ESCRS - PP14.06 - Safety, Predictability, And Effectiveness Of Asymmetric Intracorneal Ring With Variable Thickness And Width For The Management Of Keratoconus

Safety, Predictability, And Effectiveness Of Asymmetric Intracorneal Ring With Variable Thickness And Width For The Management Of Keratoconus

Published 2025 - 43rd Congress of the ESCRS

Reference: PP14.06 | Type: Free paper | DOI: 10.82333/9a6k-rp86

Authors: Carlos Augusto Ferraresi Sampaio* 1 , Carolina Lerner Trigo 2 , Dillan Cunha Amaral 3 , Aristeu Sampaio Neto 4

1Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná,Londrina,Brazil, 2Faculty of Medical Sciences of Santa Casa de São Paulo,São Paulo,Brazil, 3Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro,Rio de Janeiro,Brazil, 4Opticlin,Londrina,Brazil

Purpose

To evaluate the clinical outcomes, safety, and predictability of the implantation of asymmetric intracorneal ring segments (ICRS) with variable thickness and base width assisted by femtosecond laser and combined with simultaneous corneal cross-linking (CXL) in progressive keratoconus,

Setting

Cornea Department Zaldivar Institute

Methods

Twenty-eight eyes of 28 patients diagnosed with progressive keratoconus underwent femtosecond-assisted implantation of ICRS with variable thickness and base width, followed by simultaneous CXL. Visual acuity, refractive, topographic, aberrometric, and pachymetric changes were evaluated during a 6-month follow-up. Safety, predictability, and complications were also analyzed.

Results

Statistically significant improvements were observed in uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) postoperatively (P < 0.05). Mean spherical equivalent and keratometric values showed significant reductions (P < 0.05), indicating corneal flattening and better regularization of the anterior corneal surface. Coma-like higher-order aberrations (HOAs) significantly decreased (P < 0.05). No complications, such as segment migration or extrusion, were recorded.

Conclusions

The combined approach of femtosecond-assisted ICRS implantation with variable thickness and base width, followed by simultaneous CXL, proves to be a safe and effective treatment for progressive keratoconus. This technique provides significant visual and refractive improvements, enhances corneal regularity, and maintains a stable postoperative outcome.