title: Laser in situ keratomileusis after intracorneal rings. Report of 5 cases.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine the results of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) after removal of intracorneal ring (ICR) segments.
  
  
  METHODS
  Active refractive surgery practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  The effect of ICR (0.45 mm) placement, the rapidity of refractive recovery after explantation, and the results of subsequent LASIK were examined in 5 eyes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four eyes developed induced astigmatism after ICR implantation. In 2 of these eyes, retained astigmatism was evident by manifest refraction or corneal topography even after ICR explantation. In 1 eye, the ICR procedure was aborted because of an intraoperative complication. All 5 eyes had subsequent uneventful LASIK.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Intracorneal rings can induce astigmatism that may be retained even after explantation. Careful wound manipulation may reduce the incidence of this complication. Laser in situ keratomileusis after ICR removal appears to be safe and effective.
authors.affiliation: Minnesota Eye Laser and Surgery Centers, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Hardten
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Lindstrom
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001251:Astigmatism / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D003315:Cornea / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery*; D019781:Corneal Topography; D020878:Device Removal; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery*; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D012086:Reoperation; D014792:Visual Acuity
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate