Are intracorneal rings still useful in refractive surgery?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article reviews the latest data published and presented at international meetings about the use of intracorneal ring segments in corneal and refractive surgery.

RECENT FINDINGS: The long-term data on intracorneal ring segments in the correction of low to moderate myopia indicate that they seem clearly comparable with laser in-situ keratomileusis, the most common refractive procedure worldwide. There is increasing interest in the use of intracorneal ring segments for the treatment of some complications after laser in-situ keratomileusis and for the control of some degrees of primary corneal ectatic disorders such as keratoconus and pellucid marginal degeneration.

SUMMARY: Intracorneal ring segments are and will be useful in several corneal and refractive abnormalities. Concern still exists about their predictability and the long-term effects of their use in primary and secondary ectasia.