SPS-208 Keratoconus II | ASCRS
April 25-28, 2025 | Los Angeles, CA

2025 ASCRS Annual Meeting

SPS-208
Keratoconus II 

Moderator
Marcony R. Santhiago, MD, PhD
Panelists
Beeran Meghpara, MD, ABO
Richard S. Davidson, MD, ABO

Viewing Papers
Expand a paper title to the right to view the paper abstract and authors. Use the video link to jump to that poster in the session.

A Continuous Criss-Cross Compression Suture for Management of Acute Corneal Hydrops in Ectatic Cornea - a Modified Technique (Fairaq)

Authors

Presenting Author
Rafah Fairaq, MD
Co-Authors
Halah Bin Helayel MBBS

Paper Abstract

Purpose
The aim of this study is to present the outcomes of managing cases of acute corneal hydrops by a modified compression suture technique and intracameral air/gas tamponade.

Methods
Retrospective interventional case series of 8 patients with acute corneal hydrops. A modified compression suture technique and intracameral air/gas tamponade was used to close the Descemet�s membrane defect. The duration of resolution of corneal edema and improvement in uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) were the main outcomes. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) (MS39, Costruzione Strumenti Oftalmici, Florence, Italy) was used to confirm the clinical diagnosis by highlighting Descemet�s membrane break and corneal thickness which was also utilized for follow up management. Minimum follow up duration was 12 weeks.

Results
A total of 8 eyes of 8 patients were included in this case series. Four patients (50%) were male, and 4 (50%) were female. Mean age was 29 years (range, 12 to 58 years). A history of vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) was found in 62.5% of eyes (10 eyes) and all patients had a positive history of frequent eye rubbing. In all cases, this modified technique resulted in rapid resolution of corneal edema within 3 weeks or less. UCVA improved. Two months postoperatively, all the sutures were removed, and no recurrences were documented.

Conclusion
The modified suturing technique described in our report resulted in fast resolution of corneal edema and closure of Descemet�s membrane defect. Improvement of UCVA and reduction of corneal neovascularization risk were noticed. This technique can be employed in pediatric cases and other high-risk cases where keratoplasty is best postponed or avoided

Corneal Regeneration with Intrastromal Progenitor Cell and Telocyte Implantation in Advanced Keratoconus (Semiz)

Authors

Presenting Author
Faruk Semiz, MD
Co-Authors
Ceren Ece Semiz MD, Gamze Tanrivedi MD, PhD, Merjem Purelku PhD, MD, Njomza H MD, Fetih Furkan Arslan MD, Nuray Ba?s�ll� MD, PhD

Paper Abstract

Purpose
To examine corneal histology in advanced keratoconus patients undergoing therapy with immunohistochemistry and double immunofluorescence. It aims to show active progenitor cells and telocytes in the cornea and evaluate the effectiveness of intrastromal fresh myopic lenticule transplantation using the SMILE module for corneal regeneration.

Methods
In this retrospective study, 60 eyes with advanced KCN indicated for corneal transplantation were treated using fresh myopic lenticule (FML) transplantation via the SMILE technique. A total of 6 lenticule samples obtained from an untreated keratoconic eye and 5 treated keratoconic eyes at 1-5 years post-surgery were examined using immunohistochemistry with CD34 antibodies and double immunofluorescence analysis with CD34/PDGFR-? and CD34/c-kit to confirm the presence of telocytes and progenitor cells in each sample.

Results
In the untreated keratoconic lenticule, CD34 staining revealed irregular, thinned collagen fibers and a reduction in cell numbers and degenerative morphological features. The analysis of six regions of interest revealed a significant increase in cell count from years 1 to 3 (N1-N3), with N3 showing the highest cell count and longest telopods. However, cell numbers decreased in lenticules at 4 and 5 years. Double immunofluorescence staining for CD34/PDGFR-? and CD34/c-kit confirmed the unique immunophenotype and morphology of telocytes. The preoperative CDVA improved significantly from 0.86 � 0.22 logMAR (range: 0.40 to 1.10 logMAR) to 0.47 � 0.09 logMAR (range: 0.30 to 0.52 logMAR).

