American Journal of Ophthalmology Case Reports · Published 2026-06-11 · DOI 10.1016/j.ajoc.2026.102616
Bader Khayat, Omar M. Alabbasi, Ghadi Aljohani
Background: Corneal allogenic intrastromal ring segments (CAIRS) were developed as a biologic alternative to synthetic intracorneal ring segments and are primarily reported in the management of keratoconus and corneal ectasia. Its role in high corneal astigmatism still limited. Case report: A 54-year-old male presented with decreased visual acuity in the left eye due to high regular corneal astigmatism. Preoperative best-corrected visual acuity was 0.8 (decimal scale), with a manifest refraction of: +3.5/9.25 × 109. CAIRS implantation was performed based on the magnitude of astigmatism, and limitations of alternative corrective options. At one year postoperatively, corneal tomography demonstrated a marked reduction in astigmatism with improved corneal regularity. Pachymetry and posterior corneal parameters remained stable, and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) confirmed appropriate intrastromal segment positioning without complications. Conclusion: This case demonstrates the feasibility of CAIRS implantation in isolated high corneal astigmatism, with stable tomographic outcomes at one year. With careful patient selection, CAIRS may represent a tissue-preserving option in selected cases.
Abstract from DOAJ. Public domain (CC0 1.0).
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Khayat, B., Alabbasi, O., Aljohani, G. (2026). Use of corneal allogenic intrastromal ring segments (CAIRS) in high astigmatism, a case report. American Journal of Ophthalmology Case Reports. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajoc.2026.102616