Is the surgery painful?

No, drop anesthesia is used. Mild stinging may occur after surgery.

How long does the surgery take?

10–15 minutes; 1–2 hours in total at the hospital.

When does vision improve?

Visual quality begins to improve in the first weeks and becomes more stable within 1–3 months.

Does it fully correct vision?

No; the goal is to reduce astigmatism and improve visual quality. Completely eliminating the glasses prescription is not the aim.

Does it stop keratoconus?

On its own, it does not fully stop the progression of the disease; it is more effective in combination with cross-linking (CXL). While the ring corrects vision, CXL strengthens the cornea and halts progression.

Can the ring be felt or seen from outside?

A mild foreign-body sensation may occur in the first few days; it is not felt afterward. Because it is transparent, it usually cannot be noticed from the outside.

Yes; being reversible is an important advantage. It can be removed or replaced if necessary.

Does it prevent the need for a corneal transplant?

It does not fully prevent it; however, in many patients it can delay the need for a corneal transplant for years.

Can it be performed on everyone?

No; a detailed examination and measurements are required. It is not suitable for patients with very advanced keratoconus, insufficient corneal thickness, corneal scarring, or active eye infection.

keratoconus

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.

Prof. Dr. Efekan Coşkunseven

Ophthalmology · Istanbul

{ AI · preliminary guidance }

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Quick Answer

In intracorneal ring segment treatment, ring segments made of biocompatible material are placed into tunnels opened with a femtosecond laser. By flattening the cornea, it improves vision with glasses; it is frequently applied together with cross-linking (CXL).

What Is Intracorneal Ring Segment Treatment?

This is a method used in keratoconus and corneal shape disorders. Rings made of biocompatible materials called Intacs or Keraring are placed inside the cornea. This procedure helps the cornea form a smoother surface, improving vision.

Why Does Keratoconus Require Ring Treatment?

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that occurs when the corneal layer thins and takes on a cone shape. Ring treatment reduces corneal curvature, lowers astigmatism, and improves visual quality.

The Difference Between Intacs and Keraring

Intacs: Thicker segment options, wider-diameter rings.
Keraring: More segment options, a finely adjustable structure; advantageous in irregular astigmatism.

Suitable Candidates

People diagnosed with keratoconus
Those with sufficient corneal thickness
Patients who cannot tolerate contact lenses
More successful results in early and moderate stage keratoconus

Very advanced keratoconus, insufficient corneal thickness, corneal scarring, active eye infection, and uncontrolled eye diseases are conditions in which this treatment is not suitable.

Surgical Process

Micron-level precise tunnels are created inside the cornea with the help of a femtosecond laser. The surgery is painless, requires no sutures, and the patient is discharged the same day. The procedure takes 10–15 minutes.

Recovery Process

First days: Mild stinging, light sensitivity
First week: Vision begins to sharpen
1–3 months: Vision becomes stable

Combination with Cross-Linking

Ring treatment is frequently applied together with cross-linking (CXL). While the ring corrects vision, cross-linking strengthens the cornea and halts the progression of the disease. This method can delay the need for a corneal transplant for years in many patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the surgery painful?

No, drop anesthesia is used. Mild stinging may occur after surgery.
How long does the surgery take?

10–15 minutes; 1–2 hours in total at the hospital.
When does vision improve?

Visual quality begins to improve in the first weeks and becomes more stable within 1–3 months.
Does it fully correct vision?

No; the goal is to reduce astigmatism and improve visual quality. Completely eliminating the glasses prescription is not the aim.
Does it stop keratoconus?

On its own, it does not fully stop the progression of the disease; it is more effective in combination with cross-linking (CXL). While the ring corrects vision, CXL strengthens the cornea and halts progression.
Can the ring be felt or seen from outside?

A mild foreign-body sensation may occur in the first few days; it is not felt afterward. Because it is transparent, it usually cannot be noticed from the outside.
Can it be removed?

Yes; being reversible is an important advantage. It can be removed or replaced if necessary.
Does it prevent the need for a corneal transplant?

It does not fully prevent it; however, in many patients it can delay the need for a corneal transplant for years.
Can it be performed on everyone?

No; a detailed examination and measurements are required. It is not suitable for patients with very advanced keratoconus, insufficient corneal thickness, corneal scarring, or active eye infection.