{"id":16972,"date":"2025-12-02T13:49:43","date_gmt":"2025-12-02T12:49:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/intracorneal-rings-cairs\/"},"modified":"2026-10-04T16:52:28","modified_gmt":"2026-10-04T14:52:28","slug":"intracorneal-rings-cairs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/intracorneal-rings-cairs\/","title":{"rendered":"Intracorneal Rings (CAIRS)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-c7b04e1f\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns alignfull has-1-columns has-desktop-equal-layout has-tablet-equal-layout has-mobile-equal-layout has-vertical-unset bg-gradient\"><div class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"innerblocks-wrap\">\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column-70c58721\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column\">\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-b6d2ae52\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns has-2-columns has-desktop-equal-layout has-tablet-equal-layout has-mobile-collapsedRows-layout has-vertical-unset\"><div class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"innerblocks-wrap\">\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column-08a62e96\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-neve-link-hover-color-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1\" style=\"border-top-style:none;border-top-width:0px;border-right-style:none;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-style:none;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--neve-link-color);border-left-width:4px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">CAIRS rings: biological intracorneal segments that flatten advanced keratoconus and help avoid a transplant<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"sl-stadt-untertitel has-neve-link-color-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2 wp-block-paragraph\">Warsaw \u00b7 Krakow \u00b7 Vienna \u00b7 Zurich<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">CAIRS (Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segments) are segments made of human corneal tissue, implanted into a channel created by a femtosecond laser within the patient&#8217;s own cornea. They flatten the cone, reduce irregular astigmatism, and restore contact lens tolerance or good vision with glasses. Unlike plastic rings, they integrate with the tissue. SwissLaser offers the only structured CAIRS pathway for patients from Poland: qualification and follow-ups in Warsaw or Krakow, procedure at our center in Vienna. Why Vienna? In Poland, CAIRS is classified as a corneal tissue transplant and cannot be performed in a private clinic \u2013 which is why the procedure itself is carried out in Austria.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group sl-answer sl-zacma\" style=\"border-width:1px;padding-top:20px;padding-right:20px;padding-bottom:20px;padding-left:20px\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4597e620 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">CAIRS in brief<\/h2>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>What it is:<\/strong> arc-shaped segments of acellular donor corneal tissue (KeraNatural), 90\u2013340 degrees long, implanted into the corneal stroma at a depth of approximately 70\u201380% of its thickness. The method was described by Dr. Soosan Jacob in 2018; in Europe, it is performed by a dozen centers.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>For whom:<\/strong> advanced keratoconus (stage II\u2013IV), intolerance to hard contact lenses, peripheral scars, cornea too thin or too steep for crosslinking alone. Condition: clear corneal center and thickness of at least 300\u2013350 \u00b5m at the implantation site.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Effect:<\/strong> Kmax flattening by an average of 4\u20137 D, improvement in uncorrected and corrected visual acuity by 2\u20134 lines, better contact lens tolerance. The effect increases over 3\u20136 months. If necessary, segments can be removed or replaced.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Price and pathway:<\/strong> 16,000 PLN per eye, including coordination of the procedure in Vienna, ATOS femtosecond laser, tissue from a certified bank, and follow-ups in Poland. Qualification with tomography 400 PLN. <a href=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/keratoconus-pricing\/\">Price list and installments<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Safety:<\/strong> donor cell-free tissue does not cause rejection; the risk of displacement and extrusion, typical for PMMA rings, is negligible with CAIRS. The procedure takes about 30 minutes, under topical anesthesia.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<p class=\"sl-proof-line wp-block-paragraph\">SwissLaser in numbers: crosslinking since 2007, method learned from Prof. Theo Seiler in Zurich \u00b7 over 25,000 refractive procedures by the chief surgeon \u00b7 MS-39 and Anterion tomography \u00b7 one team in Warsaw, Krakow, Vienna, and Zurich \u00b7 Google: 4,8 (Warsaw) and 5,0 (Krakow)<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-63375db1 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-primary\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/book-an-appointment\/\">Book an appointment<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-secondary\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/test-kwalifikacji\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Preliminary Eligibility Assessment<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column-ffe82568\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-eec848f3\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns alignfull has-1-columns has-desktop-equal-layout has-tablet-equal-layout has-mobile-equal-layout has-vertical-unset has-light-bg\"><div class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"innerblocks-wrap\">\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column-d376c664\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">CAIRS rings \u2014 shortest answers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list sl-answer\">\n<li><strong>How does CAIRS differ from Intacs and Keraring?