While corneal cross-linking has revolutionized the treatment of keratoconus by slowing/stopping the progression the disease, not all patients end up catching or treating the disease early enough to prevent significant vision impairment. For patients with corneal bulging, Intacs® may be one of the best solutions. In this blog, Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler, a respected ophthalmologist who developed Intacs for keratoconus over 20 years ago, explains exactly what Intacs are and how they can help.
How Intacs Work
Intacs are a brand of ICRS (intrastromal corneal ring segments) that help to normalize the curvature of an eyeball affected by keratoconus. An eyeball with keratoconus gradually becomes more conical in shape, which invariably causes astigmatism, loss of vision and glare and halos among other distortions. While prescription lenses (glasses and contact lenses) can help patients to overcome astigmatism, later stages of keratoconus may create an eye shape that normal lenses cannot improve.
Intacs are clear, semi-circle plastic inserts that can be painlessly and quickly (7 minutes) put directly into the cornea to help flatten the bulge and create a rounder cornea contour. Although they do not correct vision on their own, Intacs are a helpful tool in allowing the eyes to use traditional lenses to correct vision.
Benefits of Intacs
Most procedures aimed at correcting corneal irregularities require tissue removal, which permanently alters the cornea and its structural integrity. However, Intacs can reshape the cornea without removing tissue.
Intacs are also customizable. Dr. Brian can choose a precise size and length for the insert and even position it in a certain way to maximize the vision correction. This procedure is relatively easy for the patient with minimal discomfort and only one day of downtime. Patients can generally resume their normal activities soon after receiving Intacs.
Intacs are primarily used to correct the shape of the cornea. Often, this should be done in conjunction with treatments like non-invasive Holcomb C3-R cross-linking to help ensure that the patient’s keratoconus is stabilized.
Speak to the Country’s Keratoconus Doctor with the Longest Experience with Intacs and Cross-linking
Dr. Brian is recognized internationally as a leading expert in the treatment of keratoconus. If your keratoconus-related astigmatism can no longer be corrected with traditional lenses, why not seek care from the ophthalmologist responsible for the development of Intacs to restore clear, crisp vision? To schedule a consultation, please email our office or call directly at 1-310-860-1900. Although our office is in Beverly Hills, we regularly see patients from out of town and out of state and can even help to coordinate your trip for an easy travel experience.
