Intacs insertion with the femtosecond laser for the management of keratoconus - One-year results

PURPOSE: To assess the outcomes of intrastromal ring segment (Intacs, Addition Technology) implantation for keratoconus using the femtosecond laser. SETTING: Kudret Eye Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. METHODS: In a retrospective noncomparative case series, 118 eyes of 69 patients with keratoconus who had Intacs segments implanted with the femtosecond laser were evaluated. Preoperative and postoperative evaluations included slitlamp examination, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and mean keratometry values measured with the Pentacam Scheimpflug camera (Oculus Opticgerate GmbH). All parameters were assessed preoperatively and I year after Intacs implantation. RESULTS: Intacs were successfully implanted in all eyes. At the end of the first postoperative year, 81.3% of eyes had improved UCVA and 73.7% had improved BCVA. The mean keratometry decreased from 51.56 diopters (D) to 47.66 D, and the mean refractive spherical equivalent decreased from -7.57 D to -3.72 D. CONCLUSIONS: Intacs implantation with the femtosecond laser was safe and effective for the treatment of keratoconus. All parameters had improved by the 1-year follow-up.