ICRS and Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a disorder in which the cornea gets thinner over time, resulting in severe astigmatism. As the keratoconus progresses, treatment usually requires a corneal transplant.

Since 1999, the ALZ clinic has been part of a European multi-center study to arrest the growth of keratoconus and stabilize or reduce the existing astigmatism. This involved implanting ICR segments into the stromal bed of the cornea on top of the keratoconus. Under these conditions, the astigmatism becomes correctible with eyeglasses. Time will tell whether this treatment will prove to be a long-term solution. To date, only two rings from a total of 50 patients had to be removed.