Conclusion
Fresh myopic intrastromal lenticule transplantation is a safe, cost-effective, and reliable procedure that increases corneal thickness, improves visual acuity, and facilitates corneal repair. This regenerative process is driven by active progenitor cells and telocytes, which play a crucial role in renewing stromal tissue.

Fresh Human Myopic Lenticule Intrastromal Implantation for Keratoconus Using SMILE Surgery in a Long-Term Follow-up Study (Semiz)

Authors

Presenting Author
Faruk Semiz, MD
Co-Authors
Njomza H MD, Ceren Ece Semiz MD, Gamze Tanrivedi MD, PhD, Merjem Purelku PhD, MD, Nuray Ba?s�ll� MD, PhD, Fetih Furkan Arslan MD

Paper Abstract

Purpose
To investigate new intrastromal histological structures that develop after myopic human lenticule implantation in keratoconus with femtosecond laser�assisted small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery using transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Methods
This retrospective study included 60 eyes from 40 patients (22 women,18 men). Pre-op corneal thickness and follow-up time varied among the three groups of 20 eyes. Inclusion criteria were Amsler-Krumeich stage 2-3 keratoconus, corneal thickness 300-419 ?m, and penetrating keratoplasty indication. Exclusion criteria were active anterior segment pathology, corneal thickness ?420 ?m, and prior corneal/anterior segment surgeries. Fresh myopic lenticules were implanted via SMILE surgery. A total of 5 lenticules extracted from a patient with myopic refractive error, untreated keratoconus, and treated keratoconus at 1, 2, and 3 years post-op were examined under TEM to assess morphological changes.

Results
In the keratoconic cornea, disorganized collagen fibers and degenerative stromal cells were present, accompanied by apoptotic bodies and cell debris. Conversely, both the control and treatment groups exhibited well-organized lamellar structures. Samples obtained from 1-3 years post-lenticule implantation revealed the presence of healthy keratocytes and telocyte-like cells. In the 1-year group, preoperative CDVA improved from 1.47 � 0.31 to 0.48 � 0.06 logMAR (P < .001). In the 2-year group, CDVA improved from 1 � 0 to 0.55 � 0.09 logMAR (P < .001). In the 3-year group, CDVA improved from 0.86 � 0.22 to 0.47 � 0.09 logMAR (P < .001).

Conclusion
Fresh myopic intrastromal lenticule implantation is a safe, economical, and reliable technique that leads to increased corneal thickness, improved visual acuity, and the regeneration of healthy keratocytes and telocyte-like cells that are involved in stromal regeneration.

Cairs for Keratoconus: Refractive, Keratometric and High Order Aberration Outcomes (AlQahtani)

Authors

Presenting Author
Bader S AlQahtani, MD, FACS

Paper Abstract

Purpose
To evaluate the refractive, keratometic and high order aberration outcomes after corneal allogenic intrastromal ring segment (CAIRS) implantation for keratoconus patients.

Methods
A pre-cut CAIRS tissues were used and implanted into a tunnel created by using the femtosecond laser. The depth of the tunnel varies between 200-300?; the inner diameter of the tunnel ranges from 4.0 to 6.0 mm according the scotopic pupil diameter; and the outer diameter from 6.5 to 8.0 mm. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), Cylinder (Cyl), flat and steep keratometery (K1 and K2), maximus keratometry reading (Kmax), and high order aberration (HOAs) values were recorded preoperatively and 3 to 6 months postoperatively.

Results
A total of 40 eyes of 34 patients were included in the study. Preoperative UCVA 0.10 � 0.01 and BCVA 0.40 � 0. 11 values improved postoperatively and reached 0.70 � 0.05 and 0.80 � 0.09, respectively. A statistically significant flattening of all keratometric values was observed in the postoperative period compared to preoperatively (p<0.001 for="" all).="" average="" topographic="" astigmatism="" decreased="" from="" 4.5="" to="" 2.0d.="" average="" kmax="" was="" 56="" �="" 3d="" preoperatively="" that="" decreased="" to="" 47="" �="" 2d="" postoperatively.="" in="" addition,="" high="" order="" aberration,="" including="" spherical="" abberation="" and="" coma="" values,="" were="" signficantly="" lower="" than="" the="" preoperative="" values="" at="" all="" postoperative="" visits=""><0.05 for="">

Conclusion
CAIRS implantation is a safe treatment option with very good visual and keratometric outcomes for suitable patients with keratoconus.

