Keratoconus, the Disease

Keratoconus is a disease that creates a thinning of the cornea or the clear front surface of the eye. Normal outward pressure within the eye causes the cornea to progressively bulge into a cone-like shape. The change in the cornea's shape can have a dramatic impact on one's vision.  In more severe cases, normal everyday activities such as driving and reading can be difficult to perform.  Although keratoconus rarely results in total blindness, 20% of all patients will at some time need to undergo a corneal transplant, according to medical experts.

For keratoconus patients who are contact lens intolerant, there is now a revolutionary new procedure available, Intacs prescription inserts.  Intacs provide a new option to improve both corrected and uncorrected vision, and may defer the need for a corneal transplant.

Nobody knows the cause of keratoconus.  There is evidence that the disease has genetic origins possibly made worse by environmental factors. It normally affects both eyes although 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 to reshape and flatten the pronounced curve of the bulging cornea and to improve vision.  A proper lens fit is crucial to obtain adequate vision and wearing comfort. Poorly fitting or outdated contact lenses can be uncomfortable and lead to additional complications like corneal abrasions, scarring or infection.

In a minority of cases, corneal transplant surgery is required.  Ablative vision correction surgery such as PRK or Lasik is normally not an option for those with keratoconus due to an unacceptably high risk of poor outcomes. Usually keratoconic corneas are thin and weak.  Removing tissue with a laser will thin and weaken an already weak cornea.

Restoring quality of life through better vision...

Intacs corneal implants is an FDA approved option for the keratoconus patient that is in-between contact lenses and a corneal transplant!

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease, which causes a thinning of the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye.  As keratoconus progresses, the quality of one's vision deteriorates and contact lenses or glasses no longer become a satisfactory solution for most people.  Historically, a corneal transplant has been the only option – until Intacs!

Intacs corneal implants are an exciting option for individuals experiencing an intolerance to contact lens and are facing a corneal transplant. Intacs corneal implants may be the best possible option to stabilize the cornea, improve vision and potentially defer the need for a corneal transplant. Hear what patients had to say about their experiences with Intacs.

Intacs corneal implants are indicated for use in the correction of nearsightedness and astigmatism associated with keratoconus where contact lenses and glasses are no longer suitable.

Intacs corneal implants are approved by the FDA for keratoconus under a Humanitarian Device Exemption (HDE).

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 and in some cases without them.  In the few patients that later required a cornea transplant, after having the Intacs procedure, their transplants were completed without complication following removal of Intacs.

Intacs may provide an effective option to improve one's vision prior to considering a cornea transplant. Intacs were originally designed and FDA approved to correct mild nearsightedness.  Through the collaboration between physicians and Addition Technology, Intacs have emerged as a new therapy for treating patients with keratoconus.

You may be a candidate for Intacs corneal implants if...

• Your prescription for eyeglasses or contacts is between -1.00 and -3.00 diopters, with no more than 1.00 diopter of astigmatism. (Check the prescription on your contact lens package or ask your eyecare professional for your current prescription.)
• You have healthy eyes, free from disease or injuries.
• You have had stable vision for one year; minor vision fluctuations may not disqualify you.
• You are at least 21 years of age.