Intracorneal rings (ICRs) are also called as intrastromal corneal implants or intrastromal corneal rings. These rings are nothing but micro thin inserts of varying thicknesses composed of a bi compatible plastic. Intracorneal rings can be used directly in the contact lenses or in the cataract surgery. These ICR segments are two plastic arc shaped removable implants, which are inserted on the perimeter of a corneal stroma through a small surgical incision. The surgery is usually performed in the ambulatory setting under local anaesthesia.
The rings are used for keratoconus patients to re enforce cornia and for reducing the elongated shape of the cone. In some cases, the vision is also corrected to its normal position.
Intracorneal rings (ICR) are designed to treat nearsightedness. These are two semi circular shaped plastic devices and are inserted into the edges of the cornea of keratoconus eye. ICR helps to flatten the central cornea and thereby decrease nearsightedness. Risk does not matter while using the ICR segments. These segments will reduce the implantation procedure. Intracorneal ring segments must be placed away from the radial incision to minimize the incision related complications.
Intracorneal rings are designed using latest surgical technologies and are perfectly tolerated by the eye. There is no risk of rejection. These ring segments are typically used for patients with mild to moderate myopia. Although they are designed specially for low myopia (nearsightedness), the device is mostly used by keratonocus patients of all ages.
Benefits of using intracorneal rings for keratonocus correction
- Surgery can be performed within the peripheral cornea and there is no need to disturb central optical zone.
- Quick and predictable results
- Risk free from visual adverse effects
- Long term convenient refractive correction
- Easily removable and exchangeable
- Ideal to treat irregular astigmatism
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intracORNEAL rings