CAIRS is a modern surgical option for Keratoconus in which arc- or ring-shaped segments made from donor corneal tissue (rather than plastic) are inserted into tunnels created in the cornea. These biological segments help to regularise the corneal shape, reduce irregular astigmatism and improve vision quality.
At Centre for Sight, this treatment is offered when glasses or contacts no longer control vision effectively, and you seek a less invasive reshaping solution before full-thickness transplant is needed.
First line treatment for mild keratoconus.
For more advanced shape irregularity.
Strengthens the cornea to slow progression.
Synthetic rings (e.g., Intacs, Ferrara) – plastic segments inside cornea.
CAIRS (Keranatural) – donor tissue rings for improved biocompatibility and customisation.
When more severe scarring or thinning requires grafting.
Please note that your consultant will recommend the most suitable treatment option tailored to your specific case.
| Procedure | How it works | Best for | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAIRS (Corneal Allograft Intrastromal Ring Segments) (Keranatural) | Donor corneal tissue segments are placed into tunnels within the cornea to gently reshape and regularise the cone. | Patients with moderate keratoconus experiencing visual distortion but not yet requiring a transplant. | Uses natural corneal tissue → more biocompatible | Recovery and shape stabilisation can take time |
| Synthetic Ring Segments (e.g., Intacs, Ferrara) | Plastic ring segments are inserted into the cornea to flatten the cone and reduce irregular astigmatism. | Patients who are not suitable for glasses alone and who want to delay transplant. | Minimally invasive procedure | May offer less natural shaping compared to CAIRS |
| DALK (Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty) | The front layers of the cornea are replaced with donor tissue, preserving the inner endothelial layer. | More advanced keratoconus where corneal thinning and scarring are significant but the endothelium is still healthy. | Preserves patient’s own endothelium → lower rejection risk | Surgical complexity requires specialist expertise |
| PK (Penetrating Keratoplasty / Full-Thickness Transplant) | The entire cornea is replaced with a donor graft. | Severe keratoconus, scarring, extreme thinning, or failed previous procedures. | Comprehensive option when other treatments are insufficient | Requires lifelong monitoring and suture management |
You may be a candidate for CAIRS if you:
Your consultant will provide a personalised risk-and-benefit discussion based on your eye’s specific needs.
| Benefits (vary by procedure): | Risks/side effects (not exhaustive): |
|---|---|
| Uses donor corneal tissue → superior biocompatibility and customised shape support | Mild discomfort or fluctuating vision during healing |
| Regularises corneal contour, often improving vision quality and comfort with lenses | Rare need for segment adjustment or removal (~5-10% cases) |
| Minimally invasive compared with full-thickness transplant | Long-term data still maturing for this new technology |
| Preserves future treatment options | Glasses or contact lenses may still be required for best vision |
Fill out our online form or call our team. Our enquiry staff will guide you through your first steps towards clearer vision.
A full diagnostic work-up including corneal scans, thickness mapping, and lens/contact history.
Meet your corneal specialist, review findings, discuss suitability, alternative treatments (CXL, synthetic rings, transplant).
Day-case procedure: femtosecond laser creates tunnel; donor-tissue ring inserted; soothing recovery protocol.
Regular follow-ups, vision monitoring, lens refitting when appropriate; ongoing corneal health support.
Transparent pricing will be provided in your consultation. Costs vary depending on the number of segments, complexity of the cornea, and whether combined treatments (e.g., CXL) are required.
Flexible finance plans are available to spread the investment comfortably (subject to status and eligibility).
Possibly. Many patients achieve improved comfort and vision and may wear simpler lenses or glasses, but the best correction varies by individual.
Yes, donor tissue is processed in accredited eye-banks, sterilised and prepared to high standards.
Yes, segments can be adjusted or removed if needed, while preserving future treatment options.
CAIRS primarily improves corneal shape and vision; progression is typically addressed via CXL. Your surgeon may combine both.
Our corneal team are specialists in keratoconus management, offering advanced diagnostics and access to new tissue-based technologies in a dedicated environment.
