Effect of inferior-segment Intacs with and without C3-R on keratoconus
Accepted 25 September 2006.
Purpose
To determine whether corneal collagen cross-linking with riboflavin (C3-R) augments the effect of inferior-segment Intacs (Addition Technology) in the treatment of keratoconus.
Setting
Private practice, Beverly Hills, California, USA.
Methods
A retrospective nonrandomized comparative case series comprised 12 eyes of 9 patients who had inferior-segment Intacs placement without C3-R (Intacs-only group) and 13 eyes of 12 patients who had inferior-segment Intacs placement combined with C3-R (Intacs with C3-R group). The 2 groups were matched preoperatively. All patients had inferior-segment Intacs placed with the incision in the steep axis of manifest refraction. Corneal collagen cross-linking with riboflavin was performed after the Intacs segments were inserted. Outcome measures were topographic keratometry values and the lower–upper (L–U) ratio, which is a topographic measure of the degree of keratoconus. Preoperative data were compared to results 1 day postoperatively and measurements at the last postoperative visit.
Results
The Intacs with C3-R group had a significantly greater reduction in cylinder than the Intacs-only group (P<.05). Steep and average keratometry were reduced significantly more in the Intacs with C3-R group (P<.05). There was a greater reduction in L–U ratio in the Intacs with C3-R group (P<.05).
Conclusion
The addition of C3-R to the Intacs procedure resulted in greater keratoconus improvements than Intacs insertion alone.
From a private practice, Beverly Hills, California, USA
Corresponding author: Brian S. Boxer Wachler, Boxer Wachler Vision Institute, 465 North Roxbury Drive, Suite 902, Beverly Hills, California 90210, USA.
Dr. Boxer Wachler has a financial interest in C3-R. Drs. Chan and Sharma have no financial or proprietary interest in any method or material mentioned.
ABSTRACT