A Technique of Corneal Allogenic Ring Segments (CAIRS) Preparation Using Femtosecond Laser: A Pre-clinical Study on Human Corneal Grafts.

Abstract

Purpose - This study aims to describe a novel technique for preparing Corneal Allogenic Ring Segments (CAIRS) using femtosecond laser (FSL) technology. Setting - Hospital Foundation Adolphe de Rothschild- Noémie de Rothschild institute. Design - Pre-clinical study conducted on human corneal grafts. Methods - The corneal grafts were mounted on an artificial chamber pressurized (ACP) with preset constant pressure, and the femtosecond laser was used to create a circular annulus with specific dimensions. The resulting CAIRS were analyzed for their thickness and width after air drying. Results: A total of 25 CAIRS were prepared using the femtosecond laser. The mean width and thickness of the CAIRS were 803 ± 77 μm and 83 ± 16 μm, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in width among the various quadrants of each CAIRS or between different CAIRS. Significantly thicker CAIRS were obtained with higher ACP pressure. Conclusion: The technique of CAIRS preparation using femtosecond laser technology and controlled artificial anterior chamber (AAC) pressure demonstrated reproducibility and precision. This approach holds the potential for customizing and personalizing CAIRS based on individual corneal characteristics.