Laser in situ keratomileusis after intracorneal rings - Report of 5 cases

Purpose: To examine the results of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) aft er removal of intracorneal ring (ICR) segments. Setting: Active refractive surgery practice. Methods: The effect of ICR (0.45 mm) placement, the rapidity of refractive recovery after explantation, and the results of subsequent LASIK were exami ned in 5 eyes. Results: Four eyes developed induced astigmatism after ICR implantation. In 2 of these eyes, retained astigmatism was evident by manifest refraction o r corneal topography even after ICR explantation. in 1 eye, the ICR procedu re was aborted because of an intraoperative complication. AII 5 eyes had su bsequent uneventful LASIK. Conclusions: Intracorneal rings can induce astigmatism that may be retained even after explantation. Careful wound manipulation may reduce the inciden ce of this complication. Laser in situ keratomileusis after ICR removal app ears to be safe and effective. J Cataract Refract Surg 2000; 26:1733-1741 ( C) 2000 ASCRS and ESCRS.