Keraring implantation using the Zeiss Visumax femtosecond laser in the management of patients with keratoconus

Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of implanted Kerarings in patients with mild, moderate, and severe keratoconus.

Patients and methods

A 12-month retrospective case series of 70 eyes of 70 patients who underwent Keraring implantation with the Zeiss Visumax femtosecond laser. Patients were stratified into three groups according to their topography as mild (mean K <48 D) moderate (48–55 D) or severe (>55 D). Main outcome measures were visual acuity, manifest refraction, and corneal topography. Complications were recorded.

Results

A total of 66 patients completed the 12-month follow-up. In all, 4 rings were explanted, 3 due to no improvement in visual function and 1 due to corneal neovascularization. Also, 4 rings were repositioned. In mild disease ( n=28), BCVA increased to 0.10 logMAR, sphere decreased to −1.54 D, cylinder decreased to 2.54 D, Kmax decreased to 46.25 D, and keratometric astigmatism to 3.88 D ( P<0.01 for each compared with preoperative values). No patients lost vision. In moderate disease ( n=27), sphere decreased to −4.06 D, cylinder decreased to 3.47 D, Kmax decreased to 51.69 D, and keratometric astigmatism to 4.56 D ( P<0.05 for each compared with preoperative values). In severe disease ( n=11), BCVA increased to 0.34 logMAR, Kmax decreased to 57.65 D, and keratometric astigmatism to 5.07 D ( P<0.05 for each compared with preoperative values).

Conclusion

Femtosecond laser-assisted Keraring implantation is a safe and minimally invasive treatment option to improve the refraction and visual function in patients with keratoconus. Patients with mild keratoconus are more likely to have a favourable outcome following Keraring implantation.