INTACS are small prescription ring inserts that are implanted in the cornea for the correction of Keratoconus and mild myopia (up to -4.00D).

They are particularly well suited to those who have been turned down for Laser vision correction because of thin corneas and also those worried about the irreversibility of laser surgery. The implants can be removed or exchanged if necessary.

INTACS inserts are clear, thin prescription inserts placed in the periphery of the cornea by an ophthalmologist during a brief outpatient procedure. INTACS inserts reshape the curvature of the cornea from within, enhancing the natural shape of your eye to correct mild nearsightedness. Because no tissue is removed (as would be in Lasik or other Eye laser surgery, natural optics are enhanced and the structural integrity of the cornea is maintained.

INTACS inserts cannot be felt, are no more visible than a contact lens and require no maintenance. With INTACS inserts, many people are actually seeing better than 20/20. INTACS inserts are FDA approved and are supported by more than ten years of clinical studies. Another advantage of Intacs is that they are reversible. If for any reason you are unhappy, they can be removed and you eventually return to the same level of myopia.

And, because INTACS inserts are prescription inserts, they can be removed or replaced if you desire or if your vision needs change. In U.S. clinical studies, of the very few people who had their INTACS removed, all were subsequently corrected to 20/20 or better.

• FDA-approved as safe and effective
• FAA-approved for pilots
• Excellent results - in U.S. clinical studies, 97% of patients saw 20/40 or better with INTACS inserts, 74% saw 20/20 or better, and greater than 50% saw 20/16 or better.
• Maintenance-free correction
• Greater flexibility because INTACS inserts can be removed or replaced with a new prescription should your vision needs change

INTACS inserts gently enhance the natural shape of the cornea to allow light rays to focus precisely on the retina, thus producing a clear, sharp image.

To understand how INTACS inserts produce good vision, imagine a tent with a domed top, a shape similar to that of your cornea. If the sides of the tent are extended outward, the top flattens slightly.

INTACS inserts work in a similar fashion. When INTACS inserts are placed in the periphery (sides) of the cornea, outside the vital central optical zone, they gently reshape the centre or "top" of the cornea. This prescription reshaping flattens the centre just enough to allow light rays entering your eyes to focus properly. For most patients, the result is clear vision.

Before the Procedure

Like Laser eye surgery and Lasik, you will need to have a thorough preoperative eye examination to determine if your eyes are healthy and suitable for this procedure. Your examination will include a variety of standard ophthalmic tests, general medical tests and a review of your medical history. You will be have the opportunity to discuss the process with the staff and surgeons at Centre for Sight.

The procedure will be performed on another day (at least 24 hours after your initial consultation).

The procedure itself will take less than 15 minutes per eye, but plan on at least a few hours for your visit.

The Procedure for INTACS

Anesthetic drops are used to numb the eye, which is held open throughout the procedure to prevent blinking.

Step 1: The Intralase Femtosecond laser (used for creation of the flap in Lasik at Centre for Sight) is used to create a 1mm incision and separate channels within the substance of the cornea.

Step 2: INTACS Rings are then inserted into the channels one at a time. The eye is stabilized and rings rotated into place.

The cornea has several layers to it, like a pad of paper. Making a place for the INTACS is like separating two pages just enough to create a space.

INTACS gently reshape the curvature of your cornea so that light rays focus properly on the retina. Objects in the distance, which once appeared blurry, become sharp and clear.

The procedure for INTACS is safe and quick.

After the INTACS Procedure

You may have the sensation of grittiness in your eyes for a few hours and perhaps a slight irritation for a day or two. Vision usually recovers rapidly when used for myopic correction. For Keratoconus, visual improvement takes longer and can take upto several months.

You will be on eye drops for a few weeks following the procedure and will need a follow up visit at the Centre for Sight soon after the procedure, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months.

At Centre for Sight INTACS are used mainly for the treatment of Keratoconus. Many patients come to see us for Lasik eye laser surgery, however are found not to be suitable because they have keratoconus which is sometimes subtle. Lasik is not suitable for patients with this condition, however Intacs or Ferrara ring inserts may be an option depending on the severity of the keratoconus. Your eye surgeon will after several investigations indicate whether the eye is suitable.

The Goals of Intacs or Ferrara rings is also different in that although we would like to fully correct the eye, this is not always possible. The goals are to improve the ability of the patient to tolerate glasses and contact lenses and obtain better vision. Many patients have become intolerant to lenses and traditionally the only option has been a corneal transplant. This procedure certainly has the potential to delay transplant surgery. Whether the procedure avoids transplantation altogether has yet to be determined.

Visual recovery in keratoconus is also longer and can vary considerably from eye to eye. Tremendous fluctuation takes place early and then the vision gradually stabilizes with many patients obtaining excellent vision with glasses or contact lenses. We emphasise : This is not like Lasik or laser eye surgery where visual recovery is rapid !

The use of Intralase at Centre for Sight has enabled us to enhance the procedure further and with changes in ring diameter we have been able to accomplish a large effect. Our nomogram is now being used by many other Intralase users around the world !