CAIRS for Keratoconus
CORNEAL ALLOGENIC INTRASTROMAL RING SEGMENTS (“CAIRS”) for Keratoconus
CAIRS is the next generation of cutting-edge treatment for keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration and post LASIK ectasia being offered at the Queensland Eye Institute. Watch a video of the procedure here.
This procedure is performed for patients with keratoconus or weak corneas to provide more strength and to reduce the corneal distortions that occur in this condition. The procedure aims to improve the shape of the cornea meaning that you will hopefully be able to achieve better vision and potentially be a better candidate for further vision enhancing procedures such a topography guided laser resurfacing procedures.
CAIRS is a modern take on the older Keraring™ procedure for keratoconus – with some important differences.
CAIRS is covered by health funds – Kerarings™ are not.
CAIRS segments are inserted at a depth of 50% corneal thickness meaning they can have more effect on the shape of your cornea than Kerarings™ which must be inserted much deeper.
CAIRS has a much lower risk of a severe complication called “extrusion”.
CAIRS also has significant advantages over full thickness or other partial thickness types of corneal transplants
No tissue is removed from your eye in CAIRS – it leaves you eye stronger not weaker
CAIRS is generally done without any stitches
You can still continue all contact sports with CAIRS.
You can even swim 7 days after the procedure!
You only need about 2-3 days off work for CAIRS.
You only need topical steroids drops for 4 weeks after CAIRS
There is no significant long term risk of failure or rejection with CAIRS
The procedure involves taking tissue from a corneal donor (someone who has passed away and has donated their eyes for transplantation) and cutting one or two very small ring-shaped segments of this tissue. A special laser called a femtosecond laser then cuts a small tunnel in your cornea. The donor rings of tissue are then threaded into these tunnels to strengthen your compromised cornea. There are 2 big differences between CAIRS and other types of corneal transplants 1. None of your cornea is removed in CAIRS. 2. Only a very small amount of donor tissue is implanted in your cornea. This tissue is “non-functioning” meaning that failure or rejection of the graft (which is extremely rare) should not affect the visual outcome.
What else does the procedure involve
This is performed as routine day surgery. The procedure is performed at the South Bank Day Hospital – the only hospital in Queensland with the femtosecond LASER that is required for the procedure.
You are sedated for the procedure, so you won’t remember much at all.
You vision will often have significantly improved the next day but will fluctuate over a few weeks.
Is CAIRS still a corneal transplant?
ABSOLUTELY YES! CAIRS might sound easy but it is still an extremely delicate procedure requiring years of training, meticulous planning, hugely expensive lasers, extremely precise positioning of the tissue and regular post-operative follow up to ensure good results. Rejection can still occur with a CAIRS transplant (although the rates are very low).
Have you had CAIRS or are considering it? Please use the opportunity to discuss organ donation with your family. Giving the gift or life and / or sight can be one of the greatest gifts of all.
A video explanation of CAIRS for keratoconus.