<\/strong> In material and safety profile. Intacs and Keraring are hard plastic, which remains a foreign body in the cornea and in a few percent of cases displaces or extrudes.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Must CAIRS take place in Vienna?<\/strong> Currently, yes. The procedure using human tissue requires a certified tissue bank and infrastructure, which we have at our Vienna center.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>How much does CAIRS cost and are installments available?<\/strong> 16,000 PLN per eye with tissue, laser, procedure in Vienna, and follow-ups in Poland. Qualification 400 PLN. Installments through Santander Consumer Bank; NFZ (National Health Fund) does not finance this method.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Does CAIRS replace crosslinking?<\/strong> No, these methods complement each other. CAIRS improves corneal shape, crosslinking stops the disease. For progressive keratoconus, we combine them: first CAIRS, after 1\u20133 months CXL in Poland to stabilize the new shape. For stable keratoconus, CAIRS alone is sufficient.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Can my body reject CAIRS?<\/strong> No. The segments are free of donor cells, so the immune system has nothing to recognize as foreign. Rejection has not been described in publications. Over time, the patient&#8217;s own corneal cells populate them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-96b4f8e2\" class=\"nv-cv-m wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns alignfull has-1-columns has-desktop-equal-layout has-tablet-equal-layout has-mobile-equal-layout has-vertical-unset\"><div class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"innerblocks-wrap\">\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column-96b4f8e2c\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column\">\n<h2 id=\"co-to-jest\" class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-neve-link-hover-color-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3\" style=\"border-top-style:none;border-top-width:0px;border-right-style:none;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-style:none;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--neve-link-color);border-left-width:4px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">What are CAIRS rings and how do they work<\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Intracorneal segments work mechanically: placed in the peripheral part of the stroma, they add volume to the cornea outside the cone and &#8220;pull&#8221; its center, flattening the apex. The longer and thicker the segment, and the closer to the center, the greater the flattening effect. Classic rings (Intacs, Keraring, Ferrara) are made of polymethyl methacrylate, i.e., hard plastic. CAIRS is the same idea made from the material the cornea is built from.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The tissue comes from a certified tissue bank (KeraNatural, ready-made, sterile segments), is free of donor cells, so the immune system does not recognize it as foreign. Over time, the patient&#8217;s own corneal cells populate the segment. This allows it to be placed deeper and closer to the center than plastic, achieving greater flattening with less risk.<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Feature<\/th><th>CAIRS (human tissue)<\/th><th>Intacs, Keraring (PMMA)<\/th><th>Corneal transplant (DALK, PK)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Material<\/td><td>acellular donor corneal tissue<\/td><td>hard polymer (plastic)<\/td><td>full or layered donor cornea<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Biocompatibility<\/td><td>integrates with the cornea, no rejection<\/td><td>permanent foreign body<\/td><td>risk of rejection 10\u201320% (PK), lower with DALK<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Risk of displacement, extrusion<\/td><td>negligible<\/td><td>3\u201310% in long-term observations<\/td><td>not applicable<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Reversibility<\/td><td>yes, segment can be removed or replaced<\/td><td>yes<\/td><td>no<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Recovery<\/td><td>days to weeks<\/td><td>days to weeks<\/td><td>12\u201318 months, sutures<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Steroid drops<\/td><td>several weeks<\/td><td>several weeks<\/td><td>months or years<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Application<\/td><td>advanced keratoconus with clear central cornea<\/td><td>moderate keratoconus<\/td><td>central scars, very thin cornea<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">More about the mechanics of segments in the articles <a href=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/blog\/jak-dzialaja-pierscienie-srodrogowkowe\/\">how intracorneal rings work<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/blog\/cairs-allogeniczne-pierscienie-srodrogowkowe\/\">CAIRS: allogenic intracorneal rings<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-fed72b3d\" class=\"nv-cv-m wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns alignfull has-1-columns has-desktop-equal-layout