Intacs For Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a disease that causes a progressive thinning of the cornea, the clear front portion of the eye. As a result of this condition, the normal outward pressure from within the eye causes the cornea to progressively bulge into a cone-like shape.

Keratoconus rarely results in total blindness although it can significantly impair vision and, according to experts, lead to the need for a corneal transplant in up to 20% of cases.



While nobody knows the cause of keratoconus, there is evidence that the disease has genetic origins, possibly made worse by environmental factors. It normally affects both eyes, though it typically progresses at different rates. In most people, keratoconus begins during their teen years and slowly worsens before stabilizing in their 30s or 40s.

Keratoconus is estimated to affect one in 2,000 people across all races. It is normally treated with rigid contact lenses which are contoured to address the bulging cornea and to improve vision.

The cornea of an eye with keratoconus bulges outward, creating a cone-like shape and distorted vision.

Imagine your cornea as a tent with a curved top. If the sides are pushed out, the top is flattened slightly and the dome shape is restored.

A healthy eye is more spherical in shape allowing an image to come into focus clearly.

A proper contact lens fit is crucial to obtain adequate vision and wearing comfort. Poorly fit or outdated contact lenses can be uncomfortable and lead to additional complications like corneal abrasions, scarring or infection.

Benefits of Intacs for keratoconus.

• Safe, removable, replaceable
• Reduces myopia and astigmatism associated with keratoconus
• Restores the cornea to a more natural dome shape
• Minimally invasive surgical procedure
• Recovery period is days, compared to months for a corneal transplant
• Improves quality of life
• May delay need for corneal transplant
  
  

Talk to your physician today to see if Intacs are right for you.*

*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.