About Intacs and Corneal Implants
Keratoconus is a condition that causes the cornea to thin, weaken, and adopt a cone-like shape, which typically has a poor effect on the patient’s vision. To remedy this condition, our board-certified ophthalmologists at Focal Point Vision in San Antonio, TX are pleased to offer a number of advanced solutions, including Intacs corneal implants. These tiny devices are used to help the cornea adopt a normal, healthy shape by flattening the tissue. In turn, this works to address any vision impairments you may have been experiencing as a direct result of keratoconus. Intacs implants are highly effective and produce wonderful results for many individuals.
What Are The Benefits Of Corneal Implants?
Intacs corneal implants at Focal Point Vision are an extremely effective solution to treat your keratoconus, offering a number of great benefits, including:
- Can dramatically improve vision
- Can reduce pain and discomfort
- Can make wearing contacts more comfortable
- Can be performed alongside other procedures
- Stabilizes vision deterioration
- Employs a precise laser-assisted procedure
- The procedure is easy and quick
- Vision improvements can be fast (less than 72 hours)
- FDA-approved safe and effective
How Is Intacs Surgery Done?
Surgery with the Intacs corneal implant may last between 10 – 30 minutes. Before we begin, a member of our team will desensitize your eye with special drops. Once you’re fully numb, we then create a small incision into the cornea using advanced laser technology. As soon as the layers of your cornea have been precisely separated, we will insert the device into its ideal placement. Intacs can be performed alongside another laser-assisted procedure, such as refractive laser-assisted cataract surgery (ReLACS).
Following your treatment, we will monitor the condition of your eye for some time and prescribe antibiotic drops before releasing you to heal at home.
Intacs and ReLACS FAQ
Are Intacs corneal implants and ReLACS safe?
Yes, they are. Intacs corneal implants were approved by the FDA in 2004 as safe and effective. The ReLACS procedure uses a laser to make the incision to remove a cataract, which is more precise than the traditional method that is performed by hand.
Does Intacs and ReLACS surgery hurt?
No, they don’t. Before our doctors begin the procedure, they will numb the patient’s eyes with anesthetic drops. Most patients, if they feel anything at all, report a slight feeling of pressure.
Are Intacs implants permanent?
Yes, they are. However, they can be safely removed and/or replaced if necessary.
How much better will my vision be after Intacs or ReLACS?
Many patients experience improved vision within about 24 hours after their Intacs procedure, with more than 95% seeing 20/40 vision or better within a year.
After a ReLACS procedure, many patients experience an improvement in their vision within 48 – 72 hours. During the recovery period, it can take up to two weeks for the eyes to adjust. With astigmatism correction and the placement of multifocal or toric IOLs, patients can experience dramatic improvements in their eyesight.
Am I A Candidate For Intacs?
Deteriorating eyesight is something that nobody wants to endure, and vision that worsens progressively over time can be extremely worrying and disrupt your day-to-day life. Thankfully, our team in San Antonio, TX are here to help. Contact Focal Point Vision and schedule a consultation to find out if you may have keratoconus and could benefit from advanced laser-assisted surgery and Intacs corneal implants.
