INTACS for Keratoconus
INTACS® are micro-thin ring segments of inert plastic that are inserted just under the outer edge of the cornea through a small incision. We provide INTACS® at our vision center in Monmouth County for patients with keratoconus (a progressive thinning of the cornea) who no longer achieve good vision with glasses or contact lenses and who can benefit from INTACS® placement. INTACS® offer less risk and expense compared with corneal transplants for keratoconus.
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 corneal transplant
-
Improves quality of life
-
May delay need for corneal transplant
A closer look at 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 the 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.
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 Poorly fit or outdated contact lenses can be uncomfortable and lead to additional complications like corneal abrasions, scarring or infection.
A closer look at Intacs®
Intacs corneal implants provide a unique new option to improve vision and defer a corneal transplant in most patients. Intacs are indicated for the correction of nearsightedness and astigmatism for patients with keratoconus, where contact lenses and glasses no longer provide suitable vision.
For those keratoconic patients who are contact lens intolerant, Intacs corneal implants offer a less threatening option than a corneal transplant. Most physicians would prefer to delay a corneal transplant-to make it the option of last resort. Intacs corneal implants make this a possibility by improving functional vision, and possibly delaying the need to go for a corneal transplant.
The goal of the Intacs procedure is to provide the keratoconic patient with the ability to achieve improved functional vision with contact lenses or glasses. In the few Intacs patients who later had a corneal transplant after having the Intacs procedure, their transplants were completed without any complications
Corneal Transplantation
At the Atlantic Laser Vision Center, corneal transplantation is a labor of love. We have helped people that for years had little to no vision, providing them with the gift of sight with less dependence on eye glasses or contact lenses. Dr. Goldberg provides state-of-the-art technology in corneal transplantation, including post-transplant corneal laser sculpting (PRK) if needed for further vision enhancement.
The cornea is the clear window over the front of the eye and serves as the eyes most powerful focusing lens. Two thirds of the eyes ability to focus light resides within the cornea. Furthermore, the cornea is the only transparent tissue in the body (thus allowing light to freely enter the eye). The corneas transparency is a direct result of its unique biological design. Any damage to the cornea, which alters its architectural integrity, causes a loss of transparency and may result in the need for a corneal transplant.
Some conditions that may necessitate corneal transplants:
• Keratoconus (stretching of the cornea)
• Corneal scarring, such as herpetic or traumatic scarring
• Inherited corneal disorders, such as Fuchs Dystrophy
• Permanent corneal swelling following trauma or prior eye surgery
The Near Future: Corneal Collagen Crosslinking
Collagen crosslinking (CXL) using UV radiation combined with riboflavin (Vitamin B2) is a procedure currently being performed in Europe and elsewhere outside the United States. It is not approved for general clinical use in the United States.
Early results indicate that corneal crosslinking can stabilize keratoconus and prevent monovision. It is also possible that laser vision correction may be possible for eyes with keratoconus following corneal crosslinking. Dr. Goldberg anticipates that CXL will be available at the Atlantic Laser Vision Center following FDA approval.