Corneal intrastromal implantation surgery for the treatment of moderate and high myopia

[Long-term clinical and functional outcomes of high myopia correction by femtosecond laser-assisted implantation of an intrastromal ring]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze remote clinical and functional outcomes of correcting high myopia in patients with thin cornea by the method of femtosecond laser-assisted implantation of intracorneal implant MyoRing.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 22 patients (22 eyes; the mean age of study patients was 30.2±5.37 years). Mean spherical equivalent (SE) of refraction was -11.52±1.96 D, cylindrical component (cyl) of refraction was -2.04±1.64 D, minimal pachymetry index in the center was 491.6±20 µm, corneal hysteresis (CH) amounted to 8.6±1.19 mm Hg. The average pupil diameter in mesopic conditions was 5.6±0.23 mm. All patients had a history of mild amblyopia. The follow-up period lasted 2 years.

RESULTS

Two years after the surgery uncorrected visual acuity was 0.6±1.22, corrected visual acuity 0.7±0.20. Mean spherical equivalent (SE) of refraction was 0.61±1.43 D, cylindrical component of refraction was -0.13±0.5 D. Predictability of SE within ±0.5 D was recorded in 84% of cases, ±1.0 - also in 84% of cases. Index of safety was 1.16, index of efficacy - 1.0. CH was 9.5±0.03 mm Hg. Mean pachymetry at the center did not change statistically significantly after the surgery in comparison to the initial data (p=1.00).

CONCLUSION

MyoRing implantation is an effective and safe method, which ensures correction of the spherical component of refraction, as well as correction of astigmatism, improvement of biomechanical properties of the cornea, and an increase in corneal hysteresis (p=0.01).

Clinical Outcomes of a New Type of Continuous Intrastromal Corneal Ring for Treatment of Keratoconus

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of implantation of a new continuous corneal ring in keratoconic corneas of an Iranian population.

METHODS

This study was conducted on 95 contact lens-intolerant keratoconic eyes with clear central corneas. A continuous corneal ring, annular intrastromal corneal inlay (AICI), was inserted using femtosecond laser in all cases. Patients were followed up for 1, 3, and 12 months postsurgery. Visual and subjective refractive outcomes were evaluated in each examination. Besides, keratometry and aberrometric values were recorded before and 12 months after surgery. Finally, vector analysis of refractive astigmatism was performed using the Alpins method.

RESULTS

The uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuities improved significantly 12 months after surgery from 0.91 ± 0.39 to 0.38 ± 0.22 (P < 0 0.001) and 0.33 ± 0.21 to 0.13 ± 0.11 logMAR (P < 0.001), respectively. Moreover, spherical and cylindrical refractive components reduced from -2.52 ± 2.62 to -0.76 ± 1.78 D (P < 0.001) and -4.14 ± 1.64 to -1.91 ± 1.18 D (P < 0.001), respectively. The mean anterior keratometry had a significant reduction 12 months after AICI insertion (P< 0.001). Primary coma and spherical aberration values showed a significant increase (both, P < 0.05). Our results showed 100% safety (safety index: 1.8) and 45% efficacy (efficacy index: 1).

CONCLUSIONS

AICI implantation seemed to be a safe and effective procedure for improving visual acuity and refractive outcomes in subjects with keratoconus.

Corneal Biomechanics After Intrastromal Ring Surgery: Optomechanical In Silico Assessment

Purpose

To provide a biomechanical framework to better understand the postsurgical optomechanical behavior of the cornea after ring implantation.

Methods

Calibrated in silico models were used to determine the corneal shape and stresses after ring implantation. After mechanical simulations, geometric ray-tracing was used to determine the change in spherical equivalent. The effect of the surgical procedure, circadian variation of intraocular pressure, or the biomechanical weakening introduced by keratoconus (KC) were evaluated for each intrastromal ring.

