Sequential versus concurrent KERARINGS insertion and corneal collagen cross-linking for keratoconus.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of combined intracorneal ring segments (KERARINGS) insertion and corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) performed in one session or two sessions and to present the refractive outcomes.


METHODS
Magrabi Eye Hospital, Cairo, Egypt.


METHODS
This prospective comparative study included 16 eyes of 10 patients with progressive mild to moderate keratoconus that were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 included nine eyes that underwent KERARINGS insertion followed by CXL 6&emsp14;montsh later; group 2 included seven eyes that underwent the two procedures at the same day. In both groups channel creation was performed using the femtosecond laser (Intralase FS 60).


RESULTS
There was statistically significant improvement in both groups' uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), with significant reduction in refractive error and keratometric values (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between both groups regarding the changes in UDVA, CDVA and refractive error (p>0.05). However, group 2 revealed more statistically significant reduction of keratometric values on topographical examination (p=0.046). The stromal haze that developed in both groups was more marked and persistent in group 2 than in group 1.


CONCLUSIONS
Combined KERARINGS insertion and CXL can be performed safely in one or two sessions. However, the same-session procedure appears to be more effective regarding the improvement in the corneal shape.
El-Raggal
Tamer M
TM
Ophthalmology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. telragal@hotmail.com
D000328:Adult; D003094:Collagen / Q000187:drug effects*; D019781:Corneal Topography; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004534:Egypt; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007640:Keratoconus / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy / Q000379:methods*; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult
D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D003094:Collagen; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate