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Intacs®

What Are Intacs?

Intacs are an innovative alternative to corneal transplant surgery that we offer for keratoconus treatment at our OKC practice. They are clear, thin inserts called intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS) placed in the outer edge of the cornea, which reshapes its curvature and causes a flattening effect without removing any corneal tissue. They are an alternative for patients who can no longer correct their vision satisfactorily with contact lenses and for whom corneal transplant is the only remaining treatment option. They are designed to normalize the shape of the cornea and allow for contact lenses to be worn more comfortably. They are no more visible than a contact lens and can be removed or replaced if needed, although this rarely occurs.

How Do Intacs Work?

Intacs are placed in the outer edge of the cornea and reshape the curvature of the cornea without removing any corneal tissue. They are designed to normalize the shape of the cornea to allow for a better contact lens fit and can be removed or replaced if needed.

Intacs are inserted at approximately two-thirds depth, outside the central optical zone, into a small channel that is created in the middle of the cornea either manually or with laser assistance. The laser-assisted method is extremely precise, and the safety and benefits of the laser are why nJoy vision only offers the laser-assisted method.

Who Can Benefit From Intacs?

According to FDA guidelines, Intacs corneal implants can reduce or eliminate myopia and astigmatism for patients diagnosed with keratoconus who can no longer achieve functional vision using contact lenses or eyeglasses. The implants can restore a satisfactory level of vision without the need for a corneal transplant procedure.

People diagnosed with keratoconus or ectasia are candidates for Intacs corneal implants when they have:

• Experienced a progressive deterioration in their vision that contact lenses or glasses can no longer adequately correct
• Do not have central corneal scarring
• Do not have too thin or too steep/flat corneas
• Are not pregnant or breastfeeding
• Are at least age 21
• A corneal thickness of 450 microns or greater at the proposed incision site
• Corneal transplantation as the only remaining option to improve their functional vision

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that often first occurs in adolescence and gradually gets worse during the next 10 to 20 years.

For precision and safety, nJoy Vision only offers access to the laser-assisted method for Intacs® procedures.

Intacs FAQ

Will Intacs cure my keratoconus or ectasia?

No. Currently, there is not a cure for keratoconus or ectasia. Intacs simply allow us to normalize the curvature of your cornea to potentially allow for contact lens wear, to make contacts more tolerable, and to prevent or delay the need for corneal transplantation.

Is the Intacs procedure approved by the FDA?

Yes, Intacs were approved by the FDA in July 2004 as a humanitarian device for the treatment of keratoconus. A humanitarian device is a device that is approved by the FDA that is used for fewer than 4,000 patient procedures per year with rare medical conditions.

How are Intacs placed into the eye?

The Intacs are inserted into a small channel that is created in the middle of the cornea. There are two different ways to make these channels: manual or laser-assisted. The manual method uses a mechanical device that separates the corneal tissue and relies on the skill of the surgeon. The laser-assisted method used to create the channels is extremely precise, and its settings are customized for each eye. The safety and benefits of the laser are why nJoy Vision only offers access to the laser-assisted method.

How long does the Intacs procedure take?

The entire procedure should take less than 20 minutes. Plan on being at the center for about 2 hours the day of your procedure and arrange for a driver to take you home.

If you think you may be able to benefit from Intacs, request a free consultation with one of our board-certified eye doctors using the online form or call us at (405) 842-6060 to schedule an appointment.

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