Results

Models predicted the postsurgical optomechanical response of the cornea at a population level. The localized mechanical effect of the additional intrastromal volume introduced by the implants (size and diameter) drives the postsurgical corneal response. However, central corneal stresses did not increase more than 50%, and thus implants did not strengthen the cornea globally. Because of the biomechanical weakening introduced by laser pocketing, continuous implants in a pocket resulted in higher refractive corrections and in the relaxation of the anterior stroma, which could slow down KC progression. Implants can move within the stroma, acting as a dynamic pivot point that modifies corneal kinematics and flattens the corneal center. Changes in stromal mechanical properties did not impact on refraction for normal or pathological corneas.

Conclusions

Implants do not stiffen the cornea but create a local bulkening effect that regularizes the corneal shape by modifying corneal kinematics without canceling corneal motion.

Translational Relevance

In silico models can help to understand corneal biomechanics, to plan patient-specific interventions, or to create biomechanically driven nomograms.

Femtosecond Laser Implantation of a 355-Degree Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segment in Keratoconus: A Three-Year Follow-Up

Purpose

To evaluate the outcomes of femtosecond laser-assisted implantation of a 355-degree intracorneal ring (ICR) (Keraring) in patients with keratoconus in the three-year follow-up.

Setting

Future Femtolaser Center, Sohag, Egypt.

Design

Prospective interventional case series.

Patients and Methods

A prospective case series of 38 eyes of 26 patients with keratoconus had implantation of the 355-degree ICR keraring after tunnel creation with a femtosecond laser. The uncorrected visual acuities (UCVA) and best-corrected visual acuities (BCVA), sphere, cylinder, and manifest refraction spherical equivalent (SE), and mean keratometry (K), K max, and K min were evaluated preoperatively and 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months postoperatively, and all complications were reported.

Results

38 eyes of 26 patients with mean age 25.92 ± 5.44 years were enrolled in the study, 11 were males (42.3%). The mean UCVA improved from 0.93 ± 0.21 to 0.63 ± 0.21 logMAR (P ≤ 0.001) and the mean BCVA from 0.67 ± 0.22 to 0.43 ± 0.26 logMAR (P < 0.001). The mean sphere, cylinder, and spherical equivalent have been changed dramatically from preoperative to 3 month postoperative, which is statistically significant (P ≤ 0.001), and the changes between 1 and 2 years and 2 and 3 years are also considerable and statistically significant; the K max and K min and K mean improved and the changes were statistically significant (P ≤ 0.001), and the changes between one, two, and three years were also statistically significant. The safety and efficacy indices were changed through the three-year follow-up. The complications were corneal neovascularization (36.84%), corneal melting (26.3%), and ring extrusion (31.5%) at the end of the study.

Conclusions

Implantation of a 355-degree intracorneal keraring using femtosecond laser improved the visual, refractive, and topographic parameters in keratoconus patients, with a high rate of ICR extrusion and instability. The study has been registered for the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (http://www.pactr.org) database within No: PACTR201810796878908 on 29 October 2018.

Continuous intracorneal ring implantation for treatment of myopic astigmatism

We report a case of myopic astigmatism, not eligible for laser vision correction and with an anterior chamber depth below that recommended for application of phakic implantable collamer lens. In this case, the only refractive surgery option that remained for the patient was intracorneal ring implantation. The aim of the current presentation was to document the clinical and refractive outcomes after continuous intracorneal ring implantation in both eyes in this patient with myopic astigmatism. The results presented were collected during a 4-year follow-up period. Surgery was performed at Lasik specialty center, Baghdad, Iraq, in 2013.

MyoRing treatment of myopia

INTRODUCTION

Laser Vision Correction is not always possible for the treatment of myopia. The aim of this paper is to present results after MyoRing implantation in myopic eyes who in their majority were not eligible for LVC. Safety, effectivity and patient selection is discussed. The aim of the treatment was to be spectacle independent in everyday-life.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

19 myopic eyes of 12 patients ranging from -2.25 to -16.5 dioptres (D) in sphere and from 0 to -4D in cylinder were analyzed.

RESULTS

After treatment, 84% of the eyes reached uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) of 0.5 or better, 42% reached UDVA of 0.8 or better and 16% reached UDVA of 1.0 or better. Before treatment, no eye reached UDVA of 0.5 or better. Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) preoperatively and postoperatively did not differ. The treatment changed the average spherical equivalent from -10.27D to -0.93D. Efficacy index was 0.76 and safety index was 1.02.

CONCLUSION

MyoRing implantation for myopia is safe and effective with highly satisfied patents in a particular subgroup of myopic patients. Patient selection is important.

Complete corneal ring (MyoRing) implantation versus MyoRing implantation combined with corneal collagen crosslinking for keratoconus: 3-year follow-up

Purpose

To estimate the effectiveness of complete corneal ring (MyoRing) implantation compared with MyoRing implantation combined with corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) for keratoconus treatment for 36 months follow-up.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Materials and methods

MyoRing implantation was performed in a series of 78 patients (80 eyes) with keratoconus II–III Amsler classification, of these 39 eyes had MyoRing implantation combined with CXL. Implantation of a MyoRing in the corneal pocket was performed using a PocketMaker microkeratome and corneal intrastromal implantation system. During CXL, riboflavin solution 0.1% was injected into the corneal pocket through the incision tunnel and standard surface UVA irradiation (370 nm, 3 mW/cm²) was then applied from 5-cm distance for 30 min.

Results

Significant improvements in uncorrected distance visual acuity and corrected distance visual acuity were observed for both groups, which was relatively better 12 months after procedure in MyoRing alone group; however, in 36 months there was no difference between groups. Keratometry was reduced in both groups; after MyoRing implantation for 8.45 D and MyoRing + CXL for 9.43 D, the spherical equivalent decreased from 8.45 to 7.72 D and from 9.43 to 6.25 D, respectively. The cylinder decreased to 3.33 D with MyoRing alone and to 3.31 D with MyoRing + CXL. Corneal thickness remained nearly unchanged (from 433.69 ± 38.76 to 434.21 ± 34.98) in MyoRing group and decreased from baseline (from 426.93 ± 46.58 to 401.24 ± 39.12 µm) in MyoRing + CXL group 36 months postoperatively, which corresponds with pachymetry reduction after conventional CXL.

Conclusion

Both MyoRing implantation and MyoRing combined with CXL were effective for treating keratoconus. At 36 months, there were slightly better outcomes in MyoRing + CXL group; however, in MyoRing alone group visual and refractive outcomes were stable overtime.

Long-term results of MyoRing treatment of keratoconus

PURPOSE

To study long-term results of MyoRing treatment of keratoconus.

METHODS

Retrospective study of MyoRing implantation into a corneal pocket for keratoconus.

RESULTS

Corneal thickness at the thinnest point remained unchanged, SIM K's, manifest sphere and cylinder were significantly improved at the first follow-up 9 months postoperatively and remained stable until the last follow-up about 5 years after surgery. Uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA, CDVA) were significantly improved at the first follow-up 9 months postoperatively and were further ameliorated until the last follow-up about 5 years after surgery.

CONCLUSION

The treatment was safe and effective with continuing improvement of visual acuity during the 5 years after surgery.

TO STUDY THE EFFECTS OF INTRASTROMAL CORNEAL RING GEOMETRY AND SURGICAL CONDITIONS ON THE POSTSURGICAL OUTCOMES THROUGH FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS

Intrastromal corneal ring (ICR) is a transparent circular implant inserted in the cornea to provide structural support in an attempt to alleviate preexisting refractive errors. This is a surgical procedure whose success depends on control parameters such as, ICR geometry which includes ICR thickness and diameter, and surgical conditions which includes ICR implantation depth and diameter of corneal pocket. This research utilizes finite element (FE) analysis techniques to develop a high fidelity and computationally efficient three-dimensional axisymmetric cornea model to study the relative effects of ICR implant geometry and surgical conditions on the postsurgical shape of the cornea utilizing corneal apical displacement results. The FE analysis results indicate that ICR implantation reduces myopia, and the amount of myopic rectification is dependent on the control parameters which include ICR geometry and surgical conditions. The results show that an increase in ICR thickness leads to an increase in myopic rectification, whereas an increase in ICR radius leads to a decrease in myopic rectification. ICR implantation depth analysis results suggest that corneal depth of 40–75% provides steady myopic rectification. Corneal pocket diameter analysis revealed that smaller corneal pockets lead to increase in myopic rectification. Overall, the FE model results are in qualitative agreement with published clinical studies. Finally, the combined impact of the control parameters on myopic rectification was studied by conducting a sensitivity analysis and an equation relating myopic rectification with control parameters was developed utilizing simple linear regression analysis.

