What is Felisik or cairs 360?
One of the most logical and promising methods of corneal preservation surgery in moderate keratoconus; Especially when the goal is to improve the shape of the cornea without weakening the biomechanics.

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What exactly is CAIRS?

In CAIRS:
• instead of a plastic ring (ICRS)
• segments of human cornea (allogenic donor cornea)
• which are placed inside the stromal channel with a femtolaser
are used.

📌 The main philosophy:

Increasing the volume and strength of the stroma + rearrangement of the curvature of the cornea

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Why is CAIRS attractive for keratoconus?

✅ 1️⃣ high biological compatibility
• Corneal type → less inflammation
• Lack of classic ICRS extrusion

✅ 2️⃣ true biomechanical strengthening

Unlike FLACIK or LASIK-based approaches:
• A flap is not created
• The stroma is not weakened
• Even a kind of stromal reinforcement is created

✅ 3️⃣ Acceptable optical results

Studies have shown:
• reduction of Kmax
• improvement of UCVA and BCVA
• reduction of HOAs (in many patients)

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Limitations and challenges

⚠️ 1️⃣ The evidence is still evolving
• Most studies: case series
• Large RCTs are still limited

⚠️ 2️⃣ tissue access
• Requires active eye bank
• Standardization of segment thickness and arch is important

⚠️ 3️⃣ Usually requires accompanying CXL

CAIRS alone:
• does not stop disease progression
• so CAIRS + CXL is often recommended