Keratoconus

Intacs for Keratoconus in India - How Corneal Rings Improve Vision?

Intacs are small, transparent inserts placed in the cornea to correct vision problems caused by certain conditions. This short explains what they are and how they are used.

What are Intacs

Intacs are small, semi-circular plastic rings that are inserted into the middle layer of the cornea.

• A medical device. They are prescription inserts designed to remain in the eye long-term. For some patients, they are an alternative to a corneal transplant.
• How they work. The rings flatten the cornea, changing its shape to better focus light. This can result in clearer vision.
• The material. Intacs are made from a biocompatible polymer material that the body does not usually reject.

The procedure for placing Intacs

The insertion of Intacs is usually a day-case procedure performed with local anaesthetic eye drops.

• Creating a channel. The surgeon uses a laser or a mechanical tool to create a small, circular tunnel within the cornea.
• Placing the rings. The Intacs rings are then carefully placed into this tunnel. The small incision made to create the tunnel often does not require stitches.
• After the procedure. You will be given eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation. Vision usually begins to improve within a few days.
• Reversible and adjustable. The rings can be removed or replaced if the desired vision correction is not achieved or if your prescription changes over time.

Who is a candidate for Intacs

• Keratoconus. Intacs are most commonly used to treat keratoconus, a condition where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape.
• Contact lens intolerance. They may be an option if you have keratoconus and can no longer comfortably wear contact lenses to see clearly.
• Corneal thickness. Your cornea must be thick enough to safely accommodate the rings. This is measured during your pre-operative assessment.
• Intacs are not suitable for all types of vision problems, such as standard short-sightedness that can be corrected with glasses or LASIK.

The suitability of Intacs is a clinical decision that depends on your individual eye health and the progression of your condition. A specialist must review your case history and recent corneal imaging to advise on the best course of action.