Are intracorneal rings still useful in refractive surgery?
OBJECTIVE
This article reviews the latest data published and presented at international meetings about the use of intracorneal ring segments in corneal and refractive surgery.


RESULTS
The long-term data on intracorneal ring segments in the correction of low to moderate myopia indicate that they seem clearly comparable with laser in-situ keratomileusis, the most common refractive procedure worldwide. There is increasing interest in the use of intracorneal ring segments for the treatment of some complications after laser in-situ keratomileusis and for the control of some degrees of primary corneal ectatic disorders such as keratoconus and pellucid marginal degeneration.


CONCLUSIONS
Intracorneal ring segments are and will be useful in several corneal and refractive abnormalities. Concern still exists about their predictability and the long-term effects of their use in primary and secondary ectasia.
Department of Ophthalmology Autonoma, University of Barcelona, and Cornea and Refractive Surgery Unit, Instituto de Microcirugia, Ocular Munner, Barcelona, Spain. guell@imo.es
José L
JL
Güell
D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000601:surgery; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D054140:Refractive Surgical Procedures