MyoRing Implantation in Keratoconic Patients: 3 years Follow-up Data

Purpose:

To evaluate long-term follow-up data on implantation of a full-ring intra-corneal implant (MyoRing) for management of keratoconus.

Methods:

A total of 40 keratoconic eyes of 37 consecutive patients who had undergone MyoRing implantation using the Pocket Maker microkeratome (Dioptex, GmbH, Linz, Austria) and completed 3 years of follow-up appointments were included in this retrospective study. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), refraction and keratometry (K) readings were measured and evaluated preoperatively, and 3 years, postoperatively.

Results:

No intraoperative complications were observed in this case series. Three years postoperatively, there was a significant improvement in UDVA, CDVA, K readings, spherical equivalent (SE), and manifest sphere and cylinder (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). UDVA was significantly improved from 1.14 ± 0.27 to 0.30 ± 0.21 LogMAR (P = 0.001), CDVA was also improved from 0.52 ± 0.23 to 0.18 ± 0.12 LogMAR (P = 0.001), SE was decreased by 4.35 diopters (D) and average keratometric values were reduced by 2.34 D (P = 0.001). Overall, 81% of subjects were moderately to highly satisfied 3 years after surgery and 64.90% agreed to have the fellow eye implanted with MyoRing.

Conclusion:

MyoRing implantation using the Pocket Maker microkeratome was found to be a minimally invasive procedure for improving visual acuity and refraction in the majority of the patients with keratoconus.

Biomechanics of Corneal Ring Implants

To evaluate the biomechanics of corneal ring implants by providing a related mathematical theory and biomechanical model for the treatment of myopia and keratoconus.

Full-Ring Intracorneal Implantation in Corneas With Pellucid Marginal Degeneration

BACKGROUND

Keratoconus (KCN) is a progressive, non-inflammatory ectacic disorder characterized by bilateral and asymmetrical conical protrusion of the cornea. MyoRing implantation and Collagen Crosslink (CXL) are two separate effective treatments for all stages of keratoconous. This study wants to show the effect of these treatments combination in patients with moderate and severe keratoconus.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to report on the visual and refractive outcomes of corneas with pellucid marginal degeneration following MyoRing implantation (DIOPTEX GmbH).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study included 15 eyes of 15 patients, with an age range from 22 to 49 years old, and pellucid marginal degeneration. An intrastromal corneal ring (MyoRing) was inserted by the means of mechanical dissection using a PocketMaker microkeratome. The main outcome measures were uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), manifest refraction, and keratometry readings. The mean postoperative follow-up was ten months (range 6 - 12 months).

RESULTS

The mean UDVA (LogMAR) improved significantly from 1.13 ± 0.21 preoperatively to 0.24 ± 0.13 postoperatively (P < 0.001), and the mean CDVA (LogMAR) improved significantly from 0.39 ± 0.12 to 0.19 ± 0.09 (P < 0.001). The mean cylinder of manifest refraction decreased significantly by 4.00 diopter (D) (P < 0.001). The mean spherical equivalent error (SE) decreased significantly from -6.00 ± 3.60 D to -0.70 ± 1.90 D, at the end of the follow-up period. Furthermore, with regards to corneal topography, a significant reduction was observed in keratometric values. The Kmax, Kmin and Kaverage decreased significantly by 5.00, 1.10 and 4.00 D, respectively (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

MyoRing implantation using the PocketMaker microkeratome appears to provide an effective method for treating pellucid marginal degeneration. Both UDVA and CDVA improved significantly. The corneal steepening and astigmatism were reduced in all subjects after MyoRing implantation.

Use of PocketMaker Microkeratome for Creation of Corneal Pocket for Foldable Keratoprosthesis KeraKlear Implantation - Case Series

PURPOSE

To describe a surgical method for corneal pocket creation for KeraKlear keratoprosthesis implantation by PocketMaker microkeratome.

