Management of pellucid marginal degeneration with intracorneal ring segments

J Refract Surg. 2005 May-Jun;21(3):296-8. doi: 10.3928/1081-597X-20050501-15.

Abstract

Purpose: To present intracorneal ring segments for potential management of pellucid marginal degeneration.

Methods: A 41-year-old man with pellucid marginal degeneration with poor visual acuity due to irregular astigmatism was treated with Intacs microthin insert (KeraVision, Fremont, Calif) in the left eye.

Results: Uncorrected visual acuity improved from 2/60 to 6/60 following the procedure. The procedure completely eliminated myopia of -8.00 diopters and improved the irregularity of the astigmatism, although it did not change its magnitude.

Conclusions: Insertion of the intracorneal ring segment improves visual acuity in pellucid marginal degeneration by flattening the central corneal protrusion, thus reducing myopia and improving the astigmatism irregularity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Astigmatism / physiopathology
  • Astigmatism / surgery
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Corneal Dystrophies, Hereditary / physiopathology
  • Corneal Dystrophies, Hereditary / surgery*
  • Corneal Stroma / physiopathology
  • Corneal Stroma / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Myopia / physiopathology
  • Myopia / surgery
  • Polymethyl Methacrylate
  • Prostheses and Implants*
  • Prosthesis Implantation*
  • Visual Acuity / physiology

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Polymethyl Methacrylate