Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segments as a Therapeutic Method for Intrusion of Synthetic Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segment: A Case Report

Abstract

Purpose: To report the use of corneal allogenic intrastromal ring segments (CAIRS) as a salvage treatment in a case of synthetic intrastromal corneal ring segment (ICRS) intrusion into the anterior chamber. Methods: A 43-year-old man with bilateral keratoconus and an ICRS in the left eye presented with a 2-week history of tearing and light sensitivity in this eye. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography revealed intrusion of the inferotemporal segment into the anterior chamber requiring explantation. After stromal edema subsided following explantation, an allogenic segment was implanted at the same location, but at a much shallower depth. Results: Six months after CAIRS implantation, the refractive error improved from −1.75 −6.00 × 105° to −1.50 −3.50 × 115° and corrected distance visual acuity from 20/80 to 20/20-, and coma decreased from 1.54 to 0.60 diopters. Conclusions: This case highlights the potential benefits of using CAIRS as a safe and effective alternative to synthetic ICRS, especially in case of intrusion and explantation. [ Journal of Refractive Surgery Case Reports. 2023;3(3):e33–e37.]