Latest Review Date: November 2024

Implantation of intrastromal corneal ring segments may be considered medically necessary for the treatment of keratoconus in individuals 21 years of age or older who meet ALL the following criteria:

• The individual experienced a progressive deterioration in their vision, such that they can no longer achieve adequate functional vision with contact lenses or spectacles; and

• Corneal transplantation is the only alternative to improve their functional vision; and

• The individual has a clear central cornea with a corneal thickness of 450 microns or greater at the proposed incision site.

Implantation of intrastromal corneal ring segments is considered investigational as a treatment of myopia.

Implantation of intrastromal corneal ring segments is considered investigational for all other conditions.

DESCRIPTION OF PROCEDURE OR SERVICE:

Intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS®) are composed of microthin soft plastic inserts of variable thickness that are placed in the periphery of the cornea. They have been investigated as a means of improving vision in diseases such as keratoconus and pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD), and for astigmatism following penetrating keratoplasty (PK).

Vision Disorders

Keratoconus is a progressive bilateral dystrophy characterized by paracentral steepening and stromal thinning that impairs visual acuity.

Pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD) is a noninflammatory progressive degenerative disease, typically characterized by bilateral peripheral thinning ectasia of the inferior cornea. Deterioration of functional vision results from the irregular astigmatism induced by asymmetric distortion of the cornea and visual acuity that typically cannot be restored by using spherocylindrical lenses.

Treatment

Initial treatment for keratoconus often consists of hard contact lenses. Penetrating keratoplasty (PK, i.e., corneal grafting) was traditionally considered the next line of treatment in individuals who developed intolerance to contact lenses. While visual acuity is typically improved with PK, perioperative complications are an associated risk; long-term topical steroid use is required and endothelial cell loss occurs over time, which is a particular concern in younger individuals. As an alternative, a variety of keratorefractive procedures have been attempted and broadly divided into subtractive and additive techniques. Subtractive techniques include photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) or laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), although generally the results of these techniques have been poor. In deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK), pathologic corneal stromal tissue is selectively removed to the level of the Descemet membrane, followed by transplantation of a donor graft. Implantation of intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS) represents an additive technique in which the implants are intended to reinforce the cornea, prevent further deterioration and potentially obviate the need for PK.

Rigid gas permeable contact lenses may be used to treat pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD). Intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS®), crescentic lamellar keratoplasty (LK), PK, and corneal wedge excision have also been proposed as treatments.

ICRS® corrects myopia by flattening the center of the cornea and represents an alternative to LASIK and other refractive surgeries. A proposed advantage of ICRS® is that their insertion does not affect the central cornea and thus, their effect is not related to the healing process in the cornea. No corneal tissue is removed, and the implants may be removed or replaced. However, mild myopia is effectively treated with spectacles or contact lenses.

Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments

ICRS® are composed of microthin soft plastic inserts of variable thickness that are placed in the periphery of the cornea. They are inserted through an incision made in the cornea, into which channels have been created by rotating a lamellar dissector or by using a femtosecond laser. One or two segments are implanted in each channel and various implants with a range of thicknesses are available for different degrees of correction. These implants affect refraction in the eye by physically changing the shape of the cornea (flattening the front of the eye), thereby correcting the irregular corneal shape and restoring a degree of functional vision. If required, the implants can be removed or replaced later.

KEY POINTS:

The most recent literature review was updated through November 22, 2024.

Summary of Evidence:

Clinical input obtained in 2009 strongly supported the use of intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS®) in a select group of individuals with advanced keratoconus whose only other option for restoration of functional vision was the more invasive penetrating keratoplasty (PK). Some clinicians may opt to delay a more invasive procedure, although the success rate of this strategy is yet unproven. Therefore, the use of ICRS® may be considered medically necessary in individuals with keratoconus who meet the criteria defined in this policy based on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Humanitarian Device Exemption (HDE).

For individuals who have keratoconus and who receive ICRS®, the evidence includes primarily single-institution case series. Relevant outcomes are changes in disease status, functional outcomes, and treatment-related morbidity. Several single center case series with sample sizes ranging from 19 to 105 eyes have been published. The series generally report that a substantial proportion of individuals with keratoconus treated with this device have improved vision at one to two years of follow-up. More limited data is available on long-term efficacy. ICRS® is associated with several adverse events and explantations. Although a single case series of 572 eyes have suggested that risk of explantation may be modest (6.1%), the evidence is insufficient to determine that the technology results in an improvement in the net health outcome.

