A Tissue-Based Approach to Improving Corneal Shape
Keratoconus causes the cornea to become thinner, steeper, and more irregular in shape. This can lead to blurred or distorted vision, increasing astigmatism, glare, and difficulty seeing clearly with glasses or contact lenses.
For selected patients, CAIRS — Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segments — can be used to improve the shape of the cornea.
At Connecticut Eye Specialists, Dr. Lorenzo Cervantes offers CAIRS using KeraNatural®, specially prepared donor corneal tissue from Eversight.
What is CAIRS?
CAIRS is a procedure in which small segments of donor corneal tissue are placed within the patient’s own cornea.
A femtosecond laser creates a precise channel within the cornea, and the tissue is positioned within that channel based on the individual shape of the eye.
The goal is to make the cornea less steep and more regular, which may improve visual quality and make glasses or contact lenses work better.
What is KeraNatural®?
KeraNatural is specially prepared donor corneal tissue designed for procedures such as CAIRS.
Instead of using a synthetic plastic implant, CAIRS with KeraNatural uses human corneal tissue to help reshape the cornea.
This tissue-based approach is one of the newer options available for selected patients with keratoconus and corneal ectasia.
How is CAIRS different from INTACS?
INTACS and CAIRS are based on a similar idea: placing segments within the cornea to alter its shape.
The major difference is the material used.
INTACS use synthetic plastic segments. CAIRS uses donor human corneal tissue.
Connecticut Eye Specialists is transitioning from INTACS to CAIRS using KeraNatural as our preferred approach for patients who may benefit from corneal tissue addition.
What can CAIRS do?
CAIRS is primarily intended to improve corneal shape and visual quality.
Depending on the individual eye, treatment may help:
- Reduce excessive corneal steepening
- Decrease irregular astigmatism
- Improve vision with glasses or contact lenses
- Reduce visual distortion
- Improve contact-lens fit or tolerance
CAIRS is not designed primarily to eliminate glasses or contact lenses, and results vary from patient to patient.
CAIRS and Corneal Cross-Linking Are Different
Patients with keratoconus often hear about both CAIRS and corneal cross-linking.
They serve different purposes.
Corneal cross-linking is primarily used to strengthen the cornea and reduce the risk of progression.
CAIRS is primarily used to improve corneal shape and visual quality.
Some patients may benefit from one treatment, while others may benefit from both. The treatment plan depends on the shape, thickness, stability, and visual needs of the individual cornea.
Who may be a candidate for CAIRS?
CAIRS may be considered for patients with keratoconus or corneal ectasia who have significant corneal irregularity and reduced visual quality.
It may be particularly helpful for patients who:
- Have moderate or advanced keratoconus
- Have irregular astigmatism
- Do not see well enough with glasses
- Have difficulty tolerating rigid or scleral contact lenses
- Continue to have poor visual quality after corneal cross-linking
Not every patient with keratoconus is a candidate. Detailed corneal imaging is used to determine whether CAIRS is appropriate.
What happens during CAIRS treatment?
CAIRS is typically performed using numbing eye drops.
A femtosecond laser creates a precise channel within the cornea. The KeraNatural donor tissue is then inserted into the planned location.
The procedure is customized to the individual corneal shape, and vision typically changes gradually as the eye heals.
How does CAIRS fit into keratoconus treatment?
Keratoconus treatment is highly individualized.
Depending on the stage of disease and the patient’s visual needs, options may include:
- Glasses or contact lenses for visual correction.
- Scleral or rigid contact lenses for more advanced irregularity.
- Corneal cross-linking to reduce the risk of progression.
- Epi-on cross-linking with EpiOxa for selected patients.
- CAIRS using KeraNatural to improve corneal shape and visual quality.
- Topography-guided treatment in carefully selected cases.
- Corneal transplantation for advanced disease or significant scarring.
The goal is to choose the right treatment—or combination of treatments—for each individual cornea.
Keratoconus Care at Connecticut Eye Specialists
Connecticut Eye Specialists provides specialized evaluation and treatment of keratoconus in Shelton, Connecticut.
Dr. Lorenzo Cervantes is a fellowship-trained cornea, cataract, and refractive surgeon with experience in keratoconus, corneal cross-linking, corneal transplantation, and advanced corneal surgery.
A detailed corneal evaluation can help determine whether CAIRS using KeraNatural, cross-linking, or another treatment may be appropriate.
Schedule a Keratoconus Evaluation
If you have keratoconus and would like to learn more about CAIRS using KeraNatural, contact Connecticut Eye Specialists to schedule an evaluation.
Lorenzo Cervantes, MD
Cornea, External Disease, and Refractive Surgery
Connecticut Eye Specialists
Inspire Laser Vision Center
4 Corporate Drive, Suite 380
Shelton, CT 06484
cteyespecialists.com
Office: 203-926-1700
Fax: 203-926-0766
Mobile: 347-248-9399
