Intrastromal implantation of chicken corneal grafts into the cornea of rabbits for corneal thickening: an experimental study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility and effects of the intrastromal implantation of chemically modified corneal stroma obtained from chicken into the corneas of rabbits for corneal thickening. METHODS: Chicken corneas were cut, debrided, treated with cross-linking and implanted in an intrastromal pouch created in the cornea of 10 white New Zealand rabbits with femtosecond laser. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy and optical coherence tomography were performed immediately, 7, 30 and 90 days postoperatively. Corneas were removed at 90 days and cut in two halves. One half was sent to histological analysis for the presence of necrosis, polymorphonuclear inflammatory cells, blood vessels and fibrosis, while the other half was evaluated with transmission electron microscopy to verify tissue organization and the presence of keratocytes and inflammatory cells. Corneal thicknesses were comparatively analyzed over time with Wilcoxon test (p ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: The chicken grafts were incorporated into the cornea of all animals over time. Mean rabbit cornea thickness increased from 338 µm preoperatively to 538 µm (p < 0.0077) at 90 days, while mean chicken graft thickness decreased from 350 to 215 µm (p < 0.0077). No clear signs of rejection attributable to the xenograft were observed in any of the implanted eyes. However, some macroscopic and histological events were observed in some of the eyes, probably due to procedural issues during implantation. CONCLUSION: The intrastromal implantation of chicken grafts was shown to be feasible and predictable to thicken the recipient rabbit cornea without apparent rejection. However, before being considered in humans, further meticulous clinical trials are required to establish the clinical utility, safety and efficacy of xenografts for the treatment of patients with advanced keratoconus.

Computational Models for Optimization of the Intrastromal Corneal Ring Choice in Patients With Keratoconus Using Corneal Tomography Data.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the predictability of asphericity and average keratometry in patients with keratoconus after implantation of intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS) using artificial intelligence. METHODS: This study included 209 eyes of 160 patients with keratoconus (grades I, II, and III) who had ICRS implanted. The 160 arc length Ferrara ICRS was implanted in all patients. ICRS thickness varied from 150 to 250 µm. Pentacam (Oculus Optikgeräte, Wetzlar, Germany) corneal tomography parameters, clinical data, and ICRS data formed the basis of the 39 studied parameters. Linear regression was used to create the models. RESULTS: The best mean absolute error value found was 0.19 for asphericity and was 1.18 for mean keratometry. Comparing the mean absolute error values of the nomogram with the average absolute error of the algorithm, there was an improvement of 0.11 for asphericity and 0.09 for mean keratometry in relation to the current nomogram. CONCLUSIONS: The current study showed that the use of computational models could lead to more accurate results and contribute to better surgical decision-making to improve the clinical outcomes in patients with keratoconus implanted with ICRS. [J Refract Surg. 2018;34(8):547-550.].

Clinical Outcomes After Implantation of 320°-Arc Length Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments in Keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes after implantation of a new 320°-arc length Ferrara intrastromal corneal ring segment (320-ICRS) in eyes of patients with keratoconus. METHODS: A multicentric nonrandomized study was conducted in which a new 320-ICRS was placed in 138 eyes of 130 patients with keratoconus. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), keratometry, corneal volume, asphericity, lines of vision gain/loss, and vectorial analysis were assessed preoperatively and at the final follow-up visit after the procedure. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 6.2 ± 3.3 (SD) months (range 3-12 months). Mean UDVA improved from 20/250 to 20/60. Mean CDVA improved from 20/100 to 20/40. Mean Q improved from -1.12 ± 0.49 preoperatively to -0.28 ± 0.51 postoperatively (P < 0.001). Mean corneal volume increased from 56.2 ± 4.28 mm preoperatively to 57.6 ± 4.74 postoperatively (P < 0.001). Mean Km reduced from 53.3 ± 5.5 D preoperatively to 47.8 ± 4.6 D postoperatively (P < 0.001). The change in UDVA, CDVA, and topographic astigmatism was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The 320-ICRS can efficiently and safely improve visual acuity in keratoconus, modifying the corneal shape to a more physiologic, aspheric shape.

