Long-term follow-up of intrastromal corneal ring segments in keratoconus

PURPOSE: To report the long-term follow-up of Ferrara intrastromal corneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation for the management of keratoconus. SETTING: Private clinic, Belo Horizonte, Brazil. METHODS: This study comprised patients with keratoconus who completed at least 5 years of follow-up. One or 2 ICRS were inserted in the cornea, embracing the keratoconus area. Statistical analysis included preoperative and postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), and keratometry (K) values. RESULTS: Thirty-five eyes of 28 patients were evaluated. The mean UDVA improved from 0.15 preoperatively to 0.31 postoperatively and the mean CDVA, from 0.41 to 0.62, respectively; the increases were statistically significant (P = .003 and P = .002, respectively). Corneal topography showed corneal flattening in all eyes. The mean minimum K value decreased from 48.99 D preoperatively to 44.45 D postoperatively and the mean maximum K value, from 54.07 D to 48.09 D, respectively; the decreases were statistically significant (both P = .000). CONCLUSIONS: Five years after ICRS implantation, the UDVA and CDVA were improved in eyes with keratoconus. There was significant postoperative corneal flattening that remained stable over the follow-up period.