YAMOUT OPTICAL CENTER

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INTACS

INTACS (Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments) are the first FDA approved option for correcting mild myopia (nearsightedness) that does not require a laser.  They are approved for treatment of -1.0 to -3.0 diopters  of myopia with no more than 1 diopter of astigmatism.  Patients must be 21 years of age or older for this procedure.

As shown above, INTACS are two tiny acrylic half rings that are permanently placed in the periphery of the cornea. INTACS are made in different thick nesses which determine the amount of flattening of the peripheral cornea.  This flattening is what corrects the vision. 

The INTACS Procedure

	The procedure takes about 15 minutes.  The patient is given drops that numb the eye.  Then a tiny opening is made on the edge of the cornea underneath the eyelid.
	After the opening is made, two tunnels are created in the periphery of the cornea.
	The INTACS are then placed in these tunnels which are between the layers of tissue in the cornea.
	INTACS reshape the cornea without disturbing the visual axis and they are usually placed in the eye permanently, but can be removed if needed.  Inside the cornea, they are practically invisible and they cannot be felt.

Advantages/Disadvantages of INTACS

• The main advantage of INTACS over LASIK is that the normal corneal architecture is left unchanged and the quality of vision with Intacs is quite good. Also, if for any reason, the patient or doctor wish to remove the segments, this can be done as another outpatient procedure. The eye usually returns to its usual amount of nearsightedness after removal.

• The main disadvantage to INTACS is that they only are approved for mild amounts of myopia and in patients with no or little astigmatism. The procedure is slightly more irritating than LASIK and visual stability can take from several days to several weeks. Also, there is a higher probability of post-operative glare after INTACS as compared to LASIK. Your doctor can help you determine which procedure is right for you.

More recently, INTACS have been used in keratoconus patients. The procedure for keratoconus is similar to the traditional INTACS procedure for low myopia. However, in keratoconus procedures, the placement incisions are made laterally for inferior and superior segment insertion. In addition, the thickness of the ring segments may vary in accordance with the greater amount of corneal flattening required in the keratoconic cornea.  for a large photo of INTACS placement for keratoconus (you will note that the ring segments in the photo are placed superior ally and inferior ally - in a non-keratoconus patient, these segments would be placed laterally).