Intacs Corneal Implants – Woodlands Custom Vision

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that causes the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) to thin. As the disease continues to progress, the quality of the afflicted person's vision deteriorates past a point where contact lenses or glasses can be effective for most people. For many, an invasive corneal transplant was the only option – until now! Intacs prescription inserts are an exciting new option between contacts and transplant that may be the best possible option to stabilize the cornea and improve vision.

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

For more information on Intacs® for keratoconus, please visit www.intacsforkeratoconus.com or www.getintacs.com for more information.

It is common to experience anticipation and anxiety before undergoing a procedure. It may be comforting to know that the Intacs procedure is far less invasive than a corneal transplant or many other eye surgery procedures. In addition, it is important to note that the Intacs procedure has a high success rate. The surgeons that perform the Intacs procedure are typically corneal surgeons with great expertise with keratoconus. Each surgeon has also undergone a rigorous training program that specializes in the Intacs procedure and treatments for keratoconus patients.

Before the Procedure

Typically, your ophthalmologist, possibly working in tandem with an optometrist will have you undergo a thorough eye examination.

Your examination will include a variety of standard ophthalmic tests for this type of procedure, as well as general medical tests and a review of your specific medical history.

The Procedure for Intacs

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

Step 1: A single, small incision is made in the surface of the cornea.

Step 2: The eye is prepared for Intacs placement.

To stabilize your eye and ensure proper alignment of the Intacs inserts, the centering guide is placed on the surface of your eye. During this time, inner layers of the cornea are gently separated in a narrow circular area to allow for Intacs placement.

Step 3: The Intacs inserts are gently placed.

After the second Intacs insert is placed, the small opening in the cornea is closed.

Step 4: The procedure is completed.

The placement of Intacs inserts remodel and reinforce your cornea, eliminating some or all of the irregularities caused by keratoconus in order to provide you with improved vision.

Follow-up visits will be required to monitor the healing process and evaluate the visual benefits of the procedure. Even after a successful procedure, glasses or contacts still may be required to provide you with good vision.

As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks, including infection. Some patients experience visual symptoms including difficulty with night vision, glare, halos, blurry and fluctuating vision.

Corneal Transplants

corneal transplant In the U.S., corneal tissue is readily available for transplant surgery (unlike outside the U.S.). The procedure requires the removal of your corneal tissue, where the disease is most prevalent, and is surgically replaced with donor corneal tissue which is then sutured into place.

The procedure takes between one to two hours and will require multiple follow-up visits to assess the healing process to apply anti-rejection medications, complete the removal of the sutures and to perform a refractive examination and fitting for glasses or contact lenses. The overall recovery time differs by individual, however, the medical community indicates the recovery time can take more than a year.

For more information on Intacs® For Treating Keratoconus or to schedule your consultation, please email or call Dr. Manrique de Lara, a leading The Woodlands cataract surgery and Woodlands LASIK provider, today.

Woodlands Custom Vision Saturday Consultations Now Available!	Woodlands Custom Vision 9595 Six Pines Dr., Suite 6240 The Woodlands, TX 77380 www.WoodlandsCustomVision.com (281) 367-2010
Carlos Manrique de Lara, M.D., F.A.C.S. Lasik Eye Surgeon - Ophthalmologist - Eye Doctor Providing Lasik Eye Surgery and Laser Vision Correction in Houston and to the Rio Grande Valley Including McAllen, Edinburg, Harlingen and Brownsville!