Surgeon training is the foundation of progress in corneal care, and Eversight is proud to support hands-on learning opportunities that help ophthalmologists adopt innovative techniques to benefit their patients.
Eversight recently partnered with the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) to host a wet lab focused on Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segments (CAIRS) using KeraNatural®—a sterile, allogenic corneal tissue segment developed to treat keratoconus with a natural alternative to synthetic implants.
Through Eversight Academy, Eversight facilitates wet labs like this one so ophthalmologists have the ability to practice surgical techniques in a laboratory environment.
“It's just another tool to treat keratoconus,” said Alexander Altman, MD, UIC cornea fellow. “Right now, we can offer transplants, which are not preferable, and we can fit patients for hard contact lenses, but a lot of patients really don't tolerate hard contact lenses. So, this is great for the patients that don’t want to wear their hard contact lenses 24/7 and if we can avoid a transplant, we should always go that route.”
Keratoconus remains a complex and progressive condition that often impacts patients early in life. While traditional options like corneal transplantation and hard contact lenses are commonly used, many patients seek less invasive, more physiologic alternatives. KeraNatural offers surgeons an allograft tissue option that can be used to reshape the cornea, reducing its irregular curvature and improving visual acuity.
A seamless surgical experience
During the wet lab, cornea surgeons and fellows practiced the CAIRS technique using KeraNatural arcs and gained valuable hands-on experience. Despite the technical nature of the procedure, many participants were impressed with how approachable it was.
“For us, even though it was the first time that we did this, it was actually pretty straightforward, keeping the eye stable as we insert the natural segment into the tunnel,” said Jose De La Cruz, MD, MS, UIC. “Once we figured out the actual proper instrument it was easy. We should do these wet labs more often.”
Maria Soledad Cortina, MD, UIC, who had not performed CAIRS previously, shared a similar experience.
“Now I feel like it's not that hard,” she said. “I understand all the steps and can visualize it. The wet lab was very helpful. Once I figured out how to get the tissue in the pocket. It's just a matter of trying it. It was a lot easier than I expected.”
A better option for keratoconus patients
KeraNatural was designed specifically for use in CAIRS, a technique pioneered by Dr. Soosan Jacob in India. The tissue segments are pre-cut from sterilized human corneal tissue in various arc lengths and thicknesses, offering a custom fit for the individual patient. The benefits go beyond ease of surgical use.
“I think it’s much more physiologic,” said Elmer Y Tu, MD, UIC. “The extrusion rate and everything else is much better than with the plastic rings. I used to use plastic rings, but I stopped because of the difficulties patients would have long term.”
Surgeons noted KeraNatural’s potential to help a wide range of keratoconus patients, especially those who are contact lens intolerant or not ready for a transplant.
“I'm excited to try it,” Dr. Tu said. “We certainly have quite a few patients that could potentially benefit from this, so I'm looking forward to offering it to them and seeing what they think.”
Empowering the next generation
The CAIRS wet lab drew several cornea fellows, including Teja Alapati, MD, who emphasized the importance of practicing new techniques in a supportive environment.
“It’s important to get your hands dirty and comfortable in a simulated setting before you do it on an actual human and on a real eye,” Dr. Alapati said. “It's nice to get comfortable in more controlled settings, especially with supervision. You can use multiple eyes here and if you don't get it right the first time, you can do it again. Or if you get it right, you can keep practicing and getting the reps, but it's nice to practice a new technique first before attempting in the OR.”
Trusted support from Eversight
The surgeons who participated in the CAIRS wet lab shared Eversight’s commitment to high-quality tissue and surgical education.
“I love Eversight,” Dr. Cortina said. “They cater to every need we have. They are an amazing organization, and I love working with them.”
Dr. Altman echoed this sentiment.
“My experience with Eversight has always been great,” he said. “They get tissue extremely promptly, they’re always attentive and they hold wet labs to teach the fellows—which I appreciate.”
As more surgeons explore alternatives to synthetic rings and full transplants to treat keratoconus, Eversight remains at the forefront—providing access to innovative tissue solutions like KeraNatural and creating educational opportunities to elevate patient care.
