Blog
Calendar Icon
Request an Appointment
LASIK Self-Test

6 Benefits Of An Intacs Procedure

Intacs were originally developed to treat mild versions of myopia or nearsightedness. Now they have become an FDA approved medical device extremely effective in reducing or eliminating nearsightedness and astigmatism in patients with keratoconus.

If you suffer from keratoconus you should read further about the 6 benefits of an intacs procedure.

What are Intacs

Intacs are a tiny clear crescent shape device made from plastic polymer. They are inserted into the cornea to reshape the front surface to correct visual problems caused by keratoconus. This is especially beneficial for patients who can no longer tolerate gas permeable contact lenses and are not ready to have a cornea transplant.

They flatten the steep cone shape of a cornea with keratoconus and help to reduce the distortion in the patient’s vision by delivering more structure to the weakened cornea.

Quick Painless Procedure

Your surgeon Dr. Marten will choose the appropriate Intac size and thickness. The thicker the Intac, the more flattening it will achieve. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and only lasts approximately 15 minutes per eye. Intacs are placed at the periphery of the cornea and cannot be felt by patients or seen by others.

Visual improvement can be noticed almost immediately and most patients return to their normal activities within just a few days.

Intacs Improve Vision in Keratoconus Patients

Intacs have been shown to improve the vision of patients with mild to moderate keratoconus. After Intac procedures those patients with mild keratoconus have been able to reduce or completely eliminate their use of contact lenses or glasses.

Safe and Effective

Intacs originally had such an impeccable safety record, that is why they became FDA approved for the treatment of keratoconus.

Patients have the Option to Remove and Replace Intacs

Intacs are designed so they can be removed if necessary or replaced later in life with different sizes or when a patient’s vision may change. Replacing them does not affect visual results and no problems have been recorded.

Intacs Help to Defer a Cornea Transplant

Before considering the more invasive surgical procedure of a corneal transplant, Intacs are an option to improve your vision.

Intacs Work in Conjunction with Collagen Cross Linking

It has been found that combining treatment with Intacs and Collagen Cross Linking significantly improves vision in patients with mild to moderate keratoconus. Although it cannot halt the progression of keratoconus, cross linking in conjunction with Intacs provides the best treatment outcomes for keratoconus.

The eye specialists at South Texas Eye Institute are here to help with any cornea issue.

We are trained to handle all problems from a minor scratch to a corneal transplant. Contact us to discuss the Intac procedure 210.692.1388.