Ferrara Ophthalmics

PIONEERING AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE TREATMENT OF KERATOCONUS

“ADAPTATION OF KERATOCONUS CONTACT LENS”

In 1981, Dr. Paulo Ferrara, under the supervision of the late Professor Emir Soares, defended his Doctoral Thesis on the theme: Adaptation of Contact Lenses for Keratoconus ”, by Hospital São Geraldo, in Belo Horizonte.

1987

FERRARA RING CREATION

Noting the high degrees of myopia and difficulties in adjusting to corrective lenses, he proposed the technique known today as Ferrara Ring Implant ™ (ICRS – Intra Corneal Rings Segments). The patent application was filed in 1987.

1991

FIRST IMPLANT

After 4 years of animal studies to evaluate the tolerance and behavior of the cornea to the implants, as well as to determine the shape and size, aiming at the creation of a nomogram, the first implants were performed in high myopic patients using the microkeratome keratectomy technique.

1994

TUNELIZATION SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

In 1994, he developed the tunneling technique that presented significant advantages over the previous technique, such as preservation of the corneal optic zone, shorter recovery time and easier implantation.

1998

Keratoconus

In 1998, with its focus on keratoconus patients, the Ferrara Ring ™ presented itself as an alternative treatment to thousands of people who saw corneal transplantation as their only option.

2003-1999

REPRODUCIBLE USE

Improvement of nomogram.

2004

4th GENERATION OF NOMOGRAMS

ASPHERICITY

In 2004, when Dr. Paulo Ferrara suggested the 4th generation of nomograms to choose positioning, segment size and thickness according to each keratoconus pattern observed. The choice of asphericity allowed the use of thinner segments with better and more predictable results.

2006

CREATION OF ANTI-GLARE FILTER

RING PRODUCTION IN SPAIN

In 2006 Ferrara Ring segments started to be produced by AJL in Spain. The PMMA Yellow Anti Glare filter has brought more technology to the Ferrara ™ Ring segments and more patient comfort.

2018

NOMOGRAM 5th GENERATION

POSTERIOR ELEVATION

Today Ferrara Ophthalmics has accumulated more than two decades of technology transfer in the treatment of keratoconus. Approximately 600,000 implants have been performed worldwide.

MD PhD. PAULO FERRARA
MINAS GERAIS’ STATE MEDICINE ACADEMY

He took office on March 17, 2017 as Full Member of Chair No. 3 of the Minas Gerais Academy of Medicine Dr. Paulo Ferrara de Almeida Cunha. This chair has as patron Prof. Lucas Monteiro Machado and the last occupant was the Academic Lucas Vianna Machado. The new member was greeted by the academic Francisco Reis Bastos. The ceremony was held at 8 pm on March 17, 2000, at the Oromar Moreira Theater of the Medical Association of Minas Gerais.

In his inaugural address, Dr. Ferrara recalled the three previous occupants of the chair and the academic importance each of them represented for the history of medicine. Coincidentally, all previous occupants were gynecologists, all brilliant in their careers. According to him, following in the footsteps of doctors Lucas Monteiro Machado, Affonso Silviano Brandão and Lucas Vianna Machado will be a difficult task. “These names, besides the great honor, generate in me the unmeasured responsibility of being the new occupant of this chair. I will always work to meet the expectations of my peers, and especially my own, ”he said in his speech.

Still in his speech, Dr. Ferrara remembered what made him work so hard to create the Ferrara Ring, his children. “Getting here is a source of pride for me. None of this would have happened had it not been for my family, my officemates, and teachers. There were work nights and travel days. I lost a lot of my children’s growth. I did everything thinking about them. If the Ring exists today, it’s because of them, ”he says excitedly.

The entrance of Dr. Paulo Ferrara to the Minas Gerais Academy of Medicine crowns a successful career and hard work. After numerous international awards, the medical society of Minas Gerais recognizes the great value of this doctor, researcher and visionary. “Being part of the Minas Gerais Academy of Medicine alongside the brightest names in mining medicine really baffles me. It is certain that a lot of work lies ahead, ”he concludes.