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Intacs®

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Intacs® Corneal Implants

Intacs corneal implants are clear, thin lenses similar to soft contact lenses used to correct the shape of the cornea. The two half ring lenses are placed in the periphery of the cornea and work from within to reshape the cornea and correct mild nearsightedness. Intacs can also be used to treat keratoconus, a weakening and thinning of the cornea. Intacs implants are FDA-approved and usually give patients vision better than 20/20. Most patients no longer depend on glasses or contact lenses with Intacs. After implantation, there is no maintenance needed and the lenses cannot be felt or seen. They can be removed or replaced for new prescriptions.

Intacs implants have virtually no risk. They are an alternative to corneal implants or other surgery. Intacs are as simple as contact lenses and have results as strong as laser surgery. They do not weaken the cornea like LASIK and other laser options because no tissue is removed. Further vision correction, such as corneal implants or surgery, can be pursued later on if desired by the patient. If the keratoconus continues to progress, however, Intacs can only delay the need for a corneal transplant, not prevent it.

The procedure for placement of Intacs is short and simple and only takes about 15-20 minutes. Patients are given medicated drops to numb the eyes. Recovery can be expected within a day or two and the full healing process takes about a month.

Intacs are best for people with mild nearsightedness who are at least 21 years old and have stable vision. Complications from the Intacs procedure are rare, but can include infection, glare, halos and fluctuating vision.

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