has-tablet-equal-layout has-mobile-equal-layout has-vertical-unset has-light-bg\"><div class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"innerblocks-wrap\">\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column-fed72b3dc\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column\">\n<h2 id=\"wskazania\" class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-neve-link-hover-color-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4\" style=\"border-top-style:none;border-top-width:0px;border-right-style:none;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-style:none;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--neve-link-color);border-left-width:4px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">For whom CAIRS: indications and limits of the method<\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">CAIRS is not a method for every keratoconus. It is a step between crosslinking and transplant, for patients for whom merely stopping the disease is not enough to see well.<\/p>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Advanced keratoconus (Kmax 52\u201365 D)<\/strong> with a clear corneal center and thickness of 300\u2013350 \u00b5m in the implantation zone.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Intolerance to hard or scleral contact lenses<\/strong> or inability to fit them stably.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Cornea too thin or too steep for crosslinking alone<\/strong>: CAIRS first regularizes the shape, and CXL after 1\u20133 months stabilizes it.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>High irregular astigmatism and asymmetry<\/strong> (inferior cone): the segment is placed where the cornea is steepest.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Patients qualified for transplant<\/strong> who want to avoid or postpone it.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Ectasia after LASIK<\/strong> and keratoconus after failed PMMA rings (after their removal).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When CAIRS will not help<\/h3>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>dense scars in the corneal center, after previous hydrops with scarring of the visual axis<\/li>\n\n<li>corneal thickness below 300 \u00b5m at the planned channel site<\/li>\n\n<li>active inflammation, severe dry eye syndrome without treatment<\/li>\n\n<li>expectation of full vision without glasses: CAIRS improves quality and regularity, the remaining refractive error is corrected later with an ICL lens or glasses<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-e28d9679\" class=\"nv-cv-d nv-cv-m wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns alignfull has-1-columns has-desktop-equal-layout has-tablet-equal-layout has-mobile-equal-layout has-vertical-unset\"><div class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"innerblocks-wrap\">\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column-e28d9679c\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column\">\n<h2 id=\"przebieg\" class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-neve-link-hover-color-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5\" style=\"border-top-style:none;border-top-width:0px;border-right-style:none;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-style:none;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--neve-link-color);border-left-width:4px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">How CAIRS treatment proceeds: qualification in Poland, procedure in Vienna, follow-ups in Poland<\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The procedure using human tissue is subject to regulations that, in practice, require a certified tissue bank and infrastructure, which we have at our center in Vienna. Everything else takes place in Warsaw or Krakow.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-timeline-49f031ca\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-timeline\"><div class=\"o-timeline-root\">\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-timeline-item-7a1774fb\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-timeline-item\"><div class=\"o-timeline-container\"><div class=\"o-timeline-icon\"><\/div><div class=\"o-timeline-content\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-32-px-font-size\"><strong>Qualification in Warsaw or Krakow<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"840\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/stozek-ikona-tomografia.png\" alt=\"Icon: corneal tomography &#x2013; qualification examination\" class=\"wp-image-26366\" srcset=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/stozek-ikona-tomografia.png 840w, https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/stozek-ikona-tomografia-300x193.png 300w, https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/stozek-ikona-tomografia-768x494.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 840px) 100vw, 840px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">MS-39, Anterion tomography, assessment of corneal thickness and transparency, simulation of segment placement. Decision whether CAIRS is the right stage and whether to combine it with crosslinking. 400 PLN, approximately 90 minutes.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-timeline-item-0dacfcad\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-timeline-item\"><div class=\"o-timeline-container\"><div class=\"o-timeline-icon\"><\/div><div class=\"o-timeline-content\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-32-px-font-size\"><strong>Procedure in Vienna (approx. 