What do you need to know?
- Corneal cone is a condition that causes an irregular bulge in the cornea that compromises the quality of vision.
- INTACS implants are semicircular rings implanted in the cornea that flatten and stabilise it, improving visual acuity.
- The procedure is performed at 100% using a femtosecond laser, which increases the precision and safety of the procedure.
- INTACS rings are reversible, can be removed or replaced and delay the need for corneal transplantation.
- Implantation is