Analysis of Corneal Response to Intra-Stromal Ring-Segment Implantation in Human Eyes. A Pathology Study

Abstract

Intracorneal ring (ICR, consisting of one segment) or intracorneal ring segments (ICRS, consisting of two semi-rings) refer to plastic ring (made from Poly-methyl metacrylate, PMMA) arcs inserted into the corneal stroma. ICR⁄ICRS can be used for: correction of low grades of myopia, treatment of keratoconus sometimes as an (alternative to transplantation) and for correction of residual myopia after laser treatment of severe myopia. An important advantage of ICRS is that the operation is reversible, i.e. the ring can be removed or replaced if necessary as only affects the periphery of the cornea. We want to evaluate the pathology findings observed in a patient who had an ICRS ring inserted on his cornea and who afterwards had penetrating keratoplasty.