keratoconus
CAIRS Treatment (Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segments)
CAIRS (Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segments) is a next-generation ring method in keratoconus treatment in which segments prepared from natural corneal tissue, rather than synthetic materials, are placed inside the cornea.
Prof. Dr. Efekan Coşkunseven
Ophthalmology · Istanbul
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Quick Answer
In CAIRS, the segments placed inside the cornea are produced from natural human corneal tissue. Placed into channels opened with a femtosecond laser, these natural segments reshape the cornea, improving visual quality and providing high biocompatibility.
What Is CAIRS?
CAIRS (Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segments) is a modern surgical technique used in keratoconus treatment. It is based on the principle of using natural corneal tissue instead of synthetic materials.
It relies on the segments placed inside the cornea being made from natural human corneal tissue. Using femtosecond laser technology, precise channels are created inside the cornea, and these natural corneal segments are placed into them.
Main Goals
- Making the shape of the cornea more regular
- Improving visual quality
- Delaying progression toward corneal transplantation
- Increasing contact lens tolerance
Advantages
- High biocompatibility (use of natural tissue)
- Improved tissue tolerance
- Reduced risk of foreign-body reaction
- Precise application with femtosecond laser
Recovery After Surgery
- First day: Mild stinging, possible tearing
- First week: Vision begins to sharpen
- First month: Improvement in quality is felt
- Full stabilization: A few months
Suitability is determined following a detailed examination; it is not suitable for every keratoconus patient.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the difference between CAIRS and classic rings (Intacs/Keraring)?
Classic rings are made from synthetic (biocompatible plastic) material, whereas CAIRS is prepared from natural human corneal tissue. This provides high biocompatibility and better tissue tolerance, reducing the risk of a foreign-body reaction.
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Is CAIRS suitable for everyone?
Suitability is determined following a detailed examination; it is not suitable for every keratoconus patient.
Related topics
Treatments often evaluated together
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Intracorneal Ring Segment Treatment (Intacs / Keraring)
In keratoconus and corneal shape disorders, transparent ring segments (Intacs / Keraring) placed inside the cornea reshape the corneal surface; corneal curvature is reduced, astigmatism is lowered, and visual quality is improved.
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Keratoconus Treatment
Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease in which the cornea gradually thins and bulges forward into a cone shape over time. Early diagnosis and the choice of an appropriate method (crosslinking/CXL, CAIRS, and intracorneal ring segments) are critical for controlling the disease.
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Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL / Cross-Linking)
CXL is a method used in keratoconus treatment to increase the structural strength of the cornea in order to halt the progression of the disease. It was first applied in Turkey in 2004 by Prof. Dr. Efekan Coşkunseven.
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