METHODS

We implanted keratoprosthesis KeraKlear in 3 patients. In all cases, we used a microkeratome PocketMaker to create a corneal pocket, where the incision was made at a depth of 300 µm with a vibrating diamond blade.

RESULTS

Although corneas have been extensively opaque and vascularized, in all three cases we successfully performed suction of the microkeratome system and created a corneal pocket without any difficulties. Subsequent keratoprosthesis implantations were performed without any problems.

CONCLUSION

The technique is simple, relatively cheap, and the creation of the corneal pocket is possible even in patients with vascularized and opaque cornea.

Femtosecond laser-assisted implantation of complete versus incomplete rings for keratoconus treatment

Purpose

To compare complete versus incomplete ring implantation for keratoconus correction.

Methods

We investigated 25 eyes of keratoconic patients, of which 15 had femtosecond-assisted MyoRing corneal implantation (Group 1) and 10 had femtosecond-assisted Keraring segments (Group 2). Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected distance visual acuity (BCVA), mean K (K_m), sphere, topographic cylinder, and corneal asphericity value (Q-value) were measured in all eyes preoperatively and at 4 weeks postoperatively (1 month).

Results

In Group 1, the K_m change was −6.15±2.16 D, with a mean change in sphere of 4.45±2.18 D and a mean change in refractive cylinder of 2.32±3 D. UCVA change was −0.57±0.273 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (LogMAR), BCVA change was −0.2±0.27 (LogMAR), and the Q-value change was 0.43±2.6. In Group 2, the K_m change was −3.15±1.68 D, UCVA change was −0.48±0.37 (LogMAR), BCVA change was −0.09±0.15 (LogMAR), and the Q-value change was 0.5±0.21. Changes in the means did not significantly differ between groups, except for the K_m change, which was significantly greater in Group 1 than in Group 2 (P=0.05).

Conclusion

Both complete ring and ring segment implantation are effective for improving corneal and visual parameters in keratoconus. Complete ring implantation may have a greater flattening effect on the anterior corneal surface.

Intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation (keraring 355°) in patients with central keratoconus: 6-month follow-up

We evaluate the efficacy and safety of Keraring 355° intrastromal corneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation aided by PocketMaker microkeratome for the correction of keratoconus. Patients underwent ICRS insertion using mechanical dissection with PocketMaker microkeratome and completed 6 months of follow-up. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), refraction, topographic findings, safety, efficacy index, and adverse events were reported for six months postoperatively. We evaluated 15 eyes of 15 patients (12 men) with a mean age of 28.87 ± 6.94 years (range 21–49 years). At final postoperative examination, there was a statistically significant reduction in the spherical equivalent refractive error compared to preoperative measurements (−5.46 ± 1.52 to −2.01 ± 1.63 D, P < 0.001). Mean preoperative UCVA (logMAR) before implantation was 0.79 ± 0.48, and postoperative UCVA was 0.28 ± 0.15, P = 0.001. Mean preoperative BSCVA (logMAR) before implantation was 0.36 ± 0.21; at final follow-up examination BSCVA was 0.18 ± 0.9, P = 0.009. Mean K decreased from 48.33 to 43.31 D, P < 0.001. All patients were satisfied with ICRS implantation; 86.7% were moderately to very happy with the results. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were demonstrated. This preliminary study shows that ICRS (Keraring 355°) implantation is an efficient, cost-effective, and minimally invasive procedure for improving visual acuity in nipple type keratoconic corneas.