30 minutes)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"840\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/stozek-ikona-cairs-ring.png\" alt=\"Icon: CAIRS rings in the cornea\" class=\"wp-image-26370\" srcset=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/stozek-ikona-cairs-ring.png 840w, https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/stozek-ikona-cairs-ring-300x193.png 300w, https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/stozek-ikona-cairs-ring-768x494.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 840px) 100vw, 840px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Topical anesthesia. Schwind ATOS femtosecond laser with cyclorotation compensation creates a channel at the planned depth and axis, without a blade. The KeraNatural segment is inserted into the channel and positioned. Our Polish-speaking coordinator assists with travel and accommodation arrangements; usually 2 nights in Vienna.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-timeline-item-f217218b\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-timeline-item\"><div class=\"o-timeline-container\"><div class=\"o-timeline-icon\"><\/div><div class=\"o-timeline-content\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-32-px-font-size\"><strong>First Days<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"840\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/stozek-ikona-pierwsze-dni.png\" alt=\"Icon: first days after surgery &#x2013; bandage contact lens and drops\" class=\"wp-image-26368\" srcset=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/stozek-ikona-pierwsze-dni.png 840w, https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/stozek-ikona-pierwsze-dni-300x193.png 300w, https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/stozek-ikona-pierwsze-dni-768x494.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 840px) 100vw, 840px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Follow-up the next day in Vienna, return to Poland. Mild discomfort, foreign body sensation, blurred vision for several days. Antibiotic and steroid drops for 2\u20134 weeks.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-timeline-item-7da92701\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-timeline-item\"><div class=\"o-timeline-container\"><div class=\"o-timeline-icon\"><\/div><div class=\"o-timeline-content\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Follow-ups in Poland and subsequent stages<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"840\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/stozek-ikona-kontrola.png\" alt=\"Icon: follow-up visits after the procedure\" class=\"wp-image-26369\" srcset=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/stozek-ikona-kontrola.png 840w, https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/stozek-ikona-kontrola-300x193.png 300w, https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/stozek-ikona-kontrola-768x494.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 840px) 100vw, 840px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After one week, one month, three months, and six months in Warsaw or Krakow, each time with tomography. After 1\u20133 months, crosslinking, if planned; after one year of stability, correction of the remaining refractive error with an ICL lens, glasses, or contact lenses.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Recovery<\/h3>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Days 1\u20133:<\/strong> discomfort, photophobia, blurred vision; office work possible from day 3\u20135.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Weeks 1\u20134:<\/strong> gradual improvement in corneal regularity; avoid rubbing the eye, swimming pool, and contact sports.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Months 1\u20136:<\/strong> effect increases, tomography documents flattening; selection of new glasses or contact lenses after 3 months.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Permanently:<\/strong> annual tomographic follow-up; segments remain in the cornea, no replacement required.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-ab2b7826\" class=\"nv-cv-d nv-cv-m wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns alignfull has-1-columns has-desktop-equal-layout has-tablet-equal-layout has-mobile-equal-layout has-vertical-unset has-light-bg\"><div class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"innerblocks-wrap\">\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column-ab2b7826c\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column\">\n<h2 id=\"wyniki\" class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-neve-link-hover-color-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6\" style=\"border-top-style:none;border-top-width:0px;border-right-style:none;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-style:none;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--neve-link-color);border-left-width:4px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">CAIRS results and safety according to publications and our experience<\/h2>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Corneal flattening:<\/strong> in Dr. Jacob&#8217;s series (2018, 24 eyes), Kmax decreased by an average of approximately 5 D, and uncorrected visual acuity improved in all patients; subsequent publications (2021\u20132024) confirm flattening by 4\u20137 D.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Visual acuity:<\/strong> improvement in best corrected visual acuity by an average of 2\u20133 lines; in some patients, return to spectacle correction instead of scleral lenses.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Tissue rejection:<\/strong> not described in publications; segments are acellular.