Adding Corneal Reshaping to Your Practice
CAIRS and CTAK procedures offer a practical opportunity to expand care options for patients with irregular corneas while integrating well into modern anterior segment and refractive practices.
By
Kamran M. Riaz, MD
January 1, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Adding Corneal Reshaping to Your Practice
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Key Mechanisms Intracorneal ring segments (ICRS) and tissue-based reshaping techniques (CAIRS and CTAK), noting ICRS do not halt disease progression. Target Population Care Setting
Key Highlights
ICRS mechanically reshape the cornea but do not halt disease progression, which should be emphasized. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Management
Consider ICRS, CAIRS, or CTAK for patients not suitable for keratoplasty, ensuring careful selection based on corneal condition. Monitoring & Follow-up
Risks
Patient & Prescribing Data
Patients with moderate to advanced KCN and irregular corneas
Tissue-based reshaping can improve uncorrected and spectacle-corrected visual acuity.
Clinical Best Practices
Combine CXL with reshaping procedures to stabilize corneal geometry and educate patients on potential complications. Related Resources & Content
