CAIRS

Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segments (CAIRS) have emerged as a groundbreaking technology for the management of keratoconus.

CAIRS act to regularize the irregular corneal surface, essentially acting as internal braces to reinforce the thinning, bulging cornea. They are allogenic, meaning they are procured from donor tissue, thus providing biocompatibility and reducing the risk of adverse immune reactions.

CAIRS are strategically implanted within the corneal stroma, assisting in the reshaping and stabilization of the cornea. This reshaping aims to reduce or eliminate the irregular astigmatism caused by keratoconus, allowing for improved visual acuity and potentially negating the need for more invasive interventions, such as full thickness corneal transplants.

The procedure is minimally invasive, reversible, and modifiable, allowing for adjustment or removal of the segments if necessary. That does not mean it is simple! CAIRS is still a corneal transplant with donor tissue, however, when meticulously planned and performed with the extremely precise equipment we have available it drastically reduces some of the complications that can occur with other types of transplant.

Drs David Gunn and Brendan Cronin have developed the world’s first online surgical calculator to assist both beginner and experience corneal surgeons in planning their CAIRS procedures www.CAIRSplan.com