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Intracorneal ring segment implantation for the management of keratoconus: safety and efficacy.

Zare MA, Hashemi H, Salari MR

Department of Ophthalmology and Ophthalmic Research Center, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

PURPOSE: To assess the safety and efficacy of intracorneal ring segment (Intacs, Addition Technology, Inc.) implantation in the management of keratoconus. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology and Ophthalmic Research Center, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. METHODS: This prospective case series comprised 30 keratoconic eyes (22 patients) with a clear central cornea that had Intacs implantation. All patients were contact-lens intolerant. The main outcome measures were uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), refraction, keratometry, and pachymetry. Patients were examined before Intacs implantation as well as 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean age of the 5 women and 17 men was 25.9 years +/- 5.29 (SD). The mean UCVA improved from 0.60 +/- 0.311 logMAR preoperatively to 0.29 +/- 0.20 logMAR 6 months postoperatively (P<.001) and the mean BSCVA, from 0.25 +/- 0.16 logMAR to 0.13 +/- 0.14 logMAR, respectively (P<.001).The mean spherical equivalent improved from -6.93 +/- 3.52 diopters (D) preoperatively to -3.23 +/- 2.81 D at 6 months and the mean refractive cylinder, from -4.65 +/- 1.85 D to -3.90 +/- 1.70 D, respectively. The mean keratometry decreased from 49.84 +/- 3.58 D preoperatively to 47.90 +/- 3.58 D postoperatively (P<.001). Three eyes had ring exposure, and 1 eye had bacterial keratitis and ring exposure. CONCLUSION: Intacs implantation appeared to be effective in improving UCVA and BSCVA in patients with mild to moderate keratoconus and contact-lens intolerance.

Published 29 October 2007 in J Cataract Refract Surg, 33(11): 1886-91.
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