Clinical outcomes after implantation of a new intrastromal corneal ring with 140-degree of arc in patients with corneal ectasia.

AIM: To evaluate the clinical and tomographic outcomes after implantation of a new intrastromal corneal ring segment (ICRS) with 140-degrees of arc in eyes with corneal ectasia. METHODS: We evaluated patients with corneal ectasia implanted with Ferrara 140° ICRS from April 2010 to February 2015. Outcome measures included preoperative and postoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), keratometry simulated (K) reading, tomographic astigmatism and asphericity. All patients were evaluated using the Pentacam Scheimpflug system. RESULTS: The study evaluated 58 eyes. The mean follow-up was 16.81±10.8mo. The CDVA (logMAR) improved from 0.5±0.20 (20/60) to 0.3±0.21 (20/40) (P<0.01). The average K reduced from 49.87±7.01 to 47.34±4.90 D (P<0.01). The asphericity changed from -0.60±0.86 to -0.23±0.67 D (P<0.01). The mean preoperative tomographic astigmatism decreased from -8.0±3.45 to -4.53±2.52 D (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The new ICRS model with 140-degrees of arc effectively improve the visual acuity and reduce the high astigmatism usually found in patients with corneal ectasia.

Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments for Astigmatism Correction after Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty.

Background. To evaluate the change in corneal astigmatism after intrastromal corneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation in keratoconus patients with previous deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK). Design was a longitudinal, retrospective, interventional study. The study included 25 eyes of 24 patients with keratoconus who had DALK performed at least two years prior to ICRS implantation. All patients had a clear corneal graft with up to 8.00 D of corneal astigmatism and intolerance to contact lenses. The studied parameters were age, sex, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), maximum keratometry (K1), minimum keratometry (K2), spherical equivalent, and astigmatism. There was a statistically significant decrease in the postintervention analysis as follows: 3.5 D reduction in K1 (p < 0.001); 1.53 D in K2 (p = 0.005); and 2.52 D (p < 0.001) in the average K. The spherical equivalent reduced from -3.67 D (±2.74) to -0.71 D (±2.35) (p < 0.001). The topographic astigmatism reduced from 3.87 D preoperatively to 1.90 D postoperatively (p < 0.001). The CDVA improved from 0.33 (±0.10) to 0.20 (±0.09, p < 0.001). ICRS implantation is a useful option for the correction of astigmatism after DALK as it yields significant visual, topographic, and refractive results.

Tomographic Findings After Implantation of Ferrara Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments in Keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To analyze and compare changes to the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces after Ferrara intracorneal ring segment (ICRS) (AJL, Boecillo, Spain) implantation and to correlate those changes with visual outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective case series study comprised consecutive patients with keratoconus implanted with the Ferrara ICRS. Computed tomography scans of the two corneal surfaces were obtained preoperatively and postoperatively with a rotating Scheimpflug imaging system. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare groups, and the Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to measure the strength of the correlation between variables. RESULTS: The study evaluated 241 eyes in 182 patients with keratoconus. Both corneal surfaces showed statistically significant decreases in average steep keratometry (K2) values, corneal astigmatism, elevation at the apex and at the thinnest point, maximum elevation in the central 4-mm area, and elevation inside the 3- and 4-mm zones and at the 3-mm ring. Regarding anterior surface parameters, a significant decrease was observed in flat keratometry (K1), whereas asphericity increased. On the posterior corneal surface, no significant changes in K1 and asphericity were observed. Poor correlation was found between visual outcomes and changes in tomographic parameters. The best correlation was obtained for anterior corneal astigmatism. CONCLUSIONS: ICRS implantation led to statistically significant changes in both anterior and posterior corneal surfaces. However, correlation between visual outcomes and tomographic parameters was poor. [J Refract Surg. 2017;33(2):110-115.].

Evaluation of anterior and posterior surfaces of the cornea using a dual Scheimpflug analyzer in keratoconus patients implanted with intrastromal corneal ring segments.

