INTACS™ are a non-laser approach to vision correction specifically designed to correct mild myopia. They provide an alternative to eyeglasses, contact lenses, and laser refractive procedures which permanently alter the eye by removing tissue from the central optical zone. Intacs™ consist of two clear, ultra-thin, precision-engineered crescents made of polymethylmethacylate or PMMA. This medical polymer has been used safely for almost 50 years for contact lenses and intraocular lenses for cataract surgery. When these crescents are placed in the periphery of the cornea, they are intended to reshape the cornea without removing tissue from the optical zone, which is the critical area for clear vision. This subtle reshaping is designed to make nearsighted corneas flatter, thereby correcting vision.

Intacs™ are recommended for people 21 years or older with stable vision who have mild nearsightedness (-1.00 to –3.00) with less than 1.00 diopter of astigmatism. Patients are given a mild oral sedative and eye drops to numb the eye. A tiny opening is made near the upper edge of the cornea beneath the eyelid. Intacs™ are inserted through that opening so that they rest between the layers of tissue in the cornea. The procedure takes about 15 minutes per eye. The patient should have someone drive them home after the procedure. Typically, vision starts to improve within the first day after surgery. Most people may resume normal activities within two or three days. Although they are intended to remain permanently in place without maintenance, Intacs™ can be easily removed or replaced. In most cases, if they are removed, the refraction returns to pre-operative levels within three months.

INTACS FOR KERATOCONUS

A new FDA approved option for keratoconus filling the gap between contact lenses and a corneal transplant!
Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease, which causes a thinning of the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. As keratoconus progresses, the quality of one's vision deteriorates and contact lenses or glasses no longer become a satisfactory solution for most people. For many, an invasive corneal transplant was the only option – until now! Intacs prescription inserts are an exciting new option between contacts and a corneal transplant that may be the best possible option to stabilize the cornea and improve vision.

Intacs prescription inserts are indicated for use in the correction of nearsightedness and astigmatism for patients with Keratoconus, where contact lenses and glasses are no longer suitable.

Intacs prescription inserts are approved by the FDA for keratoconus under a Humanitarian Device Exemption (HDE).

The Procedure

Prior to any surgical procedure it is common to experience a degree of anticipation and anxiety. It may be comforting to know that the Intacs procedure is far less invasive than a corneal transplant or many other surgical procedures of the eye and the Intacs success rate is high. The surgeons performing the procedure are typically corneal surgeons, having expertise with keratoconus. Each surgeon has also undergone a rigorous training program specific to Intacs for treating patients with keratoconus.

Before the Procedure

Typically, your ophthalmologist, possibly working in tandem with an optometrist will have you undergo a thorough eye examination.

Your examination will include a variety of standard ophthalmic tests for this type of procedure, as well as general medical tests and a review of your specific medical history.

The Procedure for Intacs

Anesthetic drops are used to numb the eye, which is held open throughout the procedure to prevent blinking.

Step 1: A single, small incision is made in the surface of the cornea.

Step 2: The eye is prepared for Intacs placement.

To stabilize your eye and ensure proper alignment of the Intacs inserts, the centering guide is placed on the surface of your eye. During this time, inner layers of the cornea are gently separated in a narrow circular area to allow for Intacs placement.

Step 3: The Intacs inserts are gently placed.

After the second Intacs insert is placed, the small opening in the cornea is closed.

Step 4: The procedure is completed.

The placement of Intacs inserts remodel and reinforce your cornea, eliminating some or all of the irregularities caused by keratoconus in order to provide you with improved vision.

Follow-up visits will be required to monitor the healing process and evaluate the visual benefits of the procedure. Even after a successful procedure, glasses or contacts still may be required to provide you with good vision.

As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks, including infection. Some patients experience visual symptoms including difficulty with night vision, glare, halos, blurry and fluctuating vision.

For more information about INTACS go to www.getintacs.com

For more information about INTACS for keratoconus go to www.intacsforkeratoconus.com