Intacs

What are INTACS?

INTACS are small, crescent-shaped corneal implants used to treat keratoconous, a condition where the cornea becomes progressively thinner and bulges into a cone-like shape. These implants are made of biocompatible plastic (polymethylmethacrylate, or PMMA) and are inserted into the cornea to flatten its curvature, improving vision and corneal stability. They are a non-laser, minimally invasive option for keratoconous patients, especially those who cannot tolerate contact lenses or whose condition is not severe enough for a corneal transplant.

How do INTACS work?

INTACS work by reshaping the cornea’s irregular curve. When inserted into the peripheral (outer edge) of the cornea, they flatten the cone-shaped bulge, resulting in a smoother surface that helps correct vision problems like nearsightedness, astigmatism, and other distortions. Unlike traditional surgical methods, INTACS do not remove corneal tissue, making the procedure reversible and adjustable.

The INTACS Procedure:

Pre-Surgery: The patient undergoes a thorough eye exam, including corneal topography, to map the shape of the cornea and determine suitability for the procedure.
Anaesthesia: The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, usually with numbing eye drops.
Corneal Insertion: A small incision is made on the cornea, and a laser or mechanical tool creates channels in which the INTACS segments are inserted.
Positioning: The surgeon inserts one or two INTACS segments into the corneal channels, depending on the degree of keratoconous or vision distortion.
Healing: The incision is closed naturally, and the implants remain in place to maintain the new corneal shape.

The procedure typically takes about 10-15 minutes per eye and is performed on an outpatient basis. Recovery is relatively quick, with most patients experiencing improved vision within days or weeks.

Who Are INTACS For?

keratoconous Patients: INTACS are commonly used for patients with mild to moderate keratoconous who are no longer able to wear contact lenses but are not yet candidates for a corneal transplant.
Non-Laser Vision Correction: In some cases, INTACS may be used for patients with mild myopia (nearsightedness) who do not want or are not candidates for laser surgery.

Benefits of INTACS:

Minimally Invasive: The procedure does not involve removing corneal tissue and is reversible.
Improves Vision: Can significantly improve vision clarity and reduce the need for rigid contact lenses.
Slows keratoconous Progression: By flattening the cornea, INTACS can help slow the progression of keratoconous.
Reversible and Adjustable: The implants can be removed or adjusted if necessary.

Risks and Considerations:

Infection or complications from the incision.
Glare or halos around lights, particularly at night.
Some patients may still need to wear glasses or contact lenses after the procedure for optimal vision.
While INTACS can improve vision and slow keratoconous, they do not stop the underlying condition.

In summary, INTACS provide an effective, minimally invasive option for managing keratoconous, offering improved vision and corneal stability with relatively quick recovery times. They are an alternative for those who need more than glasses or contacts but are not ready for more invasive procedures like corneal transplants.

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