For individuals who have Pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD) and who receive ICRS®, the evidence includes a few case series. Relevant outcomes are changes in disease status, functional outcomes, and treatment-related morbidity. A small number of case series with fewer than 25 eyes per study have been published on ICRS® in individuals with PMD. Most of the reports were on devices not available in the United States. In one study that included some individuals who were implanted with Intrastromal corneal ring segments (Intacs®), there was no improvement in uncorrected visual acuity six months after surgery. Moreover, explantation occurred in about 20% of eyes due to visual deterioration. The evidence is insufficient to determine that the technology results in an improvement in the net health outcome.

For individuals who have astigmatism after PK and who receive Intacs®, the evidence includes a few case series. Relevant outcomes are changes in disease status, functional outcomes, and treatment-related morbidity. Two case series with 9 and 54 individuals were identified. Both used devices that are not available in the United States. Intacs® was associated with adverse events such as extrusion and Descemet membrane detachment (DMD). The evidence is insufficient to determine that the technology results in an improvement in the net health outcome.

Practice Guidelines and Position Statements

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) issued guidance in 2007 on corneal implants for keratoconus. The guidance, based on nine case series, a nonrandomized controlled trial and specialists’ opinions, concluded that current evidence on the safety and efficacy of corneal implants for keratoconus appears adequate to support the use of this procedure and provided that normal arrangements are in place for consent, audit and clinical governance.

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendations

Not applicable.

KEY WORDS:

Intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS), INCRS®,INTACTS®, Intacs®, intracorneal rings, keratoconus, KeraVision®, Intracorneal Rings, INTACS SK® , Ferrara intrastromal corneal ring segment (ICRS), Keraring intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS), MyoRing intracorneal continuous ring (ICCR), Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segments (CAIRS).

APPROVED BY GOVERNING BODIES:

Intacs® represents an intrastromal corneal ring that has received approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for two indications. In 1999, Intacs® inserts were approved through a premarket approval process (PMA) for the following labeled indication:

The KeraVision Intacs® are intended for the reduction or elimination of mild myopia (-1.00 to -3.00 diopters spherical equivalent at the spectacle plane) in individuals:

• Who are 21 years of age or older

• With documented stability of refraction as demonstrated by a change of less than or equal to 0.50 diopter for at least 12 months prior to the preoperative examination

• AND

• Where the astigmatic component is +1.00 diopter or less.

In 2004, INTACS® received an additional approval by the FDA through the Humanitarian Device Exemption (HDE) process for the following indication:

This device is indicated for the reduction or elimination of myopia and astigmatism in individuals with keratoconus, who are no longer able to achieve adequate vision with their contact lenses or spectacles, so that their functional vision may be restored and the need for a corneal transplant procedure may potentially be deferred. The specific set of keratoconic individuals proposed to be treated with INTACS® prescription inserts are those individuals:

• Who have experienced a progressive deterioration in their vision, such that they can no longer achieve adequate functional vision on a daily basis with their contact lenses or spectacles;

• Who are 21 years of age or older

• Who have clear central corneas

• Who have a corneal thickness of 450 microns or greater at the proposed incision site AND

• Who have corneal transplantation as the only remaining option to improve their functional vision.

Note: The HDE does not require manufacturers to provide data confirming the efficacy of the device but rather data supporting its “probable” benefit. The HDE process is available for devices, treating conditions that affect fewer than 4,000 Americans per year.

Intrastromal corneal ring segments available outside of the United States include:

• Intacs SK®

• Ferrara intrastromal corneal ring segment (ICRS)

• Keraring intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS)

• MyoRing intracorneal continuous ring (ICCR)

FDA product code: LQE.

BENEFIT APPLICATION:

Coverage is subject to member’s specific benefits. Group-specific policy will supersede this policy when applicable.

ITS: Home Policy provisions apply

FEP: Special benefit consideration may apply. Refer to member’s benefit plan. LASIK, Intacs®, Radial Keratotomy (RK), and other refractive services are not covered.

CURRENT CODING:

CPT Codes:

REFERENCES:

1. Alfonso JF, Lisa C, Merayo-Lloves J, Fernández-Vega Cueto L, Montés-Micó R. Intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation in paracentral keratoconus with coincident topographic and coma axis. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2012 Sep; 38(9):1576-82.

2. Bedi R, Touboul D, Pinsard L et al. Refractive and topographic stability of Intacs in eyes with progressive keratoconus: five-year follow-up. J Refract Surg 2012; 28(6):392-6.