Clinical outcomes after complete intracorneal ring implantation and corneal collagen cross-linking in an intrastromal pocket in one session for keratoconus

Purpose. The aim of this work was to evaluate the results after combined surgery implantation of full rings and CXL in one session in a group of patients with keratoconus during a 12-month follow-up. Material and Methods. The study included 22 eyes of 20 keratoconic patients, mean age of 28.41 (from 18 to 50) years. A full ring was inserted and afterwards 0.1% riboflavin solution was injected into the corneal pocket through the incision tunnel. The cornea was irradiated with UV-A light for 30 minutes. Postoperative visits were scheduled for the first week and months 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 after surgery. Minimal follow-up time was 12 months. Results. The mean UDVA improved by 6 lines from before the operation to 1 year after the operation, the mean CDVA improved by approximately 2.5 lines, and the mean K improved by 3.94 D. Statistically significant reductions of sphere (P < 0.001), cylinder (P = 0.004), and spherical (P < 0.001) equivalents were found 1 month after surgery. Conclusion. The combined surgery MyoRing implantation and CXL seems to be a safe method in the treatment of keratoconus. We noticed an improvement of the refractive error in all of our patients.

[Intacsintracorneal ring segments in keratoconus]

INTRODUCTION

The spectrum of stage-related therapy of keratoconus has been broadened through surgical implantation of intracorneal ring segments (INTACS) as a possible method of reducing irregular astigmatism, leading to a reduction of corneal grafts especially in young, working-aged patients with keratoconus. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the preoperative and postoperative results of femtosecond laser-assisted implantation of INTACS in ectatic corneal diseases.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From August 2011 to January 2013, 20 eyes from 16 patients with a clear cornea in the visual axis suffering from hard contact lens intolerance underwent surgery in the Homburg/Saar Keratoconus Center (HKC) by the same surgeon (MEH). Among these were 16 keratoconus eyes, 1 eye with pellucid marginal degeneration und 3 eyes with post-LASIK iatrogenic keratectasia. The insertion of the INTACS ring segments was achieved by a femtosecond laser-assisted procedure that created a precise 360° tunnel at a depth of 80% of the corneal thickness (395.8 ± 38.5 μm) in the 6–7 mm zone.Results. At 6 months follow-up mean uncorrected distance visual acuity improved from 0.07 ± 0.07 preoperatively to 0.6 ± 0.26 postoperatively. Mean best-corrected distance visual acuity changed from 0.4 ± 0.15 preoperatively to 0.9 ± 0.29 postoperatively. Mean sphere decreased from −7.6 ± 6.1 dpt to −1.4 ± 2.8 dpt. Astigmatism decreased from −6.0 ± 2.8 dpt preoperatively to −4.3 ± 2.0 dpt postoperatively. There was also a reduction in the mean flat K from 47.8 ± 4.7 dpt preoperatively to 44.2 ± 5.0 dpt postoperatively and in mean steep K from 51.9 ± 5.0 dpt to 48.4 ± 6.6 dpt. The central eccentricity index in the Pentacam was reduced to around 50%. Neither intraoperative nor postoperative complications (including non-responders) were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The femtosecond laser-assisted INTACS implantation provides a valid alternative to early keratoplasty for keratoconus patients with a clear central cornea and contact lens intolerance. It is a minimally invasive and reliable method for stage-related surgical management of keratoconus.

Continuous corneal intrastromal ring implantation for treatment of keratoconus in an Iranian population

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of mechanical implantation of a continuous intrastromal ring in keratoconus.

DESIGN

Prospective, interventional, nonrandomized, case series.

METHODS

The MyoRing (Dioptex GmbH) was implanted after creation of an intrastromal pocket for 95 eyes of 95 patients with moderate and advanced keratoconus. All patients had at least 12 months of follow-up. Preoperative and postoperative visual acuity, keratometry, aberrometry, and refraction were the main outcome measures of the study.

RESULTS

A significant improvement in uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity was observed 1 month after surgery, which was consistent with the significant reduction in sphere (5.74 diopters [D]) and cylinder (3.02 D). No significant changes were detected in these parameters afterward. Furthermore, a significant corneal flattening of a mean value of 9.78 D was found. Both spherical myopia and astigmatism underwent reduction, but the reduction in myopia was more remarkable than astigmatism. Higher-order aberrations and coma-like aberrations decreased significantly, but spherical aberrations increased after surgery. No significant change in central corneal thickness was observed at any point after operation. There were no significant differences between 2 keratometry groups (higher or lower than 53 D) in visual gain after the procedure. There were no major complications during or after surgery. MyoRing explantation was performed in 4 eyes (4%). The refraction, visual acuity, and corneal topography returned to the preoperative status 1 month later for all 4 eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

MyoRing implantation has an acceptable efficacy profile in moderate and advanced keratoconus.

