CAIRS – A New Generation in the Treatment of Keratoconus

CAIRS (Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segments) is one of the most advanced methods for treating keratoconus. It helps strengthen the cornea, improve its shape, and restore better visual quality.

For many patients, CAIRS represents a new option between treatments such as glasses and contact lenses on one side, and corneal transplantation on the other.

What is keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a condition in which the cornea (the transparent front part of the eye) gradually becomes thinner and bulges forward, taking on a cone-like shape. Due to this change in shape, the following symptoms may occur:

• blurred vision
• distorted vision (irregular astigmatism)
• double vision
• glare and halos around lights
• reduced vision, especially at night

As the disease progresses, glasses and contact lenses often can no longer provide sufficient visual correction.

What is CAIRS?

CAIRS is a modern surgical procedure in which thin, specially shaped segments made from donor human corneal tissue are implanted into the cornea.

The segments are placed within the middle layers of the cornea. There they provide mechanical support to weakened tissue, help restore a more regular corneal shape, and reduce the bulging typical of keratoconus.

The goals of the procedure are:

• improve corneal shape and stability
• improve visual quality
• make contact lens wear easier
• in selected patients, delay or avoid corneal transplantation

How is CAIRS different?

Traditional intrastromal ring segments are made of synthetic material. CAIRS instead uses natural corneal tissue, which integrates better with the eye and interacts more naturally with the patient’s own tissue.

Advantages of the CAIRS method:

• implant made from natural donor corneal tissue
• more natural integration into eye tissue
• stabilization and improved corneal shape
• fewer irregularities on the corneal surface
• better visual quality
• possibility of combining with corneal cross-linking
• in selected patients, reduced need for corneal transplantation

How is the procedure performed?

The procedure is performed using a femtosecond laser, which allows exceptional precision.

Procedure steps:

• a thin, precise channel (tunnel) is created in the middle layer of the cornea using a femtosecond laser
• one or two donor corneal segments are placed into the prepared channel

The procedure is minimally invasive. Patients usually return to daily activities shortly after surgery, following their doctor’s instructions.

Who is a candidate for CAIRS?

CAIRS may be a good option for patients who:

• have keratoconus
• no longer achieve satisfactory vision with glasses
• have difficulty tolerating contact lenses
• have progressive corneal disease
• wish to delay or avoid corneal transplantation

What results can be expected?

Clinical experience shows that CAIRS can lead to:

• improved visual acuity
• a more regular corneal shape
• better corneal stability
• improved quality of vision in daily life

CAIRS at Svjetlost

At the Special Hospital for Ophthalmology Svjetlost, we apply the most advanced methods for treating corneal diseases, including CAIRS, for carefully selected patients with keratoconus.

Each patient undergoes a detailed diagnostic evaluation to determine the best treatment approach and achieve the best possible outcome.

Our goal is not only better vision, but also long-term preservation of corneal health and the patient’s quality of life.