Abstract
Purpose: :
To describe the histopathologic findings in human ectasic corneas, induced after implantation of intrastromal corneal rings at 2,5 mm from center. The aim of this study is to present the refractive and histopathological data of corneal implants in human corneas and to compare these results with the clinical data actually available
Methods: :
Nine ectasic eyes of 9 patients (two post-lasik ectasia, six keratoconic corneas and one marginal pellucid degeneration) who recieved intracorneal segments (Ferrara-Keraring like) due to severe loss vision and a contact lens intolerance. Because a poor refractive out-come the nine patient’s eyes, they had penetrating keratoplasty. Conventional light microscopy was performed on all specimenes after hematein-eosin stain.
Results: :
Conventional histology showed hypoplasia of the corneal epithelium immediately surrounding the channel.
Conclusions: :
Although histopathologic changes seem to be complety reversble after implant removal, longer follow-up is necessary to determne whether they accelerate corneal thinning.
Keywords: keratoconus • cornea: clinical science • refractive surgery