Comparison Of Corneal Allogeneic Intrastromal Ring Segment (Cairs) Treatment Results In Keratoconus In Different Age Groups

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of sterile allograft corneal ring segment implantation for the treatment of keratoconus in different age groups.

Swiss Vision Clinic, İstanbul, Türkiye

This retrospective study included 213 eyes with keratoconus who underwent CAIRS implantation using the Istanbul nomogram between February 2020 and December 2024. Patients were divided into two groups: group 1 were 30 years of age or younger, and group 2 were older than 30 years. Changes in uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), spherical refraction (SR), cylindrical refraction (CR), flat keratometry (K1), steep keratometry (K2), mean keratometry (Kmean), maximum keratometry (Kmax) were evaluated preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively and compared between the groups.

In both groups, there was an increase of 0.32 ± 0.24 and 0.27 ± 0.25 (Snellen, decimal) in UDVA and 0.33 ± 0.20 and 0.30 ± 0.23 (Snellen, decimal) in CDVA, respectively. However, there was no difference between the groups (p>0.05). Changes in SR, CR,K1, K2 and Kmean was similar in both groups (p > 0.05). However, the decrease in Kmax was significantly greater in Group 1 (P = 0.02)

This study demonstrates the efficacy of sterile allograft corneal ring segment implantation as a treatment for keratoconus patients of varying age groups. Preliminary results show that there is no significant difference between the early age group, when atopy and progression are likely, and the late age group, when stability is achieved.