3. Coscarelli S, Ferrara G, Alfonso JF, et al. Intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation to correct astigmatism after penetrating keratoplasty. J Cataract Refract Surg. Jun 2012; 38(6):1006-1013.

4. Deshmukh R, Ong ZZ, Rampat R, Alió Del Barrio JL, Barua A, Ang M, Mehta JS, Said DG, Dua HS, Ambrósio R Jr, Ting DSJ. Management of keratoconus: an updated review. Front Med (Lausanne). 2023 Jun 20; 10:1212314. 

5. Fernandez-Vega Cueto L, Lisa C, Poo-Lopez A, et al. Intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation in 409 paracentral keratoconic eyes. Cornea. Nov 2016; 35(11):1421-1426.

6. Heikal MA, Abdelshafy M, Soliman TT, et al. Refractive and visual outcomes after Keraring intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation for keratoconus assisted by femtosecond laser at 6 months follow-up. Clin Ophthalmol. 2017; 11:81-86.

7. IOM (Institute of Medicine). 2011. Clinical Practice Guidelines We Can Trust. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.

8. Izquierdo L, Mannis MJ, Mejias Smith JA, et al. Effectiveness of Intrastromal Corneal Ring Implantation in the Treatment of Adult Patients With Keratoconus: A Systematic Review. J Refract Surg. 2019 Mar 1; 35(3): 191-200.

9. Kang MJ, Byun YS, Yoo YS, et al. Long-term outcome of intrastromal corneal ring segments in keratoconus: Five-year follow up. Sci Rep. 2019 Jan 22; 9(1): 315.

10. Miraftab M, Hashemi H, Hafezi F, Asgari S. Mid-Term Results of a Single Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segment for Mild to Moderate Progressive Keratoconus. Cornea. 2017 May; 36(5):530-534.

11. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Corneal implants for keratoconus [IPG227]. 2007; www.nice.org.uk/guidance/IPG227.

12. Nguyen N, Gellees JD, Greenstein SA, et al. Incidence and associations of intracorneal ring segment explanation. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2019 Feb; 45(2).

13. Ozertürk Y, Sari ES, Kubaloglu A, Koytak A, Piñero D, Akyol S. Comparison of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty and intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation in advanced keratoconus. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2012 Feb; 38(2):324-32.

14. Sakellaris D, Balidis M, Gorou O, Szentmary N, Alexoudis A, Grieshaber MC, Sagri D, Scholl H, Gatzioufas Z. Intracorneal Ring Segment Implantation in the Management of Keratoconus: An Evidence-Based Approach. Ophthalmol Ther. 2019 Oct; 8(Suppl 1):5-14.

15. Torquetti L, Ferrara G, Almeida F, et al. Intrastromal corneal ring segments implantation in patients with keratoconus: 10-year follow-up. J Refract Surg. 2014 Jan; 30(1):22-26.

16. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). PMA – Premarket Approval. ICRS (Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments). IN//www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cjdocs/cjPMA/pma.cfm?id=13054.

17. Vega-Estrada A, Alio JL, Brenner LF et al. Outcomes of intrastromal corneal ring segments for treatment of keratoconus: Five-year follow-up analysis. J Cataract Refract Surg 2013; 39(8):1234-40.

18. Zadnik K, Money S, Lindsley K. Intrastromal corneal ring segments for treating keratoconus. Cochrane Database Syst. Rev. 2019 May; 5: CD011150.

19. Ziaei M, Barsam A, Shamie N, et al. Reshaping procedures for the surgical management of corneal ectasia. J Cataract Refract Surg. Apr 2015; 41(4):842-872.

POLICY HISTORY:

Medical Policy Group, October 2002 (2)

Medical Policy Group, November 2002

Medical Policy Administration Committee, July 2003

Available for comment July 28-September 10, 2003

Medical Policy Group, December 2004 (1)

Medical Policy Group, June 2005 (1)

Medical Policy Administration Committee, July 2005

Available for comment July 28-September 10, 2005

Medical Policy Group, December 2006 (1)

Medical Policy Administration Committee, January 2007

Available for comment January 11-February 24, 2007

Medical Policy Group, February 2008 (2)

Medical Policy Administration Committee, February 2008

Medical Policy Group, September 2009 (1)

Medical Policy Administration Committee, October 2009

Available for comment October 2-November 16, 2009

Medical Policy Group, September 2011 (1) Update to Key Points, Benefit Application and References

Medical Policy Panel, September 2012

Medical Policy Group, March 2013 (2): Policy coverage statement for keratoconus revised. Non-coverage statement for myopia added. An investigational statement for all other indication added. Key Points and References updated to support Policy changes. Additional information added to Governing Body Approval and Key Words.

