Intacs Corneal Implants

Intacs Corneal Ring Segments

Intacs are implantable intracorneal ring segments (also known as ICRS).  This is a procedure which may be helpful for patients with keratoconus or corneal optical irregularities such as ectasia after other surgeries. Intacs were originally FDA-approved, in some situations to correct low degrees of nearsightedness. In 2004, Intacs were approved by the FDA for the treatment of keratoconus.  Results of Intacs for keratoconus treatment have been encouraging, especially in patients unable to tolerate contact lenses or in need of a corneal transplant.

Intacs are two small crescents of a contact lens-like material (PMMA).  Unlike procedures such as LASIK, Intacs are implanted into the outer edge of the cornea so that the center of the cornea remains untouched.  The insertion of Intacs causes the cornea to generally flatten.  In addition, Intacs tend to decrease the irregular astigmatism found in keratoconus.  Intacs can be safely removed if necessary.  In such cases, the cornea will generally return to its preoperative condition.

Are you a good candidate for Intacs® prescription inserts? In considering Intacs®, you must:

• Have keratoconus or other progressive corneal thinning and distortion
• Be unable to achieve adequate vision correction with contact lenses or glasses
• Have clear central corneas – no scarring or infection present
• Have a corneal transplant procedure as the only remaining option to improve your vision