Intracorneal Ring Segments (ICRS) Implantation

ICRS is an ophthalmic medical device designed for the reduction or elimination of myopia and astigmatism in patients with keratoconus so that their functional vision may be restored and the need for a corneal transplant procedure can potentially be deferred.

ICRS implantation, on average, improves two-line visual acuity in 50% of patients with keratoconus, although some patients may have a more pronounced improvement. In fact, patients who before surgery did not have good vision with glasses due to the loss of corneal irregularity, typically enjoy better vision with new glasses after ring implantation.

Advantages of ICRS

• Causes no histological changes in the central cornea and maintain the natural state of cornea
• Potential reversibility to the situation before the surgery – they can be removed if needed.

Prior to any surgical procedure, it is common to experience a degree of anticipation and anxiety. It may be comforting to know that the intracorneal segments procedure is far less invasive than a corneal transplant or many other surgical procedures of the eye and the success rate is high. The surgeons performing the procedure are typically corneal surgeons, that have expertise with keratoconus.

Typically, your ophthalmologist will have you undergo a thorough eye examination, which includes a variety of standard ophthalmic tests for this type of procedure, as well as general medical tests and a review of your specific medical history.

• Anesthetic drops are used to numb the eye, which is held open throughout the procedure to prevent blinking.
• Channels to receive the ICRS are created by means of a high precise femtosecond laser.
• The implants are gently placed.
• The placement of the ICRS reshape and reinforce the cornea, eliminating some or all of the irregularities caused by keratoconus and thus improving vision.

Follow-up visits will be required to monitor the healing process and evaluate the visual benefits of the procedure. Even after a successful procedure, glasses or contacts may still be required to provide you with good vision.

As with any surgical procedure, some risks are involved, including infection. Some patients experience visual symptoms which include difficulty with night vision, glare, halos, blurry and fluctuating vision.

ICRS are specially designed implants, made of medical plastic, which are surgically placed under the surface of the cornea. Due to their unique patented design, they are able to remodel the architecture of the cornea re-establishing a more natural dome-like shape and improving one’s vision.