Corneal and refractive outcomes following intrastromal ring segment implantation in Keratoconus

To evaluate the alterations in refractive and keratometric outcomes following intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation as a treatment for keratoconus. 20 eyes of 18 patients with keratoconus who underwent intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation were assessed retrospectively. The data assessed included the pre- and post-operative parameters (Kmin, Kmax, Kmedian), and the spherical and cylindrical refraction values. Age and sex of patients were also considered. Corneal topography analysis revealed an average decrease in the minimum central keratometry of 2.1, whereas a 4.0 reduction was seen in the maximum central keratometry. Moreover, an average decrease of -1.2 diopters in spherical lenses was observed, in comparison to a -2.3 reduction in the cylindrical ones. All keratometric parameters (Kmin, Kmax, Kmean) exhibited a significant reduction in values following intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation (p<0,005). Similarly, a significant reduction in spherical and cylindrical diopters, succeeding chirurgical intervention, was also detected (p<0,05). Our results revealed that intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation leads to a significant reduction in the keratometric values and spherical and cylindrical refractions of patients, resulting in visual improvement.