- What is keratoconus?
- What Are INTACS Prescription Inserts?
- What Are the Benefits of INTACS Prescription Inserts?
- What Are the Risks of INTACS Prescription Inserts?
- Are You A Good Candidate For INTACS Prescription Inserts?
- Affordability
- Learn More
What is keratoconus?
Keratoconus, pronounced as (KEHR-a-toh-kohn-nus), is a vision disorder that occurs when the normally round dome shaped cornea progressively thins causing a cone-like bulge to develop. Examples of a normal-shaped eye and a domed-shaped keratoconus eye are shown here.
Since the cornea is responsible for refracting most of the light coming into the eye, abnormalities of the cornea can create an associated reduction in visual acuity. The abnormal shape of the keratoconic cornea prevents the light entering the eye from being properly focused on the retina for sharp, clear vision. The bulging or “cone-shape” protrusion is caused by the normal pressure of the eye pushing out on the thinned areas of the cornea. The changes in the cornea’s natural domed shape often lead to significant distortion and a reduction in vision sharpness (visual acuity). This impairment in vision can severely affect a keratoconus patient’s life by making even simple daily tasks, such as driving, watching television or reading a book, difficult to perform. The actual cause of keratoconus is not yet known, but there have been studies that suggest a genetic link to the disease. The disease typically affects both eyes, but they may not be affected at the same rate.
In the early stages of the disease, keratoconus causes blurring and distortion of vision along with an increased sensitivity to glare and light. These symptoms usually first appear during one’s teen years to early twenties. Keratoconus may progress for another 10-20 years, with the rate of progression typically slowing during one’s forties. As keratoconus progresses, vision often becomes more distorted. Glasses or soft contact lenses may be used to correct the mild nearsightedness and astigmatism that is created in the early stages of keratoconus. As the disease progresses and the cornea continues to thin and change shape, rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses are often prescribed because glasses and soft contact lenses are no longer adequate to correct one’s vision. The RGP lenses must be carefully fitted and frequent checkups and lens changes are often required to continue to achieve good vision. However, over time the cornea may become scarred, the contact lenses may no longer be comfortable to wear on a daily basis, and/or the contact lenses are no longer able to adequately correct vision. In severe cases of keratoconus, the last resort is to have a corneal transplant procedure, also known as a penetrating keratoplasty procedure (PKP), due to the development of corneal scarring, corneal thinning or the inability to wear contact lenses any longer. A corneal transplant procedure involves removing the patient’s cornea and replacing it with healthy corneal tissue from a donor. Most patients will still need to wear glasses or contact lenses for clear vision following a corneal transplant.
When RGP lenses no longer are effective or have become uncomfortable to wear on a daily basis, a corneal transplant has been a keratoconus patient’s only option to attempt to restore their visual acuity until now. INTACS inserts may offer an alternative to restore functional vision and potentially to defer the need for a corneal transplant procedure.
What Are INTACS Prescription Inserts?
INTACS prescription inserts are two small, plastic crescents or arcs. They are composed of the same material (PMMA) that has been safely used for nearly 50 years in a variety of ocular implants.
INTACS inserts are designed to remain permanently in the eye, yet they can also be removed or replaced, if desired. The INTACS procedure is typically performed in an outpatient setting using drops to numb the eye, and is completed within minutes.
INTACS inserts are surgically placed through a tiny cut that is made with a femtosecond laser. (To learn more about
femtosecond lasers, read here). Once in place, the two Intacs segments flatten the cornea so that light rays can more properly focus on the retina.
Since INTACS inserts are placed in the outer edge of the cornea, the center of the cornea remains untouched. INTACS prescription inserts reshape and add support to the thinning areas of the keratoconic cornea to prevent or decrease the forward bulging of the cornea. The structural support provided by INTACS inserts will help create a more regular surface of the cornea, which may allow for an improved contact lens fit or glasses prescription to improve vision.
What Are the Benefits of INTACS Prescription Inserts?
- INTACS inserts may improve vision by creating a more regular surface for the cornea, which may allow more successful contact lens fit, glasses or both.
- INTACS inserts may reduce the nearsightedness and astigmatism associated with keratoconus.
- INTACS inserts preserve the central part of the cornea which is most important for vision.
- INTACS inserts may defer the need for a corneal transplant procedure.
- INTACS inserts can be surgically removed or replaced.
What Are the Risks of INTACS Prescription Inserts?
As with any refractive surgical procedure, there are certain risks and complications associated with the INTACS procedure. It is important to discuss these risks with your doctor before you make the decision to have your surgery.
Are You A Good Candidate For INTACS Prescription Inserts?
If you are considering INTACS inserts, you must:
- be at least 21 years of age;
- have nearsightedness and astigmatism as a result of keratoconus;
- be unable to achieve adequate vision correction with contact lenses or glasses;
- have clear central corneas (for example: no scarring or infection present);
- have a corneal transplant procedure as the only remaining option to improve your vision;
- be informed of the risks and benefits as compared to other available treatments for vision correction associated with keratoconus
Affordability
Most medical insurance plans provide benefits toward Intacs for keratoconus. Contact our office for more information.
Learn More
To learn more about Intacs for keratoconus, including whether you are a good candidate for the procedure, call 402-558-2211 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kugler
