Intracorneal Implants for Keratoconus (INTACS ™)
  

           Intacs™ is a non-laser procedure which was originally intended to correct low amoutns of myopia (-1.00 to -3.00 diopters of myopia with up to +1.00 diopters of astigmatism). With the precise results of excimer lasers in LASIK and Surface Ablation, the role of Intacs in refractive surgery became less prominent, but its use became very popular in keratoconus patients in view of the successful results obtained in selected patients.

          The procedure involves the placement of two plastic segments within the non-seeing periphery of the cornea.  These segments flatten the central cornea without removing tissue to better focus light.  The segments are made of the same material that’s been implanted in human eyes after cataract surgery for nearly 50 years, called PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate).  Intacs have the advantage of removability or exchangeability for different sized segments, and maintaining a more natural corneal shape. 

          In Keratoconus, Intacs can flatten a  steep cornea and reduce the astigmatism as well as make it more regular, potentially enabling a better vision with glasses, and by the same token,  improving the fit of rigid gas permeable contact lenses. Intacs were FDA approved for use in Keratoconus in 2004.

Benefits

-Intacs may improve your vision with glasses or contacts by creating a more regular corneal surface
-Intacs may reduce nearsightedness and/or astigmatism
-Intacs may allow you to wear rigid gas permeable contact lenses again in case of fitting problems
-Intacs may delay corneal transplantation or render it unnecessary

Facts

-Intacs preserve the central part of the cornea
-Intacs can be removed or replaced

Risks

As with any surgical procedure, Intacs insertion has some risks which need to be considered and discussed with your doctor: Possible risks include:
-Visual symptoms (light sensitivity, glare and halos around lights, reduced night vision, fluctuating vision)
-Shallow placement of the ring segments, necessitating removal
-Deposits in the tunnel of the segments
You need to be prepared for  a potential corneal transplant in some cases where the corneal implants are removed.