AIM: To evaluate corneal parameters measured with a dual Scheimpflug analyzer in keratoconus patients implanted with intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS). METHODS: Fifty eyes of 40 keratoconus patients had Ferrara ICRS implantation from November 2010 to April 2014. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), refraction, keratometry, asphericity, elevation, pachymetry, root mean square (RMS), spherical aberration and coma were studied. All patients were evaluated using a dual Scheimpflug system. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time after the procedure was 12.7mo. The mean UCVA improved from 0.82 to 0.31 (P<0.001); the mean BCVA improved from 0.42 to 0.05 (P<0.0001), the mean spherical refraction changed from -3.06±3.80 D to -0.80±2.5 D (P<0.0001) and the mean refraction astigmatism reduced from -4.51±2.08 D to -2.26±1.18 D (P<0.0001). The changes from preoperative to postoperative, in parameters of the anterior and posterior surface of the cornea, were statistically significant except the elevation posterior at the apex of the cornea and posterior asphericity. CONCLUSION: The implantation of Ferrara ICRS induces changes in both anterior and posterior surfaces of the cornea.

Intrastromal corneal ring segments implantation in patients with keratoconus: 10-year follow-up.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of Ferrara intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS) (Ferrara Ring; AJL, Boecillo, Spain) in patients with keratoconus. METHODS: The chart records of 36 eyes of 30 patients with keratoconus implanted with ICRS, operated on between July 1996 and January 2002, were retrospectively reviewed. The following parameters were studied: uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), keratometry (K), and central corneal thickness. The outcomes were evaluated at 5 and 10 years after ICRS implantation. RESULTS: The mean UDVA (logMAR) improved from 1.01 ± 0.28 (20/200 Snellen) to 0.71 ± 0.38 (20/100 Snellen) at 5 years (P < .05) and 0.67 ± 0.25 (20/90 Snellen) at 10 years (P = .735). The mean CDVA (logMAR) improved from 0.45 ± 0.45 (20/55 Snellen) to 0.24 ± 0.19 (20/35 Snellen) at 5 years (P < .05) and 0.29 ± 0.09 (20/38 Snellen) at 10 years (P = .292). The mean maximum K value decreased from 54.99 ± 6.33 to 50.58 ± 5.11 D at 5 years (P < .05) and 50.65 ± 5.17 D at 10 years (P = .854). The mean minimum K value decreased from 48.85 ± 5.70 to 46.90 ± 5.08 D at 5 years (P < .05) and 47.12 ± 4.22 D at 10 years (P = .945). The central corneal thickness decreased from 457.42 ± 58.21 to 421.34 ± 74.12 µm at 5 years (P = .039) and 434.32 ± 77.65 µm at 10 years (P = .427). CONCLUSIONS: Intrastromal corneal ring segments can effectively improve UDVA and CDVA 10 years after implantation in patients with keratoconus.

Clinical outcomes after intrastromal corneal ring segments reoperation in keratoconus patients.

AIM: To evaluate the clinical outcomes after Ferrara intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS) reoperation in patients with keratoconus. METHODS: A total of 37 keratoconus eyes implanted with intrastromal corneal ring segments, which had an ICRS exchange, addition, reposition or removal were evaluated. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), keratometry (K), asphericity (Q) and pachymetry at the thinnest point (PTP) of the cornea were evaluated using a corneal tomography (Oculus Pentacam, USA). RESULTS: The mean follow-up time after the reoperation was 30.5±9.7 months. The mean UCVA improved from 20/300 to 20/80 (P=0.005); the mean BCVA improved from 20/160 to 20/50 (P=0.0002), the mean keratometry reduced from 49.33±4.19D to 46.16±3.90D (P=0.0001), the mean pachymetry at the thinnest point increased from 450±42.9µm to 469±40.8µm (P=0.0001). The asphericity increased from -0.84±0.74 to -0.35±0.81 (P=0.15) and the spherical equivalent reduced from -4.64±4.87D to -3.04±3.45D (P=0.137). The changes in the asphericity and spherical equivalent were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Ferrara ICRS implantation showed to be a reversible and readjustable surgical procedure for keratoconus treatment. Good outcomes can be obtained even after removal, addition, reposition or exchange of ICRS.

Intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation to correct astigmatism after penetrating keratoplasty.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of implantation of Ferrara intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS) in patients with astigmatism after penetrating keratoplasty (PKP). SETTING: Private clinic, Belo Horizonte, Brazil. DESIGN: Retrospective consecutive case series. METHODS: Chart records of post-PKP patients who had ICRS implantation from May 2005 to September 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. The following parameters were studied: corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), keratometry (K) values, spherical equivalent (SE), spherical refractive error, corneal topographic astigmatism, minimum K, and maximum K. RESULTS: The study evaluated 59 eyes (54 patients). The mean CDVA (logMAR) improved from 0.45 ± 0.17 (SD) (range 0.18 to 1.00) to 0.30 ± 0.17 (range 0.00 to 1.00). The mean SE was -6.34 ± 3.40 diopters (D) (range 0.37 to -16.50 D) preoperatively and -2.66 ± 2.52 D (range 0.87 to -10.50 D) postoperatively. The mean spherical refractive error decreased from -7.10 ± 3.07 D (range 2.15 to 16.68 D) preoperatively to -3.46 ± 2.05 D (range 0.88 to 10.79 D) postoperatively. No patient lost visual acuity. The mean corneal topographic astigmatism decreased from 3.37 ± 1.51 D preoperatively to 1.69 ± 1.04 D postoperatively. The mean maximum K value decreased from 48.09 ± 2.56 D to 44.17 ± 2.67 D and the mean minimum K value, from 44.90 ± 2.54 D to 42.46 ± 2.63 D. All changes were statistically significant (P<.0001). CONCLUSION: Intrastromal corneal ring segments effectively reduced corneal cylinder in patients with astigmatism after PKP.

Intrastromal corneal ring segments: visual outcomes from a large case series.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the clinical safety and efficacy of implanted Ferrara intrastromal corneal ring segments in a large sample of patients with ectatic corneal disease. DESIGN: Retrospective, consecutive case series. SAMPLES: A total of 1073 eyes of 810 patients consecutively operated from January 2006 to July 2008 were evaluated. METHODS: Two groups were created according to the type of ring implanted: Group 1 - patients implanted with the 160° of arc ring - and Group 2 - patients implanted with the 210° of arc ring. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Uncorrected visual acuity, best-corrected visual acuity, keratometry, asphericity and pachymetry at the thinnest point of the cornea. All patients were evaluated using a corneal tomography (Pentacam, Oculus, Inc., Lynnwood, WA, USA). RESULTS: For Group 1 patients, uncorrected visual acuity increased to 20/80, best-corrected visual acuity increased to 20/40, asphericity decreased to -0.35, spherical equivalent decreased to -2.26 D and keratometry decreased to 45.72 D (P < 0.001 for each compared with preoperative values). For Group 2 patients, uncorrected visual acuity increased to 20/130, best-corrected visual acuity increased to 20/60, asphericity decreased to -0.56, spherical equivalent decreased to -4.14 D and keratometry decreased to 48.10 D (P < 0.001 for each compared with preoperative values). The 210° intrastromal corneal ring segments reduced keratometry and asphericity more than the 160° intrastromal corneal ring segments did. The complication rate was 3.82%. CONCLUSIONS: Ferrara intrastromal corneal ring segments implantation is safe and effective and has a low complication rate. It can effectively reduce the corneal steepening and improve uncorrected visual acuity and best-corrected visual acuity in patients with keratoconus.

Intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation for ectasia after refractive surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of implantation of Ferrara intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS) in patients with corneal ectasia after refractive surgery. SETTING: Private clinic, Belo Horizonte, Brazil. METHODS: Charts of patients with corneal ectasia after refractive surgery were retrospectively reviewed. The following parameters were studied: uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), keratometry, corneal asphericity, and pachymetry. All patients were evaluated by Scheimpflug scanning-slit tomography (Pentacam). RESULTS: Twenty-five eyes (20 patients) with corneal ectasia (20 after laser in situ keratomileusis, 4 after radial keratotomy, 1 after photorefractive keratectomy) were evaluated. Postoperatively, the mean UDVA increased from 20/185 to 20/66 (P = .005) and the mean CDVA, from 20/125 to 20/40 (P = .008). The mean asphericity decreased from -0.95 preoperatively to -0.23 postoperatively (P = .006). The mean pachymetry at the apex of the cornea increased from 457.7 microm +/- 48.7 (SD) preoperatively to 466.2 +/- 49.8 mum postoperatively (P = .025) and the mean pachymetry at the thinnest point, from 436.3 +/- 46.2 microm to 453.9 +/- 49.3 microm (P = .000). The mean keratometry decreased from 45.41 +/- 5.63 diopters (D) to 42.88 +/- 4.44 D, respectively; the decrease was statistically significant (P = .000). CONCLUSION: Intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation significantly improved UDVA and CDVA in patients with corneal ectasia.

Long-term follow-up of intrastromal corneal ring segments in keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To report the long-term follow-up of Ferrara intrastromal corneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation for the management of keratoconus. SETTING: Private clinic, Belo Horizonte, Brazil. METHODS: This study comprised patients with keratoconus who completed at least 5 years of follow-up. One or 2 ICRS were inserted in the cornea, embracing the keratoconus area. Statistical analysis included preoperative and postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), and keratometry (K) values. RESULTS: Thirty-five eyes of 28 patients were evaluated. The mean UDVA improved from 0.15 preoperatively to 0.31 postoperatively and the mean CDVA, from 0.41 to 0.62, respectively; the increases were statistically significant (P = .003 and P = .002, respectively). Corneal topography showed corneal flattening in all eyes. The mean minimum K value decreased from 48.99 D preoperatively to 44.45 D postoperatively and the mean maximum K value, from 54.07 D to 48.09 D, respectively; the decreases were statistically significant (both P = .000). CONCLUSIONS: Five years after ICRS implantation, the UDVA and CDVA were improved in eyes with keratoconus. There was significant postoperative corneal flattening that remained stable over the follow-up period.

Clinical outcomes after implantation of a new intrastromal corneal ring with a 210-degree arc length.

PURPOSE: To report the clinical outcomes of implantation of a new Ferrara intrastromal corneal ring segment (ICRS) with a 210-degree arc length in eyes with keratoconus. SETTING: Private eye clinic, Belo Horizonte, Brazil METHODS: Statistical analysis included preoperative and postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), refraction, and keratometry. RESULTS: Eighty eyes (76 patients) were evaluated. The UDVA improved from 20/350 preoperatively to 20/136 postoperatively and the CDVA, from 20/125 to 20/50; the differences were statistically significant (P = .001 and P = .0001, respectively). Corneal tomography (Pentacam) showed corneal flattening in all eyes. The mean preoperative spherical equivalent decreased from -5.22 diopters (D) preoperatively to -2.26 D postoperatively (P = .050); the mean keratometry (K) 1 value, from 51.49 D to 47.40 D (P = .00014); and the mean K2 value, from 54.33 D to 49.14 D (P = .00022). Two patients required penetrating keratoplasty despite ICRS implantation. CONCLUSIONS: A new ICRS with 210 degrees of arc was effective in treating keratoconus. It improved visual acuity and reduced corneal steepening in selected patients.

Tratamento aditivo do ceratocone por 'crosslinking' do colágeno após implante de anel de Ferrara / Addictive treatment of keratoconus with collagen crosslinking after Ferrara ring implant

OBJETIVO: Este trabalho tem como objetivo relatar experiência com utilização do crosslinking após implante de anel intracorneano de Ferrara (Ferrara Ophtalmic) visando a melhora refrativa e estabilização corneana. MÉTODOS: Seis pacientes com idade entre 26 e 38 anos foram submetidos ao tratamento com crosslinking após implante de anel de Ferrara. Cinco pacientes receberam 2 segmentos de anel e um paciente recebeu um segmento. Depois de 4 a 55 meses os pacientes foram submetidos a aplicação do "crosslinking" com ultra-violeta de acordo com o protocolo estabelecido por Seiler & cols. RESULTADOS: Quatro olhos apresentaram alteração progressiva da refração e 2 apresentaram refração sem alteração progressiva. A topografia mostrou queda acentuada da curvatura e o estudo da lâmpada de fenda mostrou anel em boa profundidade durante um ano de pós-operatório em 100 por cento dos olhos. A microscopia especular não mostrou alteração significativa e a acuidade visual se mostrou semelhante ao pré-operatório. CONCLUSÃO: O crosslinking poderá ajudar a manter ceratocones estáveis, não-somente nos casos de progressão, mas também nos cones evolutivos com implante de anel.

