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Intacs corneal implants were originally indicated for the treatment of mild nearsightedness and astigmatism. Today, they are primarily indicated for use in the correction of nearsightedness and astigmatism associated with keratoconus.

Keratoconus is a degenerative eye disease which causes thinning and cone-shaped protrusion of the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. As keratoconus progresses, the quality of one's vision deteriorates. When contact lenses become intolerable, patients are faced with the option of poor vision or a corneal transplant.

Intacs are C shaped segments that are made of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), which are surgically inserted deep into the corneal stroma. It is important to note that the primary goal of Intacs is to improve the structural integrity of the cornea by reducing the size of the cone.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• For patients with progressive keratoconus, Intacs may defer a corneal transplant
• Reversible
• Patients may achieve a better fit and hence a more comfortable fit with their contact lenses

Cons

• Postoperative discomfort/pain for 1 to 4 days
• Fluctuating vision for weeks to months after the procedure
• Vision may not improve or change

Watch a Video on Keratoconus