MyoRing Treatment for Keratoconus: DIOPTEX PocketMaker vs Ziemer LDV for Corneal Pocket Creation

Purpose

To compare the results of MyoRing implantation for keratoconus using two different techniques for corneal pocket creation.

Materials and methods

Seven eyes suffering from keratoconus were treated using Ziemer LDV for corneal pocket creation and seven eyes suffering from keratoconus were treated using DIOPTEX PocketMaker for corneal pocket creation.

Results

Both groups did not show any statistically significant difference, neither in the severity of the disease nor in the results.

Conclusion

Ziemer LDV and DIOPTEX PocketMaker give equal results for MyoRing implantation for keratoconus.

How to cite this article

Daxer B, Mahmood H, Daxer A. MyoRing Treatment for Keratoconus: DIOPTEX PocketMaker vs Ziemer LDV for Corneal Pocket Creation. Int J Kerat Ect Cor Dis 2012;1(3):151-152.

MyoRing for Central and Noncentral Keratoconus

Purpose

To demonstrate treatment options for keratoconus using MyoRing intracorneal implant in central and noncentral cones.

Materials and methods

Five eyes with central and noncentral cones were compared in a retrospective study.

Results

In central cones the maximum of the flattening effect is in the corneal center while in noncentral cones the maximum of the flattening is in area of the cone.

Conclusion

No matter where the cone location is the implantation of MyoRing intracorneal implants always results in a regularization of the central cornea.

How to cite this article

Daxer A. MyoRing for Central and Noncentral Keratoconus. Int J Kerat Ect Cor Dis 2012;1(2):117-119.

A perfluoropolyether corneal inlay for the correction of refractive error

This study assessed the long-term biological response of a perfluoropolyether-based polymer developed as a corneal inlay to correct refractive error. The polymer formulation met chemical and physical specifications and was non-cytotoxic when tested using standard in vitro techniques. It was cast into small microporous membranes that were implanted as inlays into corneas of rabbits (n = 5) and unsighted humans (n = 5 + 1 surgical control) which were monitored for up to 23 and 48 months respectively. Overall, the inlays were well tolerated during study period with the corneas remaining clear and holding a normal tear film and with no increased vascularisation or redness recorded. Inlays in three human corneas continued past 48 months without sequelae. Inlays in two human corneas were removed early due to small, focal erosions developing 5 and 24 months post-implantation. Polymer inlays maintained their integrity and corneal position for the study duration although the optical clarity of the inlays reduced slowly with time. Inlays induced corneal curvature changes in human subjects that showed stability with time and the refractive effect was reversed when the inlay was removed. Outcomes showed the potential of a perfluoropolyether inlay as a biologically acceptable corneal implant with which to provide stable correction of refractive error.

Clinical outcomes after complete ring implantation in corneal ectasia using the femtosecond technology: a pilot study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical outcomes after implantation of the MyoRing (DIOPTEX GmBH, Linz, Austria) by means of femtosecond laser technology in eyes with corneal ectasia.

DESIGN

Retrospective, consecutive, nonrandomized, case series.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 12 eyes of 11 patients with ages ranging from 17 to 50 years were included. All cases were diagnosed with corneal ectasia according to the standard criteria: 1 case of post-LASIK ectasia and 11 cases of keratoconus. All cases presented with reduced best spectacle-corrected visual acuity, contact lens intolerance or discomfort, and central corneal thickness of more than 350 μm.

METHODS

MyoRing inserts of 280 μm in thickness and 5 mm in diameter were implanted in all cases into an intrastromal corneal pocket created by means of femtosecond technology. Visual, refractive, corneal topography, and pachymetric changes were evaluated during a 6-month follow-up. In addition, corneal biomechanical changes were evaluated by means of the Ocular Response Analyzer (Reichert, Buffalo, NY).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), manifest refraction, keratometry, corneal asphericity, corneal higher-order aberrations, pachymetry, corneal hysteresis (CH), and corneal resistance factor (CRF).

