LaserVision

Treatment at a glance

Treatment Time

5 Mins - 30 Mins

Anaesthetic

Local

Downtime

Minimal

Longevity

Long Term

Key Benefit

Improved visual acuity

What is CAIRS?

CAIRS (Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segments) is a treatment for keratoconus, a progressive eye condition where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape. CAIRS involves implanting corneal tissue segments from a donor (allogenic) into the patient’s cornea. These segments help to stabilise and reshape the cornea, improving vision and slowing the progression of keratoconus. This procedure is considered minimally invasive and is a promising alternative to synthetic corneal implants, offering better biocompatibility and fewer risks of complications like rejection.

CAIRS for keratoconus
Treatment Benefits Benefits

What are the benefits of CAIRS?

  • Minimally Invasive: CAIRS is less invasive than traditional corneal transplants, leading to quicker recovery and reduced surgical risk.
  • Improved Vision: By reshaping and stabilising the cornea, CAIRS helps improve visual acuity in patients with keratoconus.
  • Biocompatibility: The use of allogenic (donor) tissue is more compatible with the eye than synthetic implants, reducing the risk of rejection or inflammation.
  • Slows Disease Progression: CAIRS can effectively halt or slow the progression of keratoconus, preventing further corneal thinning and deformation.
  • Fewer Complications: Compared to synthetic corneal rings, CAIRS has a lower risk of infection, extrusion, or long-term complications, enhancing overall patient safety.

How is it performed?

  • 1.The surgeon conducts a thorough eye examination to assess the severity of keratoconus and determine the suitability of the patient for the CAIRS procedure. This includes corneal topography, pachymetry (corneal thickness measurement), and other diagnostics.
  • 2.Using a femtosecond laser or a mechanical tool, the surgeon creates precise tunnels within the corneal stroma (the middle layer of the cornea). These tunnels are placed where the allogenic ring segments will be inserted.
  • 3.Donor corneal tissue is prepared into thin, ring-shaped segments. These allogenic segments are customised based on the patient’s corneal shape and the degree of keratoconus.
  • 4.The allogenic ring segments are carefully inserted into the pre-created corneal tunnels. These segments help to reshape the cornea and provide structural support to stabilise the thinning areas.
  • 5.After the procedure, the patient is monitored for proper healing and prescribed medications like antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
  • 6.Follow-up appointments are scheduled to track the progress and evaluate vision improvement or stabilisation.
Laser Vision Corneal Transplants
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Frequently Asked Questions

CAIRS (Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segments) involves inserting donor corneal tissue into the patient’s cornea to stabilise and reshape it. Unlike synthetic rings, CAIRS uses natural tissue, offering better biocompatibility and fewer complications.

CAIRS is typically recommended for patients with moderate to advanced keratoconus who still have enough corneal thickness. A thorough eye evaluation by a specialist is needed to determine eligibility.

No, the CAIRS procedure is generally painless. Local anaesthesia is used during the surgery to numb the eye, and patients may experience mild discomfort or irritation during recovery.

Most patients experience a relatively quick recovery, with improvements in vision noticeable within a few weeks. Full stabilisation of the cornea may take a few months, and follow-up care is essential during this period.

While CAIRS is minimally invasive and carries fewer risks than traditional corneal transplants, potential complications include infection, segment displacement, or inflammation. However, these are rare with proper post-operative care.

Treatment Options

Choosing the right vision correction clinic for your surgery is paramount. This is a life changing procedure after all, and you need to have complete trust in your surgeon and care team of professionals.

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Related Concerns

Choosing the right vision correction clinic for your surgery is paramount. This is a life changing procedure after all, and you need to have complete trust in your surgeon and care team of professionals.

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