INTACS®
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Do you have keratoconus (also known as “KC”) or other corneal thinning, including progressive corneal thinning following LASIK? Are you no longer able to achieve adequate vision with your contact lenses or glasses? Have you been told by your doctor that the only remaining option to restore your vision is for you to undergo a corneal transplant procedure? INTACS® prescription inserts may provide an alternative to restore your vision.
INTACS® prescription inserts are two small, plastic crescents or arcs, designed to remain permanently in the eye, that are inserted through a tiny cut in your cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) during an outpatient surgical procedure. The procedure does not involve the cutting or removal of tissue from the cornea’s central optical zone – the part of the cornea that is most important for your vision. The procedure is FDA approved and is usually completed in15-20 minutes. Reshaping your cornea to a more normal shape may allow you to be comfortable fitted with contact lenses or glasses again to achieve optimal vision
(• See Photo).
Are you a good Candidate for INTACS® Prescription Inserts? In considering INTACS®, you must:
- have keratoconus or other progressive corneal thinning and distortion
- be unable to achieve adequate vision correction with contact lenses or glasses
- have clear central corneas – no scarring or infection present
- have a corneal transplant procedure as the only remaining option to improve your vision
As with any refractive surgical procedure, there are certain risks and complications associated with the INTACS® and should be discussed with your doctor before you make the decision to have your surgery. If the results are not satisfactory, you may need to have the inserts removed, replaced, or need to have a corneal transplant procedure.
A Guide for Patients with Keratoconus