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Complications:<\/strong> segment displacement below 2%, transient edema or opacity around the segment, rarely repositioning required. Infection below 1%.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Reversibility:<\/strong> segment can be removed; the cornea largely returns to its initial state.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For me, CAIRS is the biggest change in the treatment of advanced keratoconus since crosslinking. Instead of plastic, we implant tissue that the cornea is made of, and we can place it where the effect is greatest. Many patients who were told that only a transplant remained are now offered a different path.<\/p>\n<cite>Dr. med. Victor Derhartunian, FEBO, FWCRS, one of the few surgeons in Europe performing CAIRS<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-f5cb967e\" class=\"nv-cv-d nv-cv-m wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns alignfull has-1-columns has-desktop-equal-layout has-tablet-equal-layout has-mobile-equal-layout has-vertical-unset\"><div class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"innerblocks-wrap\">\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column-f5cb967ec\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column\">\n<h2 id=\"kwalifikacja\" class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-neve-link-hover-color-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7\" style=\"border-top-style:none;border-top-width:0px;border-right-style:none;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-style:none;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--neve-link-color);border-left-width:4px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">Am I eligible for CAIRS?<\/h2>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Green light<\/h3>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>stage II\u2013IV keratoconus with a clear corneal center<\/li>\n\n<li>corneal thickness of 300\u2013350 \u00b5m in the implantation zone<\/li>\n\n<li>intolerance to hard contact lenses or unsatisfactory vision with lenses<\/li>\n\n<li>keratoconus too advanced for crosslinking alone<\/li>\n\n<li>age from approximately 16 years, any age in adults<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Yellow light<\/h3>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>peripheral scars: position relative to the planned channel is decisive<\/li>\n\n<li>previous hydrops without central scar<\/li>\n\n<li>previous PMMA rings: usually removed, and CAIRS implanted after 3 months<\/li>\n\n<li>severe dry eye syndrome: treatment first<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Red light<\/h3>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>dense central scars in the visual axis: lamellar transplant (DALK)<\/li>\n\n<li>thickness below 300 \u00b5m<\/li>\n\n<li>active inflammation or infection<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do you have corneal maps from another center? Send them via <a href=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/test-kwalifikacji\/\">online preliminary qualification<\/a>, and we will tell you if CAIRS is an option before you come for an examination.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-primary\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/book-an-appointment\/\">Book an appointment<\/a><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-secondary\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/test-kwalifikacji\/\">Preliminary Eligibility Assessment<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-ad4112b7\" class=\"nv-cv-d nv-cv-m wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns alignfull has-1-columns has-desktop-equal-layout has-tablet-equal-layout has-mobile-equal-layout has-vertical-unset has-light-bg\"><div class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"innerblocks-wrap\">\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column-ad4112b7c\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Sign up for a no-obligation visit and consultation to find out how we can improve your vision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fe48e5de wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-secondary\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\">see how to schedule an appointment<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-155c4807\" class=\"nv-cv-d nv-cv-m wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns alignfull has-1-columns has-desktop-equal-layout has-tablet-equal-layout has-mobile-equal-layout has-vertical-unset has-light-bg\"><div class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"innerblocks-wrap\">\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column-155c4807c\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column\">\n<h2 id=\"cena\" class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-neve-link-hover-color-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8\" style=\"border-top-style:none;border-top-width:0px;border-right-style:none;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-style:none;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--neve-link-color);border-left-width:4px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">How much does CAIRS cost and what does the price include<\/h2>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>CAIRS (KeraNatural):<\/strong> 16,000 PLN per eye.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Included in the price:<\/strong> tissue from a certified bank, ATOS femtosecond laser, procedure and next-day follow-up in Vienna, travel coordination, all follow-ups in Poland in the first year.