Comparison of intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation only and in combination with collagen crosslinking for keratoconus

Purpose: To compare visual outcomes, corneal astigmatism, and keratometric readings in patients with progressive keratoconus undergoing intrastromal corneal ring implantation (ICRSI) only and in combination with ultraviolet A riboflavin mediated corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL). Methods: In this retrospective comparative study, there were 2 groups of keratoconus patients. Group 1 consisted of only ICRSI patients. Group 2 consisted of combined ICRSI-CXL patients. Preoperative and postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCDVA) and best-corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA), spherical error, cylindrical error; and mean keratometty were compared. Results: The study evaluated 166 eyes of 121 patients with a mean age of 24.74 years. The UCDVA improved from 0.24 to 0.37 in group 1 and from 0.24 to 0.42 in group 2 at the last visit. The BCDVA improved from 0.34 to 0.62 in group 1 and from 0.31 to 0.67 in group 2. Spherical error decreased from -5.05 D to -1.65 D in group 1 and from -4.82 D to -1.52 D in group 2. Cylindrical error decreased from -6.06 D to -3.47 D in group 1 and from -5.66 D to -3.20 D in group 2. Mean keratometry values decreased from 51.89 D to 47.96 D in group 1 and from 50.89 D to 46.91 D in group 2. p Value was >0.05 in group comparisons. Ring explantation due to corneal melting was applied in 3 eyes. Conclusions: Both combined ICRSI-CXL and ICRSI-only groups experienced favorable outcomes, without statistical difference in any studied effect of both treatment strategies.