Cornea
Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments Implantation After Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty for Astigmatism Correction: Mid-term and Long-term Follow-up
The aim of this study was to assess the long-term outcomes of implanting intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRSs) using a femtosecond laser for correcting astigmatism in patients who had previous deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) throughout a 5-year follow-up period.
Methods:
This retrospective study included 40 eyes of 40 patients with previous DALK and astigmatism ≥3.00 D who underwent Ferrara-type ICRS implantation. The manifest refraction, uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuity (logMAR), and corneal topography were recorded preoperatively and at 6, 12, 36, and 60 months postoperatively.
Results:
The mean UDVA (logMAR scale) improved from 1.39 ± 0.55 preoperatively to 0.71 ± 0.37 at 6 months postoperatively (P 0.07).
Conclusions:
This study shows the long-term viability of Ferrara-type ICRS implantation using a femtosecond laser as a surgical alternative for astigmatism correction in post-DALK eyes.