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CAIRS is a modern surgical option for people with keratoconus
Keratoconus is a condition where the cornea becomes thin and cone-shaped, causing blurry and distorted vision. CAIRS uses donor corneal tissue to gently reshape the cornea and improve vision while preserving future treatment options.
This emerging technique was first described in 2018 and is now supported by published long-term results showing meaningful and stable vision improvement for many patients.
What Is CAIRS?
CAIRS stands for Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segments.
- “Allogenic” means the tissue comes from a human donor cornea
- “Intrastromal” means the implant sits within the cornea
- “Ring segments” are curved, lamellar pieces designed to reshape the cornea
Unlike synthetic corneal ring implants, CAIRS uses natural corneal tissue, which integrates well with the eye.
How The CAIRS Procedure Works
CAIRS is an additive procedure, meaning no corneal tissue is removed.
Step-by-step overview:
- A femtosecond laser creates precise channels inside the cornea
- A thin, curved donor corneal segment is placed into the channel
- The implant gently reshapes the cornea
- The corneal surface remodels over time, improving vision
The vision improvement is believed to come from epithelial remodeling, where the outer layer of the cornea adapts to the new, smoother shape underneath.
Key Advantages Of CAIRS
CAIRS offers several important benefits compared to other keratoconus treatments.
Why Dr. Berger chooses CAIRS:
- Highly customizable to each eye
- Made from natural, biocompatible corneal tissue
- Very low risk of rejection
- Reversible and removable if needed
- Adjustable over time
- Does not weaken the cornea
- Does not involve the central visual axis
- Does not limit future eye surgeries
- Can be done before or after corneal crosslinking
Because tissue is added rather than removed, CAIRS helps support corneal strength rather than compromise it.
Vision Results From Published Studies
Long-term studies following patients for over 3 years show strong and stable outcomes.
Uncorrected Distance Vision (UDVA):
- Improved 3 or more lines in 63% of eyes
- Improved 2 lines in 18%
- Improved 1 line in 10%
- No change in 10%
- No patients experienced vision loss
Best Corrected Vision (CDVA):
- Improved 3 or more lines in 73% of eyes
- Improved 2 lines in 13%
- Improved 1 line in 6%
- No change in 8%
- No decrease in corrected vision reported
Corneal Shape And Prescription Changes:
- Average prescription improved from -7.54 diopters to -2.10 diopters at 3 years
- Maximum corneal steepness (Kmax) decreased and stabilized early after surgery
These results suggest CAIRS provides lasting visual improvement and corneal stability.
Am I a Good Candidate for CAIRS?
CAIRS may be considered for patients who:
- Have keratoconus or corneal ectasia
- Are experiencing vision distortion not fully corrected with glasses
- Are not ideal candidates for or want to delay corneal transplant
- Need a procedure that preserves future surgical options
A full eye exam and corneal imaging are required to determine candidacy.
Risks and Possible Complications of CAIRS
CAIRS is considered very safe, with relatively few reported complications.
Possible risks include:
- Dry eye symptoms
- Glare or halos
- Intra-tunnel deposits
- Implant movement or dislocation
- Localized thinning over the graft
Dr. Berger will discuss risks in detail and monitor healing closely after surgery.
CAIRS as Part of a Keratoconus Treatment Plan
CAIRS does not replace all keratoconus treatments. Instead, it can be combined with other options, including corneal cross-linking, to both stabilize the cornea and improve vision.
If you have keratoconus and are exploring advanced treatment options, CAIRS may offer a customizable, tissue-based solution with strong long-term outcomes.
Schedule a consultation to find out if CAIRS is right for your eyes.
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