Refractive Results of Implantation of Intrastromal Hydrogel Corneal Segments in Keratoconus Patients

Purpose
To assess effectiveness and safety of implantation of hydrogel intrastromal corneal segments for correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism in patients with keratoconus.

Material and methods
We operated 48 patients (50 eyes) with keratoconus of stages I–IV according to Amsler (1961) classification with transparent optic media.

Results
Uncorrected and corrected visual acuity increased in all cases. The best refractive results were obtained at initial stages of keratoconus. Uncorrected visual acuity was improved to 0,2–0,3 in advanced stage of keratoconus. In one case the segment was removed because of protrusion.

Conclusion
Implantation of intrastromal segments is the method of choice for correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism in keratoconus that is proved by stable clinical and functional results.