Intracorneal Rings

Intracorneal Rings

Intracorneal rings represent a minimally invasive solution for patients diagnosed with keratoconus. These devices are implanted in the cornea to correct deformations and improve visual acuity. Now, with the help of the Zeiss Visumax 800 laser, this procedure takes only a few seconds.

(video here)

What is the procedure for intracorneal rings implantation?

The intracorneal rings implantation is a minimally invasive procedure used to correct corneal deformations, especially in the case of keratoconus. Intracorneal rings are thin, semicircular devices inserted into the cornea to improve its shape and provide clearer vision.

Who is this surgery intended for?

This intervention is intended for patients suffering from:
🔹 Moderate keratoconus, when glasses or contact lenses no longer provide effective correction.
🔹 Post-surgical or post-traumatic corneal ectasias
🔹 Intolerance to contact lenses
🔹 Patients who wish to improve their vision without undergoing a corneal transplant (when possible)

What does the surgery involve?

The procedure for intracorneal rings implantation is quick, safe, and reversible. It is performed using the VisuMax 800 femtosecond laser, in just a few seconds.

It consists of:
✅ Creating a fine tunnel in the cornea using a high-precision laser
✅ Inserting intracorneal rings to reshape the corneal curvatures
✅ Adjusting the position of the rings for optimal correction

The procedure takes only a few minutes for both eyes and is performed under local anesthesia using eye drops.

What are the benefits of intracorneal ring implantation?

✔ Improvement of vision by reducing irregular astigmatism
✔ Slowing the progression of keratoconus, with the help of the rings and crosslinking intervention, after the ring implantation surgery.
✔ Rapid recovery, with minimal discomfort
✔ Reversible procedure, the rings can be removed or adjusted if necessary
✔ An alternative to corneal transplant in moderate cases

What to expect during the surgery?

🔸 Before the procedure, the doctor will conduct detailed investigations to determine the optimal size and positioning of the rings.
🔸 During the surgery, you will not feel pain, only a slight pressure in the eye area.
🔸 After the procedure, vision will gradually improve, and complete recovery may take a few weeks. The doctor will prescribe post-operative treatment to prevent infections and inflammation.

If you suffer from keratoconus and are looking for an effective solution to improve your vision, schedule an examination and find out if the implantation of intracorneal rings is suitable for you!

Treatment methods for keratoconus

1. Optical correction – glasses and contact lenses

✅ Glasses or soft contact lenses – these are not an actual treatment, but are used in the early stages, when they still provide good vision.

✅ Rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses – offer clearer vision in moderate stages by creating a smooth surface on the eye.
✅ Scleral or hybrid lenses – used in more advanced cases, providing comfort and better vision compared to traditional rigid lenses.

2. Corneal cross-linking (CXL)

🔹 Is a minimally invasive procedure used to strengthen corneal collagen and stop the progression of keratoconus.
🔹 Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is applied to the cornea, followed by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light.
🔹 Benefits:
✔ Slows or stops the disease progression
✔ Reduces the risk of needing a corneal transplant
✔ Increases corneal strength

3. Intracorneal ring implant

🔸 Intracorneal rings are inserted into the cornea to flatten and regularize its shape.
🔸 Used in moderate cases when glasses or contact lenses no longer provide effective correction.
🔸 Advantages:
✔ Improvement of vision by reducing astigmatism
✔ Quick and reversible procedure
✔ Rapid recovery and minimal discomfort

4. Corneal transplant (keratoplasty)

🔹 This option is considered in advanced cases when vision can no longer be corrected by other methods.

How do you choose the right treatment?

The ideal treatment depends on the stage of the disease, lifestyle, and individual response to each method. An ophthalmological examination is essential to determine the best treatment plan.

If you have been diagnosed with keratoconus, schedule an examination and discover the best solution for your eye health!