Intrastromal corneal ring implants are clear, micro-thin acrylic ring segments that can be surgically implanted into the cornea (the transparent front part of the eye covering the iris and pupil) to correct for visual defects. The devices are most commonly considered for patients suffering from corneal ectasia (thinning) conditions, such as keratoconus and pellucid marginal corneal degeneration, in which there is a forward bulging of the eye causing myopia (near-sightedness). Normally, two implants are inserted into each eye along the sides of the cornea. The crescent-shaped implants then act as passive spacers that flatten the surface of the cornea and restore visual acuity. Corneal implants may also be considered in cases for conditions resulting from failed eye procedures, most commonly, corneal thinning occurring after LASIK surgery. At present, INTACS® (Addition Technology Inc., Sunnyvale, CA) are the only licensed corneal implants in Canada.

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