Optical coherence tomography to assess intrastromal corneal ring segment depth in keratoconic eyes

Michael M. Lai, Maolong Tang, Eduardo M.M. Andrade, Yan Li, Rahul N. Khurana, Jonathan C. Song, David Huang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

46 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate intrastromal corneal ring segment depth with a high-speed corneal optical coherence tomography (OCT) system. Setting: Doheny Eye Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA. Methods: A prospective observational case series comprised 4 eyes of 4 patients receiving Intacs intrastromal corneal ring segments (Addition Technology, Inc.) for keratoconus. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed between 7 days and 43 days after implantation. Results: The slitlamp impression of intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation depth did not correlate well with OCT measurements (r2 = 0.68). The fractional implantation depth was correlated with several surgical variables using a stepwise multivariate regression model, and 2 statistically significant correlations were found. The position of the distal portions of the ring segments was shallower than that of the portion closer to the insertion site (P = .003). Segments placed in the inferior cornea (P = .008) experienced more distal shallowing. Shallower depth was associated with greater fractional anterior stromal compression (P = .04). Conclusions: Shallower placement of intrastromal corneal ring segments may result in more complications, such as epithelial-stromal breakdown and extrusion, because of the greater anterior stromal tensile strain. The distal and inferior portions of intrastromal corneal ring segments tended to be placed at a shallower depth. Optical coherence tomography provided precise measurement of ring segment depth and may help identify implants that pose a greater risk for depth-related complications.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1860-1865
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of cataract and refractive surgery
Volume32
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2006
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Optical coherence tomography to assess intrastromal corneal ring segment depth in keratoconic eyes'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this