INTRASTROMAL CORNEAL RING SEGMENTS (ICRS(TM), KERAVISION(TM) RING) - ONE-YEAR RESULTS OF THE FIRST 25 SURGERIES

Background The advantages of the Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments (I CRS(TM)) as compared to the frequently used methods for the correction of low to moderate myopia (RK, PRK, LASIK) are the intact optical zon e and nearly complete reversability. Patients and Methods Two ICR-Segm ents(TM), made of PMMA (with an are length of 150 degrees each) are pl aced in the deep stromal layers via a small radial incision. At the La ndesaugenklinik Salzburg 25 continous surgeries were performed as part of the European ,,MECCA-trial''. Results Refractive results, intra- a nd postoperative complications with a follow-up of 12 months are prese nted. There was no visual loss after one year. In 40% (10/25) the best corrected visual acuity remained unchanged. In 56% (14/25) one line w as gained, once two lines were gained. The spherical equivalent was sl ightly in the range of undercorrection as wanted. The refractive astig matism increased (0.5 dpt). The keratoscopy image showed positive asph eric appearence. Conclusion The ICRS(TM) (KeraVision(TM) Ring) seems t o offer a precise and stable method to correct low myopia. The procedu re is reversible to a large extent, potentially adjustable within cert ain limits and carries a minimal risk only. Although long-term follow- up is not available yet, initial results of the technique seem very pr omising.