[Correction of irregular astigmatism with intracorneal ring segments]

Management of irregular astigmatism with intracorneal rings segments is an intrastromal additive technique developed initially for myopia but eventually popularized for keratoconus and post LASIK ectasia. ICR's are indicated for rigid contact lens intolerance, as an alternative to corneal transplantation. The mechanism of action is complex and involves biomechanical changes leading to a centering and a flattening of the ectasia. The surgical procedure has become much easier thanks to the use of femtosecond lasers. Individualized implantation strategies, based on each patient's topographic and tomographic pattern, are constantly evolving. Patients' refraction and vision are usually improved in more than 70% of cases. Complications remain very rare. Intracorneal ring segments can often be combined with other types of keratoplasty, usually in a sequential fashion, so as to optimize functional results.