Keratoconus Treatment with 2-Step Phototherapeutic Keratectomy Combined with Corneal Crosslinking(CXL):the US-Modified Athens Protocol (Kanellopoulos)

Authors

Presenting Author
A. John Kanellopoulos, MD, ABO
Co-Authors
Alexandros Kanellopoulos MD

Paper Abstract

Purpose
To report a novel application within the USA, of excimer ablation for nor-malization of central corneal refractive irregularity, combined with higher fluence CXL in the effective management and visual rehabilitation of progressive keratoconus.

Methods
17 consecutive cases with progressive keratoconus were treated with a corneal surface excimer laser ablation normalization using the topography-guided(Contura) myopic ablation-for customized corneal reshaping using a 6mm optical zone.The epithelial removal was accounted for by adding a -2.75D correction in this topography-guided surface ablation followed by,a second,wavefront-optimized hyperopic excimer treatment of +2.75D also with 6mm optical zone.The 2 sequential excimer ablations were followed by the corneal crosslinking(CXL).Visual acuity, refraction and keratoconus documentation via keratometry,topography and pachymetry,as well as endothelial cell density were evaluated over 36 months.

Results
Keratoconus stabilized in all cases. The severity of keratoconus stage by Amsler-Krumeich criteria improved for the OD from an average 2.2 to 1. Median UDVA showed marked improvement at one-year follow-up-all values in LogMAR-: from 0.89�0.15 pre-operative to 0.31�0.05 at 12 months, with small additional improvement through the 3 years to 0.29�0.16. CDVA respectively increased from 0.5�0.23 to 0.12�0.12 at 1 year, and to 0.1�0.11 at 3 years re-spectively. Median minimal corneal thickness decreased significantly from median 466?m to 396?m (P<.01) as recorded the first year postoperatively and then slightly increased to median 405?m at the 3-year follow-up.

Conclusion
We introduce herein initial clinical data with the use of novel, off-label therapeutic excimer laser surface ablation application. It was designed to per-form both epithelial removal and anterior corneal stroma reshaping, and combined with CXL, to apply the Athens Protocol CXL with US excimer laser approved specifications.

Visual Perceptual Learning Improves Visual Acuity in Stable Keratoconus Patients - Preliminary Results of a Randomized Controlled Study (Maytal)

Authors

Presenting Author
Anat Maytal, MD
Co-Authors
Sigal Zmujack-Yehiam MD, Eran Pras MD, Adi Einan-Lifshitz MD, Assaf Greenbaum MD

Paper Abstract

Purpose
To evaluate the efficacy of perceptual learning in improving vision among stable keratoconus patients

Methods
This is an ongoing prospective randomized controlled open label study performed at Shamir Medical center starting from 2023. The study comprises 35 patients in the treatment group and 10 patients in the control group. Included were patients between the ages of 14-55 years with stable keratoconus in the past 12 months in terms of corneal tomography, refraction and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). The treatment group underwent Perceptual Learning Therapy for four months. The control group were followed without treatment. BCVA and contrast sensitivity were assessed.

Results
In our preliminary results, 10 patients were included in the treatment group and 2 patients in the control group. Mean patients age was 33.3�7.4 years. In the treatment group, BCVA improved by 0.24�0.13 logMAR, compared to a change of 0.02 logMAR in the control group(p<0.01). an="" average="" improvement="" of="" 2.4="" lines="" was="" seen="" in="" the="" etdrs="" chart="" following="" treatment.="" contrast="" sensitivity="" improved="" by="" 11116.82�187.2%="" in="" the="" treatment="" group="" (p="">

Conclusion
In this prospective randomized controlled open label study, visual perceptual learning resulted in significant improvement in distance visual acuity, with a corresponding trend toward improvement in contrast sensitivity, among patients with stable keratoconus.

