To report the outcomes after the implantation of Keraring 355º intrastromal corneal ring (ICR; Mediphacos, Belo Horizonte, Brazil) aided by PocketMaker microkeratomefor the treatment of pellucid marginal degeneration

This study included 8 eyes of 8 patients (mean age, 33.63 ± 10.40 years) with pellucid marginal degeneration who underwent ICR implantation (Keraring355°) using mechanical dissection with the PocketMaker microkeratome. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), refraction, topographic findings, safety, efficacy index and adverse events were reported at 3 months postoperatively

At the 3-month follow-up visit, there was a statistically significant reduction in the median spherical equivalent refractive error 0.06 postoperative versus -3.69 D preoperative, p=0.012).The median UCVA (logMAR) improved from 1 preoperatively to 0.25 postoperatively (p=0.025), while mean BSCVA (logMAR) improved from 0.3 to 0.15 , p=0.035).Additionally, the mean K reading decreased by 6.87 D (from 47.80 D to 40.93 D, p=0.001). No intraoperative and postoperative complications were demonstrated in this series of patients.

The outcomes of the preliminary study show that the ICRS (KeraRing 355º) implantation is an efficient and minimally invasive procedure for improving visual acuity in patients with pellucid marginal degeneration.