Ferrara ring segments implantation for treating keratoconus.

AIM: To investigate the efficacy of Ferrara rings (FR) implantation in the treatment of keratoconus.

METHODS: It was a retrospective case series descriptive study. The sample was comprised of 50 patients 79 eyes diagnosed with progressive keratoconus. This included 24 (48%) males and 26 (52%) females between the age of 13 and 44 years. All participants underwent surgical implantation of FR in the period between January 2009 and September 2010 at Jordan University Hospital. Thorough ophthalmologic examinations were applied to measure vital variables for each pathological condition before and after surgery.

RESULTS: Findings indicated an overall significant postoperative improvement in both uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) throughout follow up visits. Moreover, results illustrated a significant decrease in spherical equivalent (SE) and keratometric readings (lower, higher and the average).

CONCLUSION: Surgical intervention strategies are being frequently developed to meet the needs of patients with keratoconus. The implantation of Ferrara rings has proven to be a safe and feasible alternative procedure for the treatment of mild-moderate keratoconus especially for patients with contact lenses intolerance. We have found that this procedure has improved visual outcomes in all eyes studied. Nevertheless, further research is needed to investigate long term outcomes.