Biomechanical Comparison of Different Lenticule Insertion Protocols Used to Treat Keratoconus (Wilson)

Authors

Presenting Author
Abby L Wilson, PhD
Co-Authors
John Marshall PhD

Paper Abstract

Purpose
Insertion of stromal lenticules from pig corneas have been shown to be effective for treating advanced Keratoconus . Lenticules may be inserted into cornea using two different methods, this study compares the biomechanical impact of anterior lenticule insertion via femtosecond pockets with insertion using lamellar dissection in the posterior stroma

Methods
Speckle interferometry and OCT were used to map the 3D deformation of 10 porcine corneas (< 48hrs post-mortem) in response to simulated IOP changes before and after lenticule insertion (Xenia, Gebauer Medizintechnik GmbH). All corneas underwent 30 pressure cycles (16.5 to 17 mmHg) prior to treatment, with deformation recorded. Lenticule insertion was then performed with 5 corneas undergoing a femtosecond pocket procedure and 5 corneas undergoing insertion via posterior delamination, deformation measurement was then repeated. Deformation was compared for each cornea before and after the procedure to quantify changes to stress-strain distribution and overall corneal resistance to IOP changes.

Results
TBD

Conclusion
TBD

Early Detection of Keratoconus Using Corneal Tomography Image Analysis By Gpt-4 (Kapelushnik)

Authors

Presenting Author
Noa Kapelushnik, MD
Co-Authors
Eitan Livny MD

Paper Abstract

Purpose
To evaluate the ability of GPT-4 (OpenAI) as an early diagnostic tool for keratoconus.

Methods
Advances in large language models like GPT-4 enable the analysis of visual data. This retrospective study included 30 eyes from 30 patients diagnosed with subclinical keratoconus (KC). The Pentacam output images, specifically the 4-map corneal tomography of the early diagnosed eye which, includes the sagittal anterior curvature map, the corneal thickness map, the frontal elevation map and the posterior elevation map, were analyzed using GPT-4.

Results
A total of 29 corneal Pentacam ouput images from patients diagnosed with subclinical KC and 20 control images were analyzed using GPT-4. Of the 29 images from the KC group, GPT-4 classified 20 (69%) as either forme fruste keratoconus (FF KC) or keratoconus, 8 (28%) as normal, and 1 (3%) as another corneal disease. Among the 20 control eyes, GPT-4 classified 9 (45%) as normal and 11 (55%) as FF KC.

Conclusion
GPT-4 demonstrated a promising ability to detect early KC from corneal tomography images. However, a notable proportion of control eyes were misclassified, suggesting limitations in specificity. These findings highlight the potential of GPT-4 as a diagnostic tool but underscore the need for further refinement before clinical implementation.

The Safety, Efficacy and Long-Term Stability of Eye-Bank Prepared, Customized Cairs for the Treatment of Keratoconus (Vaudoisey)

Authors

Presenting Author
Louis Vaudoisey, MD
Co-Authors
Julia Talajic FRCSC, MD, Johanna Choremis MD, FRCSC, Guillermo Rocha MD

Paper Abstract

Purpose
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Corneal Allogeneic Intrastromal Ring Segments (CAIRS) in treating moderate to severe Keratoconus (KC). It aims to assess the effectiveness of KeraNatural, eye-bank prepared CAIRS tissue.

Methods
A two-center retrospective study reviewed patients who underwent CAIRS surgery since May 2023. Primary outcomes included best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) at 3 months post-surgery. Pentacam analysis evaluated topographic changes.

Results
13 patients with moderate to severe keratoconus underwent CAIRS surgery. UDVA showed a median improvement of 0.46, while BCVA improved by a median of 0.18. Significant flattening was observed in all keratometric values, with median decreases in K1 and K2 of 0.85 and 3.35, respectively. The median decrease in mean keratometry (Km) was 1.75. MCV also decreased by 1.15. The mean follow-up time was 3.5 months

Conclusion
CAIRS emerges as an effective alternative treatment for moderate to severe keratoconus, improving both visual acuity and topographic values. These results demonstrate that CAIRS implantation is safe and provides favorable visual and keratometric outcomes.