RESULTS

A significant improvement in UDVA was observed 1 week after surgery (P=0.001), which was consistent with the significant reduction in sphere (P=0.002) and cylinder (P=0.004). No significant changes were detected in these parameters afterward (P ≥ 0.263). Furthermore, a significant corneal flattening of a mean value of 8.03 diopters (D) was found (P=0.005). This keratometric change was correlated with the magnitude of corneal coma-like aberrations (r=0.830, P=0.003) and the CRF (r=-0.782, P=0.008). In regard to aberrometry, a statistically significant increase in primary spherical aberration was found 1 month after surgery (P=0.001). In addition, a significant reduction in higher-order corneal aberrations was found 3 to 6 months after surgery (P=0.027). Significant corneal thickening was also observed postoperatively in the central, nasal, and temporal areas (P ≤ 0.013). No statistically significant changes were detected (P ≥ 0.176) in corneal biomechanics. Explantation was performed in a very advanced keratoconus because of the extremely poor visual outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

MyoRing implantation using femtosecond technology in keratoconus allows successful corneal modeling, although the use of large diameters is advisable.

Intracorneal continuous ring implantation for keratoconus: One-year follow-up

PURPOSE

To evaluate intracorneal continuous ring (ICCR) implantation for the treatment of keratoconus.

SETTING

Eye specialist centers, Europe and Middle East.

METHOD

This study assessed the results of implantation of a MyoRing ICCR in 15 eyes with keratoconus. Outcome measures included uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) (spectacle correction), refraction, complications, and side effects. Postoperative follow-up was up to 1 year.

RESULTS

The study evaluated 15 eyes of 11 patients (8 men, 3 women) with a mean age of 35 years +/- 12 (SD) (range 22 to 60 years). Preoperatively, the mean central corneal thickness was 435 +/- 41 mum (range from 350 to 485 mum) and the mean keratometry (K) readings, 48.96 +/- 3.4 diopters (D) (range 43.75 to 56.62 D). Postoperatively, there was a statistically significant improvement in the UDVA, CDVA, K readings, manifest spherical and cylindrical refractive errors, and spherical equivalent (P<.05). The mean UDVA improved by almost 10 lines, from 0.07 (1.24 +/- 0.35 logMAR) to 0.56 (0.27 +/- 0.17 logMAR), and the mean CDVA improved by almost 3 lines, from 0.42 (0.40 +/- 0.17 logMAR) to 0.77 (0.12 +/- 0.10 logMAR). The mean K reading decreased by 5.76 D, from 48.96 D to 43.20 D. No serious intraoperative complications occurred. Side effects included glare and night-vision problems.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of keratoconus with ICCR implantation significantly improved visual function. The nomogram requires grading the disease using the K readings only. The UDVA and CDVA also improved during the first postoperative year.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

Drs. Mahmoud and Venkateswaran have no financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned. Additional disclosure is found in the footnotes.

Implantation of a complete corneal ring in an intrastromal pocket for keratoconus

PURPOSE

to evaluate the refractive and visual results of a new treatment for keratoconus using the corneal intrastromal implantation system (CISIS).

METHODS

six eyes of four patients with keratoconus were treated with CISIS. Follow-up was 1, 3, and 6 months. After creating an intracorneal pocket of 9-mm diameter and 300-microm depth, a flexible full-ring implant was inserted via a 4-mm-wide corneal tunnel.

RESULTS

no eyes showed loss of lines in uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) or spectacle corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) at any follow-up examination. Uncorrected and distance corrected visual acuity, keratometry, spherical and cylindrical refractive error as well as spherical equivalent refraction improved significantly (P<.05). Mean UDVA improved from 20/260 to 20/48 and mean CDVA improved from 20/41 to 20/27. A significant centralization and decrease of the corneal apex was found. No intra- or postoperative complications were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

the corneal intrastromal implantation system using a complete ring implanted in a stromal pocket can achieve significant improvements in the visual function of patients with keratoconus. Uncorrected distance visual acuity improved by more than seven lines on average and CDVA improved by two lines.