PURPOSE: To describe our experience with crosslinking after Ferrara ring implant for better vision and corneal stabilization. METHODS: six patients with age of 26 - 38 years old had treatment with crosslinking after Ferrara ring implant. Five patients had 2 ring segments implanted and one patient had one segment implanted. After 4 to 55 months the patients were submitted to crosslinking with UVA light according to Seiler et al protocol. RESULTS: Four eyes had progressive alteration of refraction and 2 patients had no alteration of refraction. The topography showed flattener curvature and at the slip lamp 100 percent of the eyes had good depth after one year post operatively. The specular microscopy didn't show any significant alteration and the visual acuity was similar before the procedure. CONCLUSION: The crosslinking may help to maintain stable keratoconus, not only in progression cases, but also in evolutive keratoconus with ring implant.

Ferrara intrastromal corneal ring segments for severe keratoconus.

PURPOSE: Intrastromal Ferrara ring segments were inserted in eyes with severe keratoconus to evaluate safety and efficacy of this procedure. METHODS: Intrastromal Ferrara ring segments were placed in 36 eyes of 35 patients with severe keratoconus, who were evaluated after 12 months of follow-up. All patients had highly disabling visual acuity, contact lens intolerance, and a previous indication for penetrating keratoplasty. Statistical analysis included preoperative and postoperative uncorrected visual acuity, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity, manifest refraction, anterior chamber depth, keratometry, and pachymetry. RESULTS: No patient had a loss of visual acuity. Uncorrected visual acuity improved in 28 eyes (77.78%) and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity improved in 29 eyes (80.56%). Spherical equivalent refraction decreased from -7.29 +/- 3.12 D to -4.80 +/- 3.04 D at 12 months after Ferrara intrastromal ring segment implantation. Corneal topography and ultrasound biomicroscopy showed corneal flattening, demonstrated by thinning of the central cornea and a reduction in anterior chamber depth. Segment decentration occurred in one eye (2.7%), asymmetric positioning of the segments in two eyes (5%), inadequate depth in two eyes (5%), migration of the segments in two eyes (5%), segment extrusion in five eyes (13.8%), conjunctivitis in one eye (2.7%), bacterial keratitis in one eye (2.7%), and hydrops in one eye (2.7%). CONCLUSIONS: With these early results, Ferrara intrastromal ring segments appear to be an alternative for the treatment of severe keratoconus.

Ferrara intrastromal corneal rings for the correction of keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Ferrara intrastromal corneal rings in the treatment of eyes with keratoconus without central corneal scarring. SETTING: Vlemma Eye Institute, Athens, Greece. METHODS: Twenty-six patients with bilateral keratoconus, clear central corneas, and contact lens intolerance participated in the study. Videokeratographic corneal topography and ultrasonic pachymetry were performed in all eyes to identify the cone area and to select the thickness of the segments to be implanted, respectively. Ferrara intrastromal corneal rings were implanted around the center of the cone in 1 eye of each patient. RESULTS: The minimum follow-up after ring implantation was 6 months. In 2 cases, the rings had to be removed early in the postoperative period because of superficial implantation in 1 patient and asymmetrical placement in the other. The rest of the operated eyes demonstrated a reduction in astigmatism and spherical correction and improved uncorrected visual acuity. No eye lost best corrected visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS: Ferrara intrastromal corneal rings reduced corneal steepening and normalized the central cornea in eyes with keratoconus. Ferrara ring implantation was a safe procedure that may be considered in patients who are unable to have other surgical techniques, particularly contact-lens-intolerant keratoconus patients whose only option is corneal transplantation.