Intrastromal corneal ring segments

An intrastromal corneal ring segment ( ICRS or ICR or Intacs ), also called by its manufacturer Keravision ring, is an implant for the cornea ( cornea) of the eye. The ICRS find application since 1996. The ICR is comprised of two small ring segments, which together have an inner diameter of 6.7 mm. These clear plastic segments consist of the plastic PMMA ( polymethylmethacrylate), the same material for about 30 years as a lens implanted during cataract replacement. They are the layers ( stroma) inserted in the cornea ( intra) at the edge of the cornea, thus the central cornea is flattened. Download the required tunnel interface you can prepare with a dull knife or even with the femtosecond laser. Can thus myopia between -1 dpt Depending on the ring thickness. and -4 dpt. be corrected. An astigmatism should not exist.

The operation should be performed only by an experienced corneal surgeon. The risk of an intersection error may be reduced when using the femtosecond laser. In the case of over-or under-correction, the ring segments can be exchanged or removed.

Although the results were very satisfactory and stable, this surgical procedure has not been enforced because at the same time a simple surgical procedure to be carried out, the laser correction by excimer laser originated. An advantage of the ICRS consists in the reversibility of the process.

Currently, the ICRS are mainly used to stabilize the cornea in keratoconus.