Keratoconus vision correction with ICRS (Intracorneal Ring Segments)

One of the first surgical options for rehabilitating vision in corneas with ectasias like keratoconus was the use of intracorneal ring segments (ICRS). ICRS were introduced in the late 1990s by Joseph Colin in France.

ICRS (Intracorneal Ring Segments) help reshape the cornea, aiming for greater symmetry by redistributing its natural forces. In this procedure, surgeons create a tunnel in the peripheral cornea—either manually or with a femtosecond laser—and place the ring segments inside. This process elevates the outer cornea, flattening the keratoconus in the center and making the cornea more regular and symmetrical. This improved symmetry enhances both visual quality and acuity.

However, the ring segments are typically made from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), a synthetic material that can cause certain side effects, including increased halos in peripheral vision and potential complications like migration toward the corneal surface or deeper into the eye. This is where All Femto-CAIRS offers a clear advantage.