Location
Philadelphia, PA
Start Date
17-4-2026 1:30 PM
End Date
17-4-2026 2:30 PM
Description
Introduction: Keratoconus (KC) is a progressive eye disease where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape, causing significant vision distortion, blurred vision, astigmatism, and light sensitivity, and is usually diagnosed in teens and young adults (ages 10-30). Currently, corneal cross-linking (CXL), rigid gas permeable (RGP) or scleral contact lenses for vision correction, and corneal transplant in advanced cases are the primary treatment options for KC. Previous studies have shown significant results in improving vision and corneal steepness in KC using intrastromal inlays, most notably synthetic Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments (ICRS) and Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segments (CAIRS). Like CAIRS, Corneal Tissue Addition Keratoplasty (CTAK) aims to re-shape and flatten the cornea via a customized inlay of donor tissue. Specific to CTAK is the use of gamma-irradiated, sterilized, preserved cornea tissue (CorneaGen), exclusively implanted with a femtosecond laser. The additional sterilization step and increased precision of donor segment measurements as a result of CorneaGen processing gives CTAK unique benefits for treating keratoconus.
Methods: We conducted a single center, prospective, open label clinical trial where CTAK was performed on 11 patients, 12 eyes. Patients were selected based on any of the following indications: contact lens intolerance, unsatisfactory level of visual correction with spectacles or contact lenses (at or below 0.5 Snellen), or underwent CXL but needed additional visual rehabilitation. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and the steepest point on the anterior corneal surface (Kmax) were measured before surgery and 1 month post-operatively.
Results: Average UCVA improved from 0.9323 ± 0.3021 logMAR lines (LL) (20/171) to 0.6796 ± 0.4680 logMAR lines (LL) (20/95) (p=0.0523). Average BCVA improved from 0.4068 ± 0.1577 logMAR lines (LL) (20/51) to 0.2118 ± 0.2016 logMAR lines (LL) (20/32) (p=0.0037). Kmax flattened by -4.6 D on average, from 62.48 ± 9.424 D preoperatively to 57.88 ± 7.153 D at 1 month postoperatively (p=0.0037).
Discussion: CTAK is a promising surgical option for patients with keratoconus and corneal ectasia that provides significant visual and topographic improvement.
Embargo Period
6-3-2026
Included in
Corneal tissue addition keratoplasty for the treatment of keratoconus
Philadelphia, PA
Introduction: Keratoconus (KC) is a progressive eye disease where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape, causing significant vision distortion, blurred vision, astigmatism, and light sensitivity, and is usually diagnosed in teens and young adults (ages 10-30). Currently, corneal cross-linking (CXL), rigid gas permeable (RGP) or scleral contact lenses for vision correction, and corneal transplant in advanced cases are the primary treatment options for KC. Previous studies have shown significant results in improving vision and corneal steepness in KC using intrastromal inlays, most notably synthetic Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments (ICRS) and Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segments (CAIRS). Like CAIRS, Corneal Tissue Addition Keratoplasty (CTAK) aims to re-shape and flatten the cornea via a customized inlay of donor tissue. Specific to CTAK is the use of gamma-irradiated, sterilized, preserved cornea tissue (CorneaGen), exclusively implanted with a femtosecond laser. The additional sterilization step and increased precision of donor segment measurements as a result of CorneaGen processing gives CTAK unique benefits for treating keratoconus.
Methods: We conducted a single center, prospective, open label clinical trial where CTAK was performed on 11 patients, 12 eyes. Patients were selected based on any of the following indications: contact lens intolerance, unsatisfactory level of visual correction with spectacles or contact lenses (at or below 0.5 Snellen), or underwent CXL but needed additional visual rehabilitation. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and the steepest point on the anterior corneal surface (Kmax) were measured before surgery and 1 month post-operatively.
Results: Average UCVA improved from 0.9323 ± 0.3021 logMAR lines (LL) (20/171) to 0.6796 ± 0.4680 logMAR lines (LL) (20/95) (p=0.0523). Average BCVA improved from 0.4068 ± 0.1577 logMAR lines (LL) (20/51) to 0.2118 ± 0.2016 logMAR lines (LL) (20/32) (p=0.0037). Kmax flattened by -4.6 D on average, from 62.48 ± 9.424 D preoperatively to 57.88 ± 7.153 D at 1 month postoperatively (p=0.0037).
Discussion: CTAK is a promising surgical option for patients with keratoconus and corneal ectasia that provides significant visual and topographic improvement.