INTACS™ for Keratoconus

This reversible surgery places stiff plastic rings inside the corneal to flatten and support it.  It is most helpful for the condition of KERATOCONUS, a condition causing such irregular corneal shape.  Keratoconus makes other refractive surgeries a contraindication except corneal transplant.  The INTACS™ provide support and can allow normal vision even though contacts may still be needed.

 INTACS™ for low myopia is also very effective and most people don’t know about it.  It is true that most people with low myopia are happy with their vision and are not so desperate for correction, but INTACS™ are an excellent choice because they are removable which allows the restoring of the eye to its prior shape.

What happens after the operation?

There will be a single small stitch in the cornea, and you will be asked to put drops in your eyes for a few weeks. The stitch will be removed after 3 months. The shape of the cornea will typically take 3 months (or longer) to stabilize and during this time your vision will fluctuate.  Only once the cornea has become stable should you consider glasses or contact lenses for definitive correction of any residual refractive error.  Some people choose to seek temporary glasses or contact lenses during the recovery period.

What are the risks?

These are uncommon but may include:

• Corneal infection
• Rreduced visual acuity
• Extrusion of the implant

Glare or other visual disturbances which may be particularly notable in dim light if the pupil is wider than the INTACS™ inserts.  This is caused by a scattering of light around the edge of the INTACS™ inserts.  Some people may experience a lack of effect from the INTACS™ inserts.  It should be remembered that the INTACS procedure is reversible and may delay the need for a corneal transplant.

Summary

INTACS™ alters the curve of the cornea and may slow down the progression of keratoconus and corneal ectasia. It may be used alone, or in conjunction with other treatments such as corneal collagen cross-linking (C3R) or phakic intraocular lenses, to produce the optimum visual result. When the cornea has stabilized, glasses or contact lenses may be required to provide the best visual outcome.