small entry incision. The ring is carefully inserted and positioned according to the surgical plan. Surgical operation takes only a few minutes, and patients usually return home the same day. Postoperative care includes antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops and follow-up examinations to ensure proper healing. Visual recovery begins within two days and stabilizes over two to four weeks.