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Not included in the price:<\/strong> qualification with tomography 400 PLN, travel and accommodation in Vienna (we assist with booking), crosslinking if planned as a separate stage (3,600 PLN), subsequent ICL lens (11,000 PLN).<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Installments:<\/strong> Santander Consumer Bank; CAIRS is not financed by NFZ.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-secondary\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/keratoconus-pricing\/\">See full price list<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-d44d6b02\" class=\"nv-cv-d nv-cv-m wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns alignfull has-1-columns has-desktop-equal-layout has-tablet-equal-layout has-mobile-equal-layout has-vertical-unset\"><div class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"innerblocks-wrap\">\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column-d44d6b02c\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column\">\n<h2 id=\"faq\" class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-neve-link-hover-color-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9\" style=\"border-top-style:none;border-top-width:0px;border-right-style:none;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-style:none;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--neve-link-color);border-left-width:4px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-accordion-kc545\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-accordion exclusive is-style-default\">\n\n\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-accordion-item\"><summary class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-accordion-item__title\"><div><strong>Will I see without glasses after CAIRS?<\/strong><\/div><\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-accordion-item__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The goal is a regular, stable cornea and avoiding a transplant, not full vision without correction. Most patients see significantly better and return to glasses or more comfortable contact lenses. The remaining refractive error can be corrected after one year with an ICL lens.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details>\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-accordion-item\"><summary class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-accordion-item__title\"><div><strong>Does the CAIRS procedure hurt?<\/strong><\/div><\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-accordion-item__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. It is performed under topical anesthesia and takes about 30 minutes. After the procedure, there is a foreign body sensation, photophobia, and blurred vision for several days, alleviated by drops.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details>\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-accordion-item\"><summary class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-accordion-item__title\"><div><strong>How long is the recovery after CAIRS?<\/strong><\/div><\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-accordion-item__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Office work from day 3\u20135, sports after 2\u20134 weeks, stable effect after 3\u20136 months. Follow-ups in Poland after one week, one month, three months, and six months, then annually.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details>\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-accordion-item\"><summary class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-accordion-item__title\"><div><strong>Can CAIRS be removed?<\/strong><\/div><\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-accordion-item__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. The segment can be removed or replaced with a different size, and the cornea largely returns to its pre-procedure state. This is an important difference compared to a transplant, which is irreversible.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-accordion-item\"><summary class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-accordion-item__title\"><div><strong>Is CAIRS performed on teenagers?<\/strong><\/div><\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-accordion-item__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, usually from around 16 years of age, when keratoconus is advanced and contact lenses are not tolerated. In younger patients, crosslinking, which stops the disease, is a priority.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-3d62a99f\" class=\"nv-cv-d nv-cv-m wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns alignfull has-1-columns has-desktop-equal-layout has-tablet-equal-layout has-mobile-equal-layout has-vertical-unset has-light-bg\"><div class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"innerblocks-wrap\">\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column-3d62a99fc\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Sign up for a no-obligation visit and consultation to find out how we can improve your vision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fe48e5de wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-secondary\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\">see how to schedule an appointment<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<p class=\"sl-dla-dociekliwych wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>For the curious:<\/strong> CAIRS (corneal allogenic intrastromal ring segments) are allogenic intrastromal segments from donor tissue, implanted into a channel created by a femtosecond laser; the method was described by Soosan Jacob (2015, publication 2018). ICD-10 indication: H18.6 keratoconus, H18.7 corneal ectasia. Unlike synthetic rings (Intacs, Keraring), the tissue is acellular and becomes populated by the patient&#8217;s own corneal cells.