[Bilateral femtosecond laser-assisted implantation of corneal allogenic intrastromal ring segments in a patient with keratoconus].

Background

Implantation of corneal allogenic intrastromal ring segments (CAIRS) is a new option for visual rehabilitation in patients with keratoconus. The aim of this case report is to describe bilateral femtosecond laser-assisted CAIRS implantation in a patient with stable keratoconus and irregular astigmatism. CASE PRESENTATION A 51-year-old patient with stable keratoconus, contact lens intolerance, and a clear central cornea underwent femtosecond laser-assisted CAIRS implantation initially in the left eye and one year later in the right eye. Preoperatively, corrected distance visual acuity was 0.6 (decimal) in the right eye and 0.4 in the left eye. Maximum keratometry (Kmax), measured using anterior segment optical coherence tomography, was 57.1 D in the right eye and 59.9 D in the left eye. The postoperative course was uncomplicated in both eyes. At the follow-up examination at 4 months post-surgery in the right eye and 17 months post-surgery in the left eye, corrected distance visual acuity was 0.7 (decimal) in the right eye and 0.8 in the left eye. Kmax decreased by 1.8 D in the right eye and by 3.4 D in the left eye. In addition, a decreased irregularity of corneal tomography was observed.

Conclusion

Bilateral femtosecond laser-assisted CAIRS implantation may lead to functional improvement in selected patients with keratoconus and represents a promising alternative to synthetic intrastromal ring segments.