Intracorneal ring segments after laser in situ keratomileusis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intracorneal ring segments (ICRS) for correction of residual refractive error in patients previously operated with laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).

METHODS: Thirteen postoperative LASIK eyes (eight patients) with residual myopic refractive error underwent implantation with INTACS (Keravision) intracorneal ring segments. Correction of the residual error was the first goal, but also improved best spectacle-corrected visual acuity was obtained by correcting residual irregular astigmatism.

RESULTS: Mean spherical equivalent refraction improved from -3.25 to +0.75 D and mean uncorrected visual acuity improved from 0.2 to 0.6 after ICRS insertion. Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity remained stable or improved; no eyes lost lines of corrected visual acuity. In one of the 13 eyes, the intracorneal ring segments were removed because of progressive stromal melting.

CONCLUSIONS: The use of corneal ring segments in selected eyes with residual myopic refractive errors after LASIK was safe and effective.