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sources<\/h2>\n\n<ol class=\"nv-cv-d nv-cv-m wp-block-list sl-sources sl-zrodla-kc\">\n<li>Jacob S, Patel SR, Agarwal A et al. Corneal allogenic intrastromal ring segments (CAIRS) combined with corneal cross-linking for keratoconus. J Refract Surg 2018;34(5):296\u2013303. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3928\/1081597X-20180223-01\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">doi:10.3928\/1081597X-20180223-01<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Corneal allogenic intrastromal ring segments: a literature review. 2025. <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC11856834\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">PMC11856834<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Gomes JAP, Tan D, Rapuano CJ et al. Global consensus on keratoconus and ectatic diseases. Cornea 2015;34(4):359\u2013369. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1097\/ICO.0000000000000408\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">doi:10.1097\/ICO.0000000000000408<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Raiskup F, Theuring A, Pillunat LE, Spoerl E. Corneal collagen crosslinking with riboflavin and ultraviolet-A light in progressive keratoconus: ten-year results. J Cataract Refract Surg 2015;41(1):41\u201346. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.jcrs.2014.09.033\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">doi:10.1016\/j.jcrs.2014.09.033<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-ba9fb0a2\" class=\"nv-cv-d nv-cv-m wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns alignfull has-1-columns has-desktop-equal-layout has-tablet-equal-layout has-mobile-equal-layout has-vertical-unset has-light-bg\"><div class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"innerblocks-wrap\">\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column-ba9fb0a2c\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column\">\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"sl-offer-schema\">\n{\n \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n \"@type\": \"OfferCatalog\",\n \"@id\": \"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/intracorneal-rings-cairs\/#preise-text\",\n \"name\": \"Pier\u015bcienie \u015br\u00f3drog\u00f3wkowe (CAIRS)\",\n \"itemListElement\": [\n  {\n   \"@type\": \"Offer\",\n   \"name\": \"CAIRS (KeraNatural)\",\n   \"priceCurrency\": \"PLN\",\n   \"description\": \"16 000 z\u0142 za oko\",\n   \"seller\": {\n    \"@id\": \"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/#organization\"\n   },\n   \"itemOffered\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Service\",\n    \"name\": \"CAIRS (KeraNatural)\"\n   },\n   \"price\": 16000\n  },\n  {\n   \"@type\": \"Offer\",\n   \"name\": \"Poza cen\u0105\",\n   \"priceCurrency\": \"PLN\",\n   \"description\": \"400 z\u0142, podr\u00f3\u017c i nocleg w Wiedniu (pomagamy w\",\n   \"seller\": {\n    \"@id\": \"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/#organization\"\n   },\n   \"itemOffered\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Service\",\n    \"name\": \"Poza cen\u0105\"\n   },\n   \"price\": 400\n  }\n ]\n}\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Related topics<\/h2>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/keratoconus\/\">Keratoconus: a guide to diagnosis and treatment<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/crosslinking-keratoconus-treatment\/\">Crosslinking: stopping keratoconus progression<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/keratoconus-pricing\/\">Price list for keratoconus treatment<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/lens-surgery\/phakic-lenses\/\">ICL lenses after CAIRS and crosslinking<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/blog\/cairs-allogeniczne-pierscienie-srodrogowkowe\/\">CAIRS: allogenic intracorneal rings<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/blog\/jak-dzialaja-pierscienie-srodrogowkowe\/\">How intracorneal rings work<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/blog\/kiedy-przeszczep-rogowki-nie-jest-konieczny-nowoczesne-metody-leczenia-stozka-rogowki\/\">When a corneal transplant is not necessary<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/keratoconus-treatment-in-warsaw\/\">Keratoconus treatment in Warsaw<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/keratoconus-treatment-in-krakow\/\">Keratoconus treatment in Krakow<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<p class=\"sl-medical-review wp-block-paragraph\">Content medically reviewed by Dr. med. univ. (Vienna) Victor Derhartunian, FEBO, FWCRS, a surgeon performing crosslinking since 2007. Last updated: October 2, 2026.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" id=\"swisslaser-page-schema\">{\n \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n \"@graph\": [\n  {\n   \"@type\": [\n    \"MedicalProcedure\",\n    \"TherapeuticProcedure\",\n    \"SurgicalProcedure\",\n    \"Service\"\n   ],\n   \"@id\": \"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/intracorneal-rings-cairs\/#procedure\",\n   \"name\": \"CAIRS \u2013 allogeniczne pier\u015bcienie \u015br\u00f3drog\u00f3wkowe\",\n   \"alternateName\": [\n    \"Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segments\",\n    \"biologiczne pier\u015bcienie \u015br\u00f3drog\u00f3wkowe\",\n    \"KeraNatural\"\n   ],\n   \"url\": \"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/intracorneal-rings-cairs\/\",\n   \"inLanguage\": \"en-GB\",\n   \"description\": \"Co to jest: \u0142ukowate segmenty z bezkom\u00f3rkowej tkanki rog\u00f3wkowej dawcy (KeraNatural), o d\u0142ugo\u015bci 90\u2013340 stopni, wszczepiane do zr\u0119bu rog\u00f3wki na g\u0142\u0119boko\u015bci oko\u0142o 70\u201380% jej grubo\u015bci. 