Intracorneal ring segments for keratoconus

Ludwig Boltzmann Institut fuer Health Technology Assessment (LBI-HTA)
Record ID 32015000946
English
Authors' objectives: Corneal implants are small segments of rings or full rings of synthetic material that are implanted in the corneal stroma to achieve flattening of the surface. In contrast to corneal transplantation that is the most frequent used treatment for ectatic corneal disorders in later stages, corneal implants is a less invasive and reversible intervention. In this report we analyse whether corneal implants are more or equally effective and safer than corneal transplantation or no intervention.
Authors' recommendations: The current evidence is not sufficient to prove that intrastromal corneal implants are equally or more effective and safe than corneal transplantation or no intervention for treatingf keratoconus or post-LASIK corneal ectasia. However, the comparison before and after the ring implantations of the single-arm studies have shown that the visual acuity has improved and that improvement has been clinically relevant in a large proportion of patients. Furthermore, the implantation of intrastromal corneal rings seems to be relatively safe and adverse events were minor. The inclusion in the catalogue of benefits is recommended with restrictions.
Details
Project Status: Completed
URL for project: http://hta.lbg.ac.at/page/bewertung-medizinischer-einzelleistungen-mel-2015
Year Published: 2015
URL for published report: http://eprints.hta.lbg.ac.at/1055/1/DSD_85.pdf
English language abstract: An English language summary is available
Publication Type: Not Assigned
Country: Austria
MeSH Terms
  • Keratoconus
  • Corneal Topography
  • Prostheses and Implants
  • Prosthesis Implantation
  • Refraction, Ocular
  • Visual Acuity
Contact
Organisation Name: Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Health Technology Assessment
Contact Address: Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for fuer Health Technology Assessment (LBI-HTA), Garnisongasse 7/rechte Stiege Mezzanin (Top 20), 1090 Vienna, Austria. Tel: +43 1 236 8119 - 0 Fax: +43 1 236 8119 - 99
Contact Name: tarquin.mittermayr@aihta.at
Contact Email: office@aihta.at
Copyright: Ludwig Boltzmann Institut fuer Health Technology Assessment (LBI-HTA)
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