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Intacs For Keratoconus Treatment

In 2004, the FDA approved the use of Intacs as a form of treatment for keratoconus. Intacs corneal ring segments are an approved option for the eye disease known as keratoconus. Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease of the outer surface of the eye known as the cornea. Keratoconus actually causes a thinning and weakening of the cornea. Over a period of time this disease will deteriorate vision. The traditional approach to solving this problem is a corneal transplant. During a cornea transplant the cornea is basically replaced. Donated corneal tissue from a recently deceased person is used in this process. Until the arrival of Intacs corneal ring segments, this cornea transplant surgery was the only option. For people dealing with Keratoconus, Intacs may be the best possible option to stabilize the cornea, improve vision and potentially delay a cornea transplant.

Intacs For Nearsightedness

Prior to using Intacs for the treatment of Keratoconus they were predominantly used as an alternative to LASIK eye surgery. They had advantages for people with thin corneas and were removable. This procedure was approved by the FDA in 1999 for mild forms of nearsightedness. They offered people with mild forms of eye conditions such as myopia and astigmatism the chance to regain vision without LASIK.

About Intacs Corneal Ring Segments

IntacsThe Intacs procedure is an outpatient surgery that is considered to have less risks involved than procedures such as LASIK and PRK. They provide an alternative to eyeglasses, contact lenses, and surgical procedures that permanently alter the eye by cutting or removing tissue from the central cornea. Intacs are two tiny half rings that are sewn into the peripheral edge of the cornea without having to damage the central cornea. They are made from a bio-compatible plastic that has been used for about 50 years in contact lenses and cataract surgery.

The Intacs Corneal Ring Segment Procedure

The actual procedure for the Intacs takes slightly longer than the LASIK procedure. Normally, patients will be given a mild sedative and anesthetic drops before surgery. Typically, it will take the ophthalmologist approximately 15 minutes per each Intac being placed into the eye. A tiny opening, less than 2 mm, is made near the upper edge of the cornea beneath the upper eyelid. Intacs are inserted through this opening so that they rest between the layers of tissue in the cornea, outside the central optical zone.

The Intacs will help change the curvature of the cornea to correct the vision problem in question. The major difference between Intacs and laser correction is that no corneal tissue is being removed to change the curvature of the eye. The rings are meant to be permanent but can be removed if the patient wishes to reverse the correction process. If the patient wishes to have the Intacs removed there is no guarantee that the cornea will return to the state it was prior to placement of the Intacs.

Patients who wish to consider receiving the procedure for Intacs have to meet a few forms of criteria before they can proceed with the process. Your current prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses must fall in the range of -1.00 to -3.00 diopters, with no more than astigmatism of 1.00 diopter. Your eyes must be healthy and free of disease of injury. Your vision must be stable for over a year. Lastly, you must be 21 years of age or older to be considered. Patients will not be considered if they have one of the following: An autoimmune or immunodeficiency disease; Are pregnant or nursing; You have known conditions of the eye that could create complications in the future; And if you are taking prescription medication that may affect the healing process to the cornea.

Positive Benefits Regarding Intacs

• They are no more visible in the eye than a contact lens
• There is no regular maintenance
• 97% of intacs patients in a recent study passed a drivers vision test
• Intacs are reversible or removable