Medical Policy Administration Committee, April 2013

Available for comments April 18 through June 3, 2013

Medical Policy Panel, September 2013

Medical Policy Group, November 2013 (2): Policy statement unchanged. Key Points and References updated to include results of literature search

Medical Policy Panel, September 2014

Medical Policy Group, September 2014 (1): Update to Key Points and References. No Policy change

Medical Policy Panel, September 2015

Medical Policy Group, September 2015 (6):  Updates to Key Points, Coding and References; no change to policy statement.

Medical Policy Group, November 2015: 2016 Annual Coding Update. Created Previous Coding section and moved deleted code 0099T under this section. New CPT code 65785 previously added.

Medical Policy Panel, March 2016

Medical Policy Group, March 2016 (6): Updates to Description, Key Points, and References; No change in policy statement.

Medical Policy Panel, March 2017

Medical Policy Group, March 2017 (6): Updates to Description, Key Points, and References; no change in policy statement.

Medical Policy Panel, March 2018

Medical Policy Group, March 2018 (6): Updates to Description, Key Points and References; removed old policy statement from 2013.

Medical Policy Panel, March 2019

Medical Policy Group, March 2019 (6): Update to Key Points, no change in policy statement.

Medical Policy Panel, March 2020

Medical Policy Group, March 2020 (6): Updates to Key Points, removed old coding 0099T, and References.

Medical Policy Panel, March 2021

Medical Policy Group, March 2021 (9): 2021 Updates to Key Points, Description, References. Policy statement updated to remove “not medically necessary,” no change to policy intent. Retired policy effective March 17, 2021. Active Policy but no longer scheduled for regular literature reviews and updates.

Medical Policy Group, December 2021 (9): Reviewed by consensus. References added. No new published peer-reviewed literature is available that would alter the coverage statement in this policy. Key Words Added: CAIRS, Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segments procedure.

Medical Policy Group, November 2022 (9): Reviewed by consensus. References added. No new published peer-reviewed literature is available that would alter the coverage statement in this policy. Updates to Key Points, Description.

This medical policy is not an authorization, certification, explanation of benefits, or a contract. Eligibility and benefits are determined on a case-by-case basis according to the terms of the member’s plan in effect as of the date services are rendered. All medical policies are based on (i) research of current medical literature and (ii) review of common medical practices in the treatment and diagnosis of disease as of the date hereof. Physicians and other providers are solely responsible for all aspects of medical care and treatment, including the type, quality, and levels of care and treatment.

This policy is intended to be used for adjudication of claims (including pre-admission certification, pre-determinations, and pre-procedure review) in Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s administration of plan contracts.

The plan does not approve or deny procedures, services, testing, or equipment for our members. Our decisions concern coverage only. The decision of whether or not to have a certain test, treatment or procedure is one made between the physician and his/her patient. The plan administers benefits based on the member’s contract and corporate medical policies. Physicians should always exercise their best medical judgment in providing the care they feel is most appropriate for their patients. Needed care should not be delayed or refused because of a coverage determination.

As a general rule, benefits are payable under health plans only in cases of medical necessity and only if services or supplies are not investigational, provided the customer group contracts have such coverage.

The following Association Technology Evaluation Criteria must be met for a service/supply to be considered for coverage:

1. The technology must have final approval from the appropriate government regulatory bodies;

2. The scientific evidence must permit conclusions concerning the effect of the technology on health outcomes;

3. The technology must improve the net health outcome;

4. The technology must be as beneficial as any established alternatives;

5. The improvement must be attainable outside the investigational setting.

Medical Necessity means that health care services (e.g., procedures, treatments, supplies, devices, equipment, facilities or drugs) that a physician, exercising prudent clinical judgment, would provide to a patient for the purpose of preventing, evaluating, diagnosing or treating an illness, injury or disease or its symptoms, and that are:

1. In accordance with generally accepted standards of medical practice; and

2. Clinically appropriate in terms of type, frequency, extent, site and duration and considered effective for the patient’s illness, injury or disease; and

3. Not primarily for the convenience of the patient, physician or other health care provider; and

4. Not more costly than an alternative service or sequence of services at least as likely to produce equivalent therapeutic or diagnostic results as to the diagnosis or treatment of that patient’s illness, injury or disease.