An Innovative Keratoconus Treatment
Keratoconus, or conical cornea, is a vision and eye health condition that causes the clear window on the outer front of the eye to become thinner and bulge out in a cone-like shape. There are several different types of keratoconus treatment, including Intacs® Corneal Implants – an innovative new treatment for conical cornea.
Have questions about eye health?
What Are Intacs® Corneal Implants?
Intacs® Corneal Implants are a medical implant and ophthalmic device meant to reduce or eliminate myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism in individuals with keratoconus, restoring functional vision and perhaps even postponing the need for a future corneal transplant. Intacs® only require minimally invasive outpatient surgery to install and patients can return to work and daily activities relatively soon after the procedure.
How Do Intacs® Corneal Implants Work?
Intacs® Corneal Implants work to correct visual acuity for myopia (nearsightedness) by flattening the front part of the cornea, which refocuses light rays onto the center of the back of the eye (macula). This ideally results in drastically improved vision.
This keratoconus treatment minimizes visual abnormalities and is a safe, effective solution for a large majority of patients with a conical cornea. Intacs® are constructed of the same biocompatible implant material as intraocular lenses (IOLs) used for the treatment of cataracts. This means along with a high efficacy rate, there are very few, if any adverse reactions to the implant material.
Who Can Wear Intacs® Corneal Implants?
To be eligible for Intacs® Corneal Implants for myopia and astigmatism correction, you must be 21 years old or over and have a steady eyeglasses prescription for a period of time. Some patients may have eye or health conditions that preclude them from safely having the implant procedure. A qualified eye doctor will thoroughly examine your eyes and take a comprehensive health history in order to determine if you are a good candidate for the surgery. If not, your doctor can help you find alternative keratoconus treatment solutions.
Here’s What You Can Expect From Intacs® Corneal Surgery
The operation takes around 15 minutes to complete and is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, although you will need to have someone who will be able to transport you home afterward. Before your procedure, your doctor will administer anesthetic drops into your eyes and may offer a light oral sedative.
During the surgery, your physician will create a passage between the different layers of the corneal stroma without interfering with the central optical zone. The doctor next selects the proper implant ring thickness. Thicker rings will flatten the cornea further, increasing the degree of vision correction obtained. Thinner rings flatten the cornea less. The surgery is completed when one or two rings are inserted into the passage in the cornea created by the surgeon.
Learn More About Keratoconus Treatment From I Love LASIK
The team of eye care professionals at I Love LASIK know how challenging it can be to achieve clear, functional vision with keratoconus. Intacs® are a great option for many patients, and we can help. Contact our office today to book a consultation to learn more about Intacs® Corneal Implants and to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure.