Visual Outcome after Implantation of Intracorneal Ring Segments for Pellucid Marginal Degeneration

To assess the results of intracorneal ring (ICR) segments for treatment of patients with pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD) In this prospective interventional case series study, eight eyes of 5 patients with PMD who were contact lens intolerant received one or two Intacs (Intacs, Addition Technology) segments. Preoperative and postoperative evaluations included slit-lamp examination, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and keratometry by Pentacam scheimpflug camera (oculas opticigerate GmbH). Patients were followed for 3 months and all parameters were reviewed at the end of follow-up time. Three months postoperatively, UCVA significantly improved from preoperative values after Intacs implantation (mean 1.07±0.27 [SD] and 0.5±0.27 respectively). The BCVA also improved from preoperative state compared to 3 months after surgery (Mean 0.40 ± 31 and 0.18 ± 0.17 respectively). The BCVA was 5/10 or more in all 8 eyes. Spherical equivalent (SE) and refractive cylinder decreased significantly compared to preoperative values (Mean -9.40 ± 4.98 to -6.53 ± 5.00 and mean -6.93 ± 3.79 to -3.06 ± 2.07 respectively). Topographic cylinder decreased postoperatively, but this decrement was not statistically significant (mean -5.42 ± 3.47 [SD] to -5.08 ± 3.20). In our series of patients, ICR implantation proved to be a safe and effective method for correction of PMD and improving the vision in these patients.