Hydrogel ocular sealant for wound closure during intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation

Abstract

We present a new technique for the sutureless closure of corneal incisions after intrastromal corneal ring segment (ICRS) insertion. Twelve eyes of 7 patients with keratoconus were treated at our institution by the same surgeon with femtosecond laser-assisted ICRS implantation followed by slit-incision closure with a hydrogel ocular sealant. A retrospective review of clinical characteristics was performed over a mean follow-up of 5 months and compared with previously published data on traditional methods for wound management after ICRS insertion. All visual, refractive, and topographic outcomes were within expected limits. No adverse events were observed. Hydrogel ocular sealant was deemed to be a safe, effective, and surgeon-friendly option for wound closure during ICRS implantation.

Financial disclosure: None of the authors has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.