Intacs for Keratoconus in Houston
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Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease, which causes a thinning of the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. As the disease progresses, the quality of one’s vision deteriorates and contact lenses or glasses no longer become a satisfactory solution for most people. For many, an invasive corneal transplant was the only option – until now! Intacs prescription inserts are an exciting new option between contacts and transplant that may be the best possible option to stabilize the cornea and improve vision.
For an informational video on Intacs® for keratoconus, click here.
Intacs® Corneal Implants For Treating Keratoconus
Intacs prescription inserts are approved by the FDA for keratoconus under a Humanitarian Device Exemption (HDE).
For more information on Intacs® for keratoconus, please visit www.intacsforkeratoconus.com.
Prior to any surgical procedure it is common to experience a degree of anticipation and anxiety. It may be comforting to know that the Intacs procedure is far less invasive than a corneal transplant or many other surgical procedures of the eye and the Intacs success rate is high. The surgeons performing the procedure are typically corneal surgeons, having expertise with keratoconus. Each surgeon has also undergone a rigorous training program specific to Intacs for treating patients with keratoconus.
Before the Procedure
Typically, your ophthalmologist, possibly working in tandem with an optometrist, will have you undergo a thorough eye examination.
Your examination will include a variety of standard ophthalmic tests for this type of procedure, as well as general medical tests and a review of your specific medical history.
The Procedure for Intacs
Anesthetic drops are used to numb the eye, which is held open throughout the procedure to prevent blinking.
Step 1: A single, small incision is made in the surface of the cornea.
Step 2: The eye is prepared for Intacs placement.
To stabilize your eye and ensure proper alignment of the Intacs inserts, the centering guide is placed on the surface of your eye. During this time, inner layers of the cornea are gently separated in a narrow circular area to allow for Intacs placement.
Step 3: The Intacs inserts are gently placed.
After the second Intacs insert is placed, the small opening in the cornea is closed.
Step 4: The procedure is completed.
The placement of Intacs inserts remodel and reinforce your cornea, eliminating some or all of the irregularities caused by keratoconus in order to provide you with improved vision.
Follow-up visits will be required to monitor the healing process and evaluate the visual benefits of the procedure. Even after a successful procedure, glasses or contacts still may be required to provide you with good vision.
As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks, including infection. Some patients experience visual symptoms including difficulty with night vision, glare, halos, blurry and fluctuating vision.
Corneal Transplants
In the U.S., corneal tissue is readily available for transplant surgery (unlike outside the U.S.). The procedure requires the removal of your corneal tissue, where the disease is most prevalent, and is surgically replaced with donor corneal tissue which is then sutured into place.
The procedure takes between one to two hours and will require multiple follow-up visits to assess the healing process to apply anti-rejection medications, complete the removal of the sutures and to perform a refractive examination and fitting for glasses or contact lenses. The overall recovery time differs by individual, however, the medical community indicates the recovery time can take more than a year.
Patients seeking professional, effective vision correction treatments visit Eye Center of Texas, a leading eye care practice in Houston. Led by Dr. Wade and Dr. Mayo, Eye Center of Texas offers LASIK eye surgery and cataract surgery in Pasadena / Houston, TX.