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Krople antybiotykowe i sterydowe przez 2\u20134 tygodnie.\"\n    },\n    {\n     \"@type\": \"HowToStep\",\n     \"position\": 4,\n     \"name\": \"Kontrole w Polsce i kolejne etapy\",\n     \"text\": \"Po tygodniu, miesi\u0105cu, trzech i sze\u015bciu miesi\u0105cach w Warszawie lub Krakowie, ka\u017cdorazowo z tomografi\u0105. 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Most patients see significantly better and return to glasses or more comfortable contact lenses. The remaining refractive error can be corrected after one year with an ICL lens.\"\n     }\n    },\n    {\n     \"@type\": \"Question\",\n     \"name\": \"Does the CAIRS procedure hurt?\",\n     \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"No. It is performed under topical anesthesia and takes about 30 minutes. After the procedure, there is a foreign body sensation, photophobia, and blurred vision for several days, alleviated by drops.\"\n     }\n    },\n    {\n     \"@type\": \"Question\",\n     \"name\": \"How long is the recovery after CAIRS?\",\n     \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Office work from day 3\u20135, sports after 2\u20134 weeks, stable effect after 3\u20136 months. Follow-ups in Poland after one week, one month, three months, and six months, then annually.\"\n     }\n    },\n    {\n     \"@type\": \"Question\",\n     \"name\": \"Can CAIRS be removed?\",\n     \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Yes. The segment can be removed or replaced with a different size, and the cornea largely returns to its pre-procedure state. This is an important difference compared to a transplant, which is irreversible.\"\n     }\n    },\n    {\n     \"@type\": \"Question\",\n     \"name\": \"Is CAIRS performed on teenagers?\",\n     \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Yes, usually from around 16 years of age, when keratoconus is advanced and contact lenses are not tolerated. In younger patients, crosslinking, which stops the disease, is a priority.\"\n     }\n    }\n   ]\n  },\n  {\n   \"@type\": [\n    \"Physician\",\n    \"Person\"\n   ],\n   \"@id\": \"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/#victor\",\n   \"name\": \"Victor Derhartunian\",\n   \"honorificPrefix\": \"Dr. med.\",\n   \"honorificSuffix\": \"FEBO, FWCRS\",\n   \"medicalSpecialty\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\/Ophthalmologic\",\n   \"url\": \"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/o-nas\/dr-victor-derhartunian\/\",\n   \"worksFor\": {\n    \"@id\": \"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/#organization\"\n   },\n   \"knowsAbout\": [\n    \"Keratoconus\",\n    \"Corneal cross-linking\",\n    \"CAIRS\",\n    \"Refractive surgery\"\n   ]\n  }\n ]\n}<\/script>\n\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-6d92a90d\" class=\"nv-cv-d nv-cv-m wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns alignfull has-1-columns has-desktop-equal-layout has-tablet-equal-layout has-mobile-equal-layout has-vertical-unset sl-standorte\"><div class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"innerblocks-wrap\">\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column-eca4e40b\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Where We Perform This Procedure<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We perform the procedure in both our clinics \u2013 same surgeon, same technology, and same prices. Choose a location to see details, directions, and office hours:<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/keratoconus-treatment-in-warsaw\/\">Keratoconus treatment in Warsaw<\/a><\/strong><br\/>ul. Kolejowa 1, 01-217 Warsaw \u00b7 tel. <a href=\"tel:+48221201690\">+48 22 120 16 90<\/a><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/keratoconus-treatment-in-krakow\/\">Keratoconus treatment in Krakow<\/a><\/strong><br\/>ul. Kluczborska 15\/U3, 31-271 Krakow \u00b7 tel. <a href=\"tel:+48123833360\">+48 12 383 33 60<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For the curious: CAIRS (corneal allogenic intrastromal ring segments) are allogenic intrastromal segments from donor tissue, implanted into a channel created by a femtosecond laser; the method was described by Soosan Jacob (2015, publication 2018). ICD-10 indication: H18.6 keratoconus, H18.7 corneal ectasia. Unlike synthetic rings (Intacs, Keraring), the tissue is acellular and becomes populated by&hellip;&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"neve_meta_sidebar":"","neve_meta_container":"","neve_meta_enable_content_width":"","neve_meta_content_width":0,"neve_meta_title_alignment":"","neve_meta_author_avatar":"","neve_post_elements_order":"","neve_meta_disable_header":"","neve_meta_disable_footer":"","neve_meta_disable_title":"on","neve_meta_reading_time":"","_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-16972","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16972","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16972"}],"version-history":[{"count":39,"href":"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16972\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":31708,"href":"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16972\/revisions\/31708"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16972"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}