Quantification of the surgically induced refractive effect of intrastromal corneal ring segments in keratoconus with standardized incision site and segment size

Efficacy of Different Procedures of Intra-Corneal Ring Segment Implantation in Keratoconus: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of the functional, keratometric, and refractive postoperative parameters of intracorneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation in keratoconus and its association with collagen cross-linking (CXL), photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), and intraocular lenses (IOLs).

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on case series published between 2007 and 2017.

Results

We included 95 case series with a total of 4560 patients. We included 64 studies of the ICRS procedure, 20 studies of ICRS+CXL, 9 studies of ICRS+CXL+PRK, and 5 studies of ICRS+IOL. We demonstrated an overall improvement of all parameters in all procedures. Cylinder was decreased with an overall effect size (ES) of −1.15 (−1.36 to −0.95; I² = 93.7%). Corrected distance visual acuity was improved with an overall ES of 0.89 (0.78 to 1.00; I² = 81.9%). Maximal keratometry was decreased with an overall ES of 0.98 (0.85 to 1.11; I² = 78.9%). ICRS+IOL is the best procedure to improve spherical equivalent and uncorrected distance visual acuity (P < 0.05) compared with other procedures. ICRSs versus ICRS+CXL are similar in all parameters except for corrected distance visual acuity. ICRS+CXL+PRK is better than ICRS alone in all parameters except for the correction of spherical equivalent.

Conclusions

Although the quality and strength of the data are questionable, ICRS implantation is an effective strategy to preserve visual function in keratoconic patients. Particularly, ICRS+CXL+PRK could be a low invasive procedure to propose to young keratoconic patients.

Translational Relevance

To propose an overview of postoperative parameters on each ICRS procedure on keratoconus.

Polar Value Analysis of Corneal Astigmatism in Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segment Implantation

Purpose. To evaluate surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) and the average corneal power change in symmetric intrastromal corneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation. Methods. The study included 34 eyes of 34 keratoconus patients who underwent symmetric Intacs SK ICRS implantation. The corneal pocket incision meridian was the preoperative steep meridian. Corneal power data were obtained before and 3 months after Intacs SK ICRS implantation using scanning-slit topography. Polar value analysis was used to evaluate the SIA. Hotelling's trace test was used to compare intraindividual changes. Results. Three months postoperatively, the combined mean polar value for SIA changed significantly (Hotelling's T² = 0.375; P = 0.006). The SIA was 1.54 D at 99° and the average corneal power decreased significantly by 3.8 D. Conclusion. Intacs SK ICRS placement decreased the average corneal power and corneal astigmatism compared to the preoperative corneal power and astigmatism when the corneal pocket incision was made at the preoperative steep meridian.

Visual, Keratometric and Corneal Biomechanical Changes after Intacs SK Implantation for Moderate to Severe Keratoconus

Purpose:

To report visual outcomes and corneal biomechanical changes after femtosecond-assisted Intacs SK implantation in keratoconic eyes.

Methods:

This prospective interventional case series is comprised of 32 keratoconic eyes of 25 patients with mean age of 23.8 ± 5.4 years. Uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuity, refraction, manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE), keratometry, central corneal thickness (CCT), corneal hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance factor (CRF) were measured preoperatively, and 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively.

Results:

Mean UDVA improved from 0.81 ± 0.3 LogMAR preoperatively to 0.53 ± 0.2 LogMAR six months postoperatively (P < 0.001). At 6 months, MRSE was significantly reduced only in eyes with moderate KCN (mean change, +2.61 ± 0.54 diopter [D]; P< 0.001). A significant improvement in sphere (mean change, +1.92 ± 0.37 D; P< 0.001) and mean keratometry (mean change, -3.34 ± 0.47D; P< 0.001) were observed. CCT increased from 446.1 ± 38 μm preoperatively to 462.2 ± 50 μm at six months (P < .001). CRF decreased from 6.5 ± 1.6 mmHg to 5.9 ± 1.1 mmHg six months after surgery (P = 0.02). CDVA, refractive cylinder and CH did not change significantly (P = 0.48, 0.203 and 0.55, respectively). Linear regression analysis disclosed that a decrease in CCT and moderate KCN are associated with higher CRF (standardized B,-0.513 and 0.314;P= 0.004 and 0.024, respectively; Adjusted R square = 0.353).

Conclusion:

Visual, refractive and keratometric indices remarkably improved in a parallel fashion. CRF was inversely associated with CCT. Changes in CRF represent the trend of changes in corneal biomechanics and thickness during the early postoperative months.

Treatment options for advanced keratoconus: A review

Traditionally, the mainstay of treatment for advanced keratoconus (KC) has been either penetrating or deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (PK or DALK, respectively). The success of both operations, however, has been somewhat tempered by potential difficulties and complications, both intraoperatively and postoperatively. These include suture and wound-healing problems, progression of disease in the recipient rim, allograft reaction, and persistent irregular astigmatism. Taken together, these have been the inspiration for an ongoing search for less troublesome therapeutic alternatives. These include ultraviolet crosslinking and intracorneal ring segments, both of which were originally constrained in their indication exclusively to eyes with mild to moderate disease. More recently, Bowman layer transplantation has been introduced for reversing corneal ectasia in eyes with advanced KC, re-enabling comfortable contact lens wear and permitting PK and DALK to be postponed or avoided entirely. We offer a summary of the current and emerging treatment options for advanced KC, aiming to provide the corneal specialist useful information in selecting the optimal therapy for individual patients.

Intrastromal corneal ring segments: effect of relationship between alignment and topographic keratometric meridians

PURPOSE

To determine whether the keratometric and refractive surgical effects of paired intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS) depend on their alignment relative to steep and flat topographic meridians.

SETTING

St. Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom.

DESIGN

Comparative case series.

METHODS

Keratoconic patients who had two 0.3 mm Intacs ICRS inserted were retrospectively grouped depending on alignment of segments within 30 degrees either side of the steep (meridional group) or the flat (perpendicular group) topographic meridians, respectively, with the rest in the oblique group. Principal outcome measures were changes in visual acuity, refractive surgical effect, and keratometric surgical effect 4 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Forty eyes of 40 patients were included. There was a significant reduction in keratometric power (flattening) (P<.01) but not in refractive error in all 3 groups. The reduction in keratometric astigmatism was significantly greater in the perpendicular group (-2.67 diopters [D]) than in the meridional group (-0.65 D) (P=.03), with the oblique group (-0.9 D) in between (P=.12). The principal reduction was flattening orthogonal to the incision site, with relative steepening in the axis of ICRS alignment. In all groups, variations in the refractive surgical effect and keratometric surgical effect were very high.

CONCLUSIONS

Placement of two 0.3 mm ICRS had a variable effect with limited predictability. There was predominant flattening of the cornea orthogonal to the axis of ICRS alignment. Irrespective of the location of preoperative steep and flat keratometric meridians, the maximum reduction in astigmatism occurred when the incision and the segments were placed along the flat topographic meridian.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.