Corneal Allogeneic Intrastromal Ring Segments (CAIRS): The New Kid on the Block

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Hyeck-Soo Son - , University Hospital Heidelberg (Author)
  • Victor A Augustin - , University Hospital Heidelberg (Author)
  • Maximilian Friedrich - , University Hospital Heidelberg (Author)
  • Timur M Yildirim - , University Hospital Heidelberg (Author)
  • Ramin Khoramnia - , Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Heidelberg (Author)
  • Gerd U Auffarth - , University Hospital Heidelberg (Author)

Abstract

Corneal allogeneic intrastromal ring segments (CAIRS) have recently been introduced as a novel therapeutic modality for keratoconus and corneal ectatic conditions. As with synthetic intracorneal segments, CAIRS are transplanted into intrastromal channel created via femtosecond laser, in order to regularise the corneal geometry, reduce myopia and astigmatism as well as higher-order aberrations, thus ultimately improving visual and topographic parameters. A growing body of clinical evidence supports the efficacy and safety of this approach, and CAIRS has thus become a paradigm shift in keratoconus treatment. This article provides a brief overview of CAIRS, its surgical indication, and graft preparation and possible customisation.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)803-806
Number of pages4
JournalKlinische Monatsblatter fur Augenheilkunde
Volume242
Issue number8
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2025
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 105013884059

Keywords

Keywords

  • Corneal Stroma/surgery, Corneal Transplantation/methods, Humans, Keratoconus/surgery, Prostheses and Implants, Prosthesis Design, Prosthesis Implantation/methods, Treatment Outcome