Corneal Implants Offer LASIK Alternative And Treatment For Keratoconus
Intacs corneal implants represent a surgical option for correcting nearsightedness when LASIK is not an option. Approved by the FDA in 1999 for mild myopia (-1.0 to -3.0 diopters), the technology uses two tiny, clear crescent-shaped pieces of a plastic polymer that are inserted into the cornea. The procedure takes about 15 minutes.
Intacs corneal implants are designed for long-term vision correction. However, Intacs may be removed or replaced with a different size if necessary or desired. Should your prescription change at a later date with age, you would have the option of replacing your Intacs with a more appropriate size.
Intacs Corneal Implants Reshape the Cornea
In people who are nearsighted, the cornea is too steep, which focuses the incoming light rays in front of the retina rather than directly on it. Faraway objects therefore appear blurry. Intacs corneal implant rings reshape the cornea to flatten it enough to direct incoming light rays properly onto the retina, thus producing a sharper image.
Most patients have sharper vision the first day after surgery. The Intacs ring segments can’t be felt because they are beneath the cornea’s nerve endings. Other people won’t be able to see them unless they look closely into your eyes.