INTACS

Intacs are implantable segments that alter the shape of the cornea.

They have been approved by the FDA for the correction of low degrees of nearsightedness. The primary advantages of INTACS is that they are removable/reversible and that the surgery is not performed in the center of the cornea.

Although initally approved for the treatment of nearsightedness, INTACS have been approved by the FDA under a Human Device Exemption for the treatment of the corneal disease Keratoconus. The segments structurally strengthen the weakened cornea in these patients and flatten the bulging cornea. Patients have improvement in ability to wear contact lenses as well as in ability of the vision to be corrected with glasses.

Dr. Farjo has extensive experience in the use of INTACS to treat nearsightness as well as keratoconus, implanting them in patients since 1999. As you can see in the photo to the right, the Intacs are transparent and difficult to see with the naked eye. Although they are implanted within the cornea, they cannot be felt. Intacs are made of a proven polymer similar to acrylic that does not degrade. In fact, this material has been implanted in eyes for over 50 years with a proven safety record.

Although patients having intacs for near-sightedness (myopia) maintain good vision in the long term, it is unclear whether Intacs will prevent progression of keratoconus. Patients with keratoconus may continue to need to wear contact lenses to achieve their best vision. Many patients who have keratoconus may gain the ability to see with glasses, and a number of patients even note an improvement in the ability to see without glasses. As with any surgical procedure, patients may have different responses even though the surgery may be performed in an identical fashion. If the vision fails to improve, or the keratoconus progresses, the intacs can be removed and corneal transplantation remains as an option to correct the vision. In Dr. Farjo's experience with the select patients who can have the procedure, nearly all who have intacs for keratoconus are very happy with the improvement gained and have not required corneal transplantation.

The procedure is typically performed as an outpatient with both eyes often done at the same time. Many medical insurance plans cover the procedure when performed for keratoconus, although it may require a pre-approval process. Typically, a laser is used to create the channels to insert the intacs. Dr. Farjo is among the leading surgeons in the country who have used the Intralase laser to implant these segments.

Most patients manage through the recovery period with minimal impact on their daily lives, although vision may fluctuate for a couple of weeks while the eye heals. Many patients return to work after a few days, although it is recommended to wait at least a week while the eye heals. Vision will fluctuate for the first few weeks with continuous gradual improvement. Most patients are stable enough by one month to obtain a prescription for glasses or contact lenses.

To see a video of an INTACS procedure, click here

For more information see: www.getintacs.com