WHAT ARE INTACS?
INtacs are a unique method for correcting mild levels of
myopia. Because no corneal or eye tissue is removed during
INtacs insertion, they may be removed or exchanged at a later
date if desired for future monovision, or new technology.
INtacs are small semi-circular medical grade plastic inserts
that are placed in the periphery of the cornea in a circumfrential
manner. They reshape the center portion of the cornea, allowing
it to focus images precisely on the retina.
INtacs are made from PMMA (Polymethylmethacryolate) the same
material that eye surgeons have been using successfully for
lens implants in the eye since the 1940's. Current uses of
PMMA in eye surgery include intraocular lens implants for
cataracts, glaucoma implants, and scleral expansion band implants
for presbyopia.
INtacs have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of
low levels of myopia. They are a non-laser alternative that
can help people see better without glasses.
HOW DO INTACS WORK?
KeraVision Intacs™ corneal ring segments for Myopia
(formerly known as the KeraVision® Ring) are designed
to correct nearsightedness (or myopia) by flattening the curvature
of the cornea. Their effect can be illustrated by the "arc
shortening theory."
The theory can be illustrated by a rope suspended between
two trees. Gravity exerts pressure on the rope. The rope will
hang close to the ground between the two trees. When objects
are inserted into the strands of the rope near both ends,
the rope flattens because its length is shortened. As a result,
its arc is shortened and the distance between the ground and
the rope is greater.
Just as the rope is connected to the trees, the cornea is
connected at two points to the lamellae. Intraocular pressure
on the cornea can be compared to gravitational pressure on
the rope. By inserting objects between layers of corneal stroma,
the cornea's arc is shortened and flattening occurs in the
center of the cornea. This arcshortening is what produces
the flattening effect in both the rope and the cornea. During
a brief surgical procedure, KeraVision Intacs for Myopia are
inserted into a tunnel created between layers of stromal tissue.
Different Intacs thicknesses are designed for different resultsthe
thicker the Intacs, the greater the flattening effect and
intended correction. After insertion, KeraVision Intacs are
designed to remain permanently in place without maintenace,
yet can be removed by a surgeon.
 
Using specially calibrated, precise instruments, INtacs are
placed around the periphery of the cornea. This causes a flattening
of the central portion of the cornea allowing it to focus
images on the retina. Because the central portion of the cornea
is not operated on, visual recovery is fast. In fact, during
the FDA monitored clinical studies, about 30% of patients
who had a INtacs had one line of improvement in their best
vision after insertion.
INTACS™ FOR MYOPIA FAQS
Q: What are Intacs?
Q: What are the advantages
of Intacs?
Q: What are Intacs made of?
Q: Who is a candidate for Intacs?
Q:What is
involved in the Intacs procedure?
Q: How long does it take to
recuperate?
Q: How long do Intacs stay
in the eye?
Q: What if a patient's vision
changes?
Q: What will this procedure
cost?
Q: Can Intacs be felt once
they are in place?
Q: Can they dry out or get
dirty like a contact lens?
Q: Can Intacs be seen by the
naked eye?
A: WHATare Intacs?
A. Intacs are a new, nonlaser surgical approach to vision
correction specifically designed to correct mild myopia(nearsightedness).
They provide an alternative to eyeglasses, contact lenses
and surgical procedures that permanently alter the eye by
cutting or removing tissue from the central optical zone.
When placed in the periphery of the cornea, Intacs are intended
to reshape corneal curvature without removing tissue from
the optical zone, which is the critical area for clear vision.
This subtle reshaping is designed to make nearsighted corneas
flatter, thereby correcting vision.
The thickness of Intacs determines the flattening effect
on the cornea and the amount of nearsightedness treated. In
the U.S., there are three sizes of Intacs to treat people
with mild nearsightedness (1.0 to 3.0 diopters, with 1 diopter
or less of astigmatism). This is the largest segment of nearsighted
people.
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Q. WHAT are the advantages
of Intacs?
A. KeraVision® Intacs corneal ring segments are designed
to provide many nearsighted people freedom from some of the
inconveniences of eyeglasses and contact lenses. In clinical
trials, more than half of the patients obtained 20/16 vision
or better, which is considered an excellent outcome. Unlike
standard surgical treatments, Intacs reshape the cornea without
cutting or removing tissue from the central optical zone,
the critical area for clear vision.
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Q. WHAT are Intacs made of?
A. Intacs consist of two tiny, clear, ultrathin, precisionengineered
crescents made of the same medical polymer(polymethylmethacrylate,
or PMMA) that has been safely used in eyes for almost 50 years
for contact lenses and the intraocular lenses that cataract
patients receive. Intacs are designed for permanent placement
in the eye, but they also are removable.
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Q. Who is a candidate for Intacs?
A. Intacs are recommended for people 21 or older with stable
vision and who have mild myopia (nearsightedness) with 1 diopter
or less of astigmatism. Vision correction options should be
discussed with an eye doctor, who can fully evaluate a patient's
vision and answer their questions.
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Q. What is involved in the Intacs procedure?
A. Typically, patients are given a mild oral sedative and
eye drops to anaesthetize or numb the eye. A tiny opening,
less than 2mm, is made near the upper edge of the cornea beneath
the eyelid. Intacs are inserted through this opening so that
they rest between the layers of tissue in the cornea, outside
the central optical zone. This treatment usually takes about
15 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis.
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Q. How long does it take to recuperate?
A. The majority of patients notice significantly improved
vision the first day after surgery. Most people resume normal
activities within two or three days.
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Q. How long do Intacs stay in the eye?
A. Intacs are intended to remain permanently in place without
maintenance, yet they can be easily removed by a trained ophthalmic
surgeon.
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Q. What if a patient's vision changes?
A. Intacs are removable, with refractions returning to preoperative
levels by three months, in most cases. Removability is an
option in the event patients' vision changes with age or if
they desire a newer alternative in the future.
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Q. What will this procedure cost?
A. At Vista Alliance, the cost for INtacs surgery is $5500
for both eyes. This is a fully inclusive fee that includes
(among other things): The evaluation, surgery, post-operative
care, initial supply of medication, andrevision if required.
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Q. Can Intacs be felt once they are in place?
A. No. Intacs are not felt because they are placed in the
cornea beneath the nerve endings.
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Q. Can they dry out or get dirty like a contact lens?
A. No. Intacs are designed to remain permanently in place
within the eye without maintenance.
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Q. Can Intacs be seen by the naked eye?
A. Intacs are barely noticeable to other people and their
appearance in the eye is similar to a contact lens.
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