CAIRS vs CTAK for Keratoconus: Understanding the Differences between CTAK and CAIRS

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that causes the cornea to thin and bulge into a cone-like shape, leading to blurred vision, irregular astigmatism, and increasing difficulty with glasses or contact lenses. If you're searching for keratoconus treatment options, CAIRS for keratoconus, or CTAK for keratoconus, you've likely come across these two similar-sounding procedures. Both are innovative keratoconus surgery techniques that add donor corneal tissue to flatten and regularize the cornea, often delaying or avoiding a full corneal transplant.

But are CAIRS and CTAK the same? And which is better for treating keratoconus? In this post, we'll break down CAIRS keratoplasty for keratoconus versus CTAK for keratoconus, explain their similarities, and clarify why CTAK is essentially a branded variation of the original CAIRS procedure.

What is CAIRS for Keratoconus?

CAIRS stands for Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segments. First described in 2018 by Dr. Soosan Jacob, CAIRS is a minimally invasive keratoconus treatment that involves inserting shaped segments of donor corneal tissue into channels created in the patient's mid-peripheral cornea using a femtosecond laser.

• How CAIRS works for keratoconus: The allogenic (donor) tissue acts like natural ring segments, adding volume to thin areas, flattening the corneal cone, reducing irregular astigmatism, and improving vision.

• Often combined with corneal cross-linking (CXL) for better stabilization.

• Highly customizable: Surgeons can use uniform-thickness segments, tapered segments, or fully custom-shaped CAIRS tailored to the patient's specific topography, cone location, and severity (mild, moderate, or advanced keratoconus).

• Reversible, biocompatible (no extrusion risk like synthetic Intacs or kerarings), and suitable for thinner corneas.

CAIRS has revolutionized keratoconus management, offering excellent outcomes with low risk and quick recovery. It's widely used globally as a standalone or adjunct treatment for keratoconus.

What is CTAK for Keratoconus?

CTAK stands for Corneal Tissue Addition Keratoplasty. Developed later in the United States CTAK also involves inserting laser-shaped donor corneal tissue into the patient's cornea to reshape it.

• Promoted as a "customized" tissue addition using pre-cut, gamma-irradiated, shelf-stable donor tissue from companies like CorneaGen.

• The tissue is shaped into arc-like segments (similar to rings) and placed in femtosecond laser-created channels.

• Marketed for improving vision in keratoconus patients without needing a full transplant.

In essence, CTAK is a branded, commercial version of CAIRS. It uses the same core concept—intra-stromal insertion of allogenic corneal tissue segments—but packages it with pre-cut tissue and a specific nomogram. Many experts, including the originator of CAIRS, note that CTAK offers no meaningful advantages and can cause confusion by presenting itself as a distinct or superior technique.

Is CTAK Better Than CAIRS for Keratoconus?

No—CTAK is not better than CAIRS. Both provide excellent results in flattening the cornea and improving vision in keratoconus patients, but:

• CAIRS is the original, generic term and technique that encompasses all variations of allogenic intrastromal ring segments.

• Advanced CAIRS (e.g., custom-shaped or tapered) already offers the same or greater personalization than CTAK.

• There is no published evidence showing CTAK outperforms properly performed CAIRS.

• essentially, CTAK IS CAIRS, just with a proprietary name .

Using the term "CTAK" can mislead patients into thinking it's a newer or superior option when it's simply a marketed subset of CAIRS.

Why Choose CAIRS as the Standard Treatment for Keratoconus?

If you're researching keratoconus surgery options, stick with the established name: CAIRS for keratoconus. It's:

• The original, evidence-based procedure with years of global data.

• More flexible and surgeon-controlled for truly personalized treatment.

• Often more accessible and cost-effective without commercial branding.

Many top corneal specialists worldwide prefer the term CAIRS and perform highly customized versions that match or exceed what CTAK offers.

Final Thoughts: The Best Keratoconus Treatment is Personalized

Both CAIRS and CTAK represent exciting advances in keratoconus management, helping thousands avoid transplants while improving vision. However, CTAK is just a branded iteration of the original CAIRS procedure—no better, no worse when done correctly.

Consult a keratoconus specialist experienced in additive tissue techniques (CAIRS) to determine if you're a candidate. Early intervention with cross-linking plus CAIRS can provide life-changing results for mild to advanced keratoconus.