Clinical Outcomes After Implantation of 320°-Arc Length Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments in Keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes after implantation of a new 320°-arc length Ferrara intrastromal corneal ring segment (320-ICRS) in eyes of patients with keratoconus.

METHODS: A multicentric nonrandomized study was conducted in which a new 320-ICRS was placed in 138 eyes of 130 patients with keratoconus. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), keratometry, corneal volume, asphericity, lines of vision gain/loss, and vectorial analysis were assessed preoperatively and at the final follow-up visit after the procedure.

RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 6.2 ± 3.3 (SD) months (range 3-12 months). Mean UDVA improved from 20/250 to 20/60. Mean CDVA improved from 20/100 to 20/40. Mean Q improved from -1.12 ± 0.49 preoperatively to -0.28 ± 0.51 postoperatively (P < 0.001). Mean corneal volume increased from 56.2 ± 4.28 mm preoperatively to 57.6 ± 4.74 postoperatively (P < 0.001). Mean Km reduced from 53.3 ± 5.5 D preoperatively to 47.8 ± 4.6 D postoperatively (P < 0.001). The change in UDVA, CDVA, and topographic astigmatism was statistically significant (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS: The 320-ICRS can efficiently and safely improve visual acuity in keratoconus, modifying the corneal shape to a more physiologic, aspheric shape.