Socioeconomic and Demographic Disparities in Keratoconus Treatment (Soleimani)

Authors

Presenting Author
Mohammad Soleimani, MD

Paper Abstract

Purpose
This study investigated the disparities in receiving collagen cross-linking (CXL) and keratoplasty among keratoconus (KCN) patients, focusing on sociodemographic variables such as age, sex, race/ethnicity, insurance status, and social vulnerability percentile. This study also explored the comorbidities associated with KCN.

Methods
In this retrospective cohort study, all patients with ICD-10 diagnosis of KCN in the University of Illinois Hospital from 2020 to 2024 and complete sociodemographic and ophthalmic data were included. The effects of sociodemographic traits on undergoing keratoplasty and CXL were assessed with univariable logistic regression and multivariable regression using best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and cylinder to account for disease severity. Subgroup analysis was conducted to determine the demographic experiencing the most disparity. Comorbid rates of various systemic, ophthalmologic, and psychiatric conditions in the KCN population were also compared to a 1:1 distance-matched control group.

Results
In multivariable models, females were found to undergo less keratoplasty (OR=0.55, P<0.001). less="" cxl="" was="" performed="" in="" black="" individuals="" compared="" to="" white="" individuals="" (or="0.68,"><0.05), and="" individuals="" with="" medicaid="" (or="0.27,"><0.0001), and="" no="" insurance="" (or="0.41,"><0.001) compared="" to="" commercial="" insurance="" after="" accounting="" for="" disease="" severity.="" more="" socially="" vulnerable="" individuals="" underwent="" less="" cxl="" (or="0.56,"><0.01) and="" keratoplasty="" (or="0.66,"><0.05). black="" females="" were="" the="" most="" vulnerable="" subgroup,="" undergoing="" less="" procedures="" than="" white="" females="" (or="0.58,"><0.01) and="" black="" males="" (or="0.65,"><0.05). black="" and="" hispanic="" individuals="" presented="" with="" more="" severe="" disease=""><0.01,>< />

Conclusion
This study highlights sociodemographic disparities in KCN treatment as well as comorbidities associated with KCN. Further research is needed to explore the factors underlying these disparities and their effects on outcomes. Addressing these disparities is essential for ensuring equitable access to care for all.

Three-Dimensional Characterization of Normal, Keratoconic, and Keratoconus Suspect Corneas Using Motion-Tracking Brillouin Microscopy (Hammoud)

Authors

Presenting Author
Bassel Hammoud, MD, MS
Co-Authors
Hongyuan Zhang PhD, Bianca Susanna MD, Giuliano Scarcelli PhD, James Randleman MD

Paper Abstract

Purpose
To perform a three-dimensional depth-dependent characterization of the biomechanics of normal, keratoconic, and keratoconus suspect corneas, using Motion-Tracking Brillouin microscopy.

Methods
Prospective study including 30 eyes from 30 patients: 10 normal controls, 10 keratoconus (KC), and 10 keratoconus suspect (KCS), as determined by routine clinical evaluation. All patients were imaged using a custom-built motion-tracking Brillouin microscopy. One eye per patient was randomly selected to be included in the analysis. The mean and minimum (min) Brillouin shifts were recorded and compared for all patients at different stromal regions of the cornea.

