Clinical outcomes after intracorneal ring segment implantation for keratoconus management in corneas with apical haze

Abstract

AbstractPurposeIntracorneal ring segment implantation represents a safe and effective treatment option for visual improvement in patients with keratoconus. The presence of corneal scarring is considered to be an exclusion criterion for the use of intracorneal ring segments. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes after intracorneal ring segment implantation for keratoconus in patients with corneal apical haze.MethodsSix eyes from 6 patients with keratoconus and corneal apical haze, who underwent femtosecond laser‐assisted Keraring implantation for keratoconus, were included in this study. All patients have had corneal crosslinking in the past. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), corrected visual acuity (CDVA), Kmax, Kmean and thinnest corneal pachymetry have been evaluated preoperatively and 6 months after the Keraring implantation. Wilcoxon test was applied for statistical analysis with calculation of median value (lowest value – highest value). P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsSix eyes of 6 patients (4 males and 2 females) were included in the study. Median age (years) was 33 (28 ‐ 38). UCVA (logMAR) and CDVA (logMAR) improved significantly from 1.05 and 0.75 preoperatively to 0.9 and 0.4 at 6 months postoperatively, respectively (p=0.03). Kmax (diopters) and Kmean (diopters) decreased from 54.5 and 47.85 preoperatively to 53.45 and 46.42 postoperatively, respectively (p=0.3). Changes in thinnest corneal pachymetry were not statistically significant (p=1.0). No complications occurred peri‐ or postoperatively.ConclusionOur study showed significant keratometric amelioration and visual improvement after intracorneal ring segment implantation for in patients with keratoconus and mild corneal apical haze at 6 months postoperatively. No complications occurred. These results suggest that the presence of mild corneal apical haze should not necessarily exclude the use of intracorneal ring segments in patients with keratoconus.