Visual outcome after implantation of intracorneal ring segments for pellucid marginal degeneration

Purpose: To assess the results of intracorneal ring (ICR) segments for treatment of patients with pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD). Methods: 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. Results: 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). Conclusion: 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.