Results
There were no significant differences between groups for age, sex, or KMean. Significant differences were found between control, SKC, and KC groups for all MT Brillouin metrics, with the greatest in Anterior Min (? 43�57 MHz, p<0.001) and="" mean="" (?="" 34�37="" mhz,=""><0.001), middle="" min="" (?="" 44�69="" mhz,=""><0.001) and="" mean="" (?="" 39�54="" mhz,=""><0.001), and="" the="" least="" in="" posterior="" min="" (?="" 15�22="" mhz,=""><0.001) and="" mean="" (?="" 20�32="" mhz,=""><0.001). anterior="" min="" fully="" separated="" groups="" (auc="1)." anterior="" mean="" (auc=".98," 1.0),="" middle="" mean="" (auc=".96," 1.0),="" and="" middle="" min="" (auc=".94," 1.0)="" outperformed="" posterior="" mean="" (auc=".81," .95)="" and="" posterior="" min="" (auc=".78," .88)="" in="" differentiating="">

Conclusion
MT Brillouin microscopy identified 3-dimensional differences between controls eyes and those with subclinical or early-stage keratoconus. Differences were most pronounced in the anterior stroma and least pronounced in the posterior stroma, indicating relevant axial mechanical differences in eyes with subclinical keratoconus.

A Novel Mathematical Model That Combines OCT-Derived Epithelial Data with Scheimpglug Asymmetric Data Improves Keratoconus Diagnosis (Santhiago)

Authors

Presenting Author
Marcony R. Santhiago, MD, PhD
Co-Authors
Juliana Santos MD, Nicole Larivoir MD, Claudia Morgado MD, Bianca Susanna MD

Paper Abstract

Purpose
to explore the potential of novel screening model, derived from the unique combination of OCT-derived epithelial measurements and Scheimpflug-derived tomographic measurements, in diagnosing eyes with mild, moderate, and advanced forms of keratoconus.

Methods
This study adopted a comprehensive approach, encompassing 104 eyes with keratoconus and 365 normal eyes. A range of intuitive and non-obvious mathematical models were developed, associating spectral domain OCT-derived epithelial variables and Scheimpflug tomographic variables such as pachymetric, topometric, and D indexes. Scheimpflug and 9.0mm spectral domain OCT imaging were obtained in all eyes, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to determine the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity for each mathematical risk model.

Results
Among the various mathematical equations, one model stood out, demonstrating a remarkable sensitivity of 98%, specificity of 94%, and an AUC of 0.97. This model, which combines six variables through a proprietary domain formula, includes the thinnest point of the epithelium (Epi Min), the difference between the minimum and maximum epithelial thickness of the map (Epi Min-Max), and the topometric variables Index of Height Decentration (IHD), of Vertical Asymmetry (IVA), and Index of Surface Variance (ISV. This model outperformed other isolated indices, such as posterior interface metrics, corneal thickness points, or D index.

Conclusion
The combination of OCT-derived epithelial data and Scheimpflug-derived topometric asymmetry data in a novel mathematical model significantly enhances the diagnostic capability for eyes with keratoconus. Unlike this newly proposed model, no other index studied presented a combination of sensitivity and specificity that were both above 94%.

Progressive Keratoconus in Older Patients Who Delayed Corneal Cross-Linking Treatment (Gil)

Authors

Presenting Author
Alexandra Gil, BSc
Co-Authors
Nicole Kantor BSc, William Trattler MD, Andrew Yazji MD, Logan Allee DO, Dinesh Shiwlochan MD, Daniela Spies BA

Paper Abstract

Purpose
Identify the prevalence and risk factors for progressive keratoconus among patients forty and older who delayed corneal cross-linking treatment by six months or longer.

Methods
A retrospective chart review was performed on 315 eyes from 190 patients with keratoconus. Individuals included were diagnosed with keratoconus and delayed CXL treatment for 6 months or longer from their initial visit. KMax from the Pentacam images were compared from the initial visit to the day of the CXL procedure (topography was taken prior to the procedure). Kmax increase of 1.0 Diopter or more was considered progressive keratoconus.

Results
31% (n=98) of eyes were in patients age 40 & older. KMax progressed in 37 (37.8%) of eyes by 1.0 D. The average KMax progression of the 40 & older group was 1.0D (range 12.8D to -4.6D). 217 eyes were in patients age 39 or younger. 85 (39.2%) of these eyes progressed by 1.0D or more. The average rate of progression was 1.6D (range 19.0D to -6.8D). For patients 40 years & older with at least 18 months of delay to their CXL procedure, 18 of 37 eyes (48.6%) progressed by 1D or more, with an average increase in KMax of 1.8D, while 39 of 77 eyes (50.6%) in patients age 39 or younger with at least 18 months of delay to CXL progressed by 1D or more (average = 2.3D)

Conclusion
The percent of eyes with keratoconus who experienced KMax increase of 1D or more when CXL was delayed by 6 months or longer was similar in patients over age 40 as compared to patients age 39 or less. For patients who delayed CXL by 18 months or longer, similar rates of progression in younger & older patients were also found.

