Keratoconus and corneal ectasia after LASIK are rare diseases. In contrast to corneal transplantation that is the most frequently used treatment for ectatic corneal disorders in later stages, corneal implantation is a less invasive and reversible intervention. Therefore, we assessed the effectiveness and safety of these corneal implants.

Since we exclusively found uncontrolled trials, the level of evidence was very low to low. However, the studies predict an improvement in visual acuity with moderate re-operation rates and few adverse events.


The use of corneal implants is less invasive than corneal transplantation and is (in contrast to the latter) reversible. Therefore, we recommend the inclusion -with restrictions- in the Austrian catalogue of benefits.