CAIRSPLAN.COM - TRANSFORMING KERATOCONUS CARE WITH CAIRS
Transforming Lives Through CAIRS: A Revolutionary Approach to Keratoconus Treatment
The 41st Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) in Vienna was a platform for groundbreaking advancements in ophthalmology. One of the highlights was the recognition of CAIRSPlan.com, an innovative online planning tool for Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segments (CAIRS) surgery. The tool was designed By Drs David Gunn and Brendan Cronin to assist surgeons in meticulously planning and mapping CAIRS surgeries, tailoring the approach to individual patients' needs.
KERATOCONUS AND ITS CONVENTIONAL TREATMENTS
Keratoconus is a debilitating eye condition affecting 1 in 84 Australians. Typically, treatments like corneal cross-linking and scleral contact lenses have been the go-to solutions. However, these options may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with physical or mental disabilities, or those living in remote communities with limited access to clean water. Patients with Down’s syndrome, for instance, often find it challenging to manage contact lenses, while individuals in rural settings may be at risk for acanthamoeba keratitis.
THE ADVENT OF CAIRS AS A GAME-CHANGING TREATMENT
In response to the limitations of existing treatments, CAIRS offers an innovative alternative. Initially described in 2018, this surgical technique involves implanting segments of donor cornea into the patient's cornea at a depth of 200-250 microns. This is significantly shallower than traditional methods using acrylic segments, making CAIRS not only safer but also more effective.
The technique utilises non-viable corneas, which would otherwise be used for research or training. This allows Eye Banks to distribute more of this precious tissue without depleting the supply needed for full corneal transplants.
CAIRSPlan.com is a free website designed to help surgeons plan Keratoconus surgery.
THE GENESIS AND FUNCTIONALITY OF CAIRSPLAN.COM
The platform originated from the need for a systematic approach to planning these transformative surgeries. Initially distributed as a spreadsheet, the tool eventually evolved into an intuitive website accessible worldwide. It enables surgeons to upload corneal topography data and utilize sliding scales to determine the optimal incision points and donor ring positioning.
Once the surgical map is complete, surgeons can generate a PDF guide, which can be utilized in the operating room and included in the patient’s electronic medical records. This level of planning minimizes the margin for error, ensuring optimal outcomes for keratoconus patients.
ACCESSIBILITY AND EDUCATION
CAIRSPlan.com is committed to accessibility, offering its wealth of resources entirely free of charge. To further disseminate knowledge and encourage the adoption of CAIRS, instructional YouTube videos have been developed to demonstrate the use of the platform and the procedure itself.
Additionally, bespoke surgical instruments have been designed specifically for CAIRS surgeries, offering them at a fraction of the usual cost. This is not about profit, but about making an incredible surgical technique more accessible for ophthalmic surgeons worldwide.
THE FUTURE OF CAIRS
The overwhelming interest in CAIRS signifies its potential to revolutionize the treatment of keratoconus. With hundreds of visitors from 33 countries within just a few days of the website's launch, it’s evident that CAIRS and CAIRSPlan.com are setting new standards in ophthalmic care. Upcoming iterations of the platform are eagerly awaited as CAIRS continues to gain traction among corneal surgeons globally.
CONCLUSION
CAIRS represents a monumental leap in the management of keratoconus. It offers a safer, more effective alternative to traditional treatments, especially for patients for whom conventional methods are unsuitable. With the advent of CAIRSPlan.com, surgeons now have a robust planning tool at their disposal, ensuring better outcomes and transforming the lives of those suffering from this debilitating condition.
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About Dr Gunn
DR DAVID GUNN - OPHTHALMOLOGIST
MBBS (Hons I), BSc, CertLRS, FRANZCO, FWCRS
Dr. David Gunn, a respected ophthalmologist based in Brisbane, specialises in managing corneal diseases, cataract surgery, and advanced laser and refractive eye procedures at the Queensland Eye Institute. He graduated with First Class Honours from the University of Queensland and was awarded the prestigious K.G. Howsam gold medal during his ophthalmology training.
As an innovator in his field, Dr. Gunn has a special interest in topographic laser eye surgery procedures. His introduction of the Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segment surgery to Australia in May 2021 stands as testament to his drive for innovation, putting him among a select few surgeons worldwide performing this technique.
Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Gunn contributes to future developments in ophthalmology as a senior lecturer at the University of Queensland and through his active engagement in eye disease research.
However, what truly defines Dr. Gunn's work is his unwavering dedication to patient care. His pursuit of innovation and commitment to education all aim towards one goal: to enhance the lives of his patients through exceptional eye care. For Dr. Gunn, improving vision means improving life, a philosophy that continues to guide his practice in Brisbane.