Intacs in advanced keratoconus

Purpose: To the surgical outcomes of microthin intracorneal ring segment (INTACS) implanation in advanced keratoconus. Methods: INTACS implantaion was performed in eyes with advanced keratoconus. The main outcome measures were uncorrected visual acitivity, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity. change in mean refractive spherical equivalent (MRSE), and keratometry. Results: Intacs were implanted in 14 eyes with advanced keratoconus.. At 6 months. uncorrected visual acuity improved from 0.05 +/- 0.08 to 0.16 +/- 0. 11 (P < 0.05). and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity improved from 0.50 +/- 0.23 to 0.67 +/- 0.00 (P = 0.01). The spherical refractive error iniproved from -6.68 D +/- 6.44 to -3.11 D +/- 3.08 (P = 0.03). whereas the cylindrical refractive error improved from -4.89 D +/- 1.91 to -3.64 D +/- 1.27 (P = 0.04). The MRSE reduced from -9.13 D +/- 5.62 to -4.93 D +/- 3.19 (P = 0.01), and the average keratometry decreased from 53.01 D +/- 3.70 to 49.42 D +/- 3.79 (P < 0.05). The results were stable from 6 months to 1 year. The procedure showed 100% safety, and more than 60%, tolerated contact lenses. Younger age, male sex, and minimum central pachymetry of more than 400 mu m pachymetry of more than 400 mu m seemed to be associated with better outcomes. Conclusions: In this series, Intacs provided good results with respect to visual acuity, corneal topography and MRSE in eyes with advanced keratoconus without major complications or the need for segment explanation. I is potentially a safe and efficacious treatment option in the management of advanced keratoconus.