Five-Year Results of the Technique "Fibrogenesis Induction and New Interfibrillary Bonds Creation" for the Treatment of Post LASIK Ectasia (Jarade)

Authors

Presenting Author
Elias F. Jarade, MD

Paper Abstract

Purpose
To evaluate the 5 years clinical, refractive and topography outcomes of the new technique of "fibrogenesis induction with new interfibrillary bonds" in patients with post-LASIK keratectasia.

Methods
Prospective interventional study. Eyes with post-LASIK ectasia received the new surgical treatment which consist of using bended needle to vertically puncturing the corneal stroma at 400 microns depth in circumferential rows in the 4 to 9 mm of the paracentral stroma sparing the central cornea". A full eye exam including tomography (Pentacam) and corneal OCT were performed pre-operatively and at different time intervals post-operatively. Refractive outcomes were also assessed. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to assess statistical significance of obtained results. All procedures were performed at Beirut Eye Specialist Hospital (BESH). All procedures were performed under topical anesthesia

Results
23 eyes include with follow up more than 5 years. Mean UCDVA improved from 0.81 logMAR preoperatively to 0.31 logMAR at 1 year and 0.33 logMAR at 5 years and in Mean BCDVA from 0.71 logMAR preoperatively to 0.27 logMAR at 1 year and 0.19 logMAR at 5 years. Mean spherical equivalent improved from -2.8 D preoperatively to -0.4 D at 1 year and -0.6 D at 5 years. Mean K1 and K2 were 41.3 D and 43.5 D respectively preoperatively and decreased to 39.3 D and 41.8 D respectively at 1 year follow up and to 39.4 D and 41.6 D respectively at 5 years. Kmax decreased from 53.9 D preoperatively to 50.4 D at 1 year and 50.6 D at 5 years. No significant change was found in mean thinnest corneal thickness

Conclusion
No complications occurred although the 5 years follow up, Thus, Deep stromal puncturing with resultant fibrogenesis induction is a safe procedure that improves refractive parameters and exerts a flattening effect that remained stable over 5 years. Future randomized controlled trials are required for standardization of this new technique

Glycerol-Preserved Corneas for Cairs (Navas Villar)

Authors

Presenting Author
Erik A Navas Villar, MD
Co-Authors
Arturo Chayet MD

Paper Abstract

Purpose
To evaluate availability, legal process, refractive results and complications of CAIRS using glycerol-preserved corneas.

Methods
We did a prospective story of 5 eyes with diagnosis of keratoconus, BCVA worst than 20/50, older than 18 years old, and that they were willing to be registered in the Mexican National Transplant Center (CENATRA). Glycerol-preserved corneas were selected, less than 6 moths from preservation. We preformed uncomplicated CAIRS surgery in all 5 eyes, taking care of washing all the glycerol using BSS. Evaluation took place at 1 day, 1 week and 1-month post-surgery. Data included UCVA, BCVA, Slit lamp examination, AS-OCT, Refractive and corneal Astigmatism, Spherical equivalent, coma and high order aberrations.

Results
Mean age were 26.7 years old, UCVA improved from 1.23 +-0.47 to 0.52 +-0.52 and BCVA from 0.54 +-0.54 to 0.22 +-0.37 at the 1 month visit. Spherical Equivalent improved from -8.7D +-1.2 to -4.6D +-1.4. There were not complication related to glycerin preserved corneas. 1 eye needed reintervation because of overcorrection, tissue was removed from stromal ring 1 week after primary intervention.

Conclusion
Glycerol-preserved corneas are a safe option, withly avalible, easy to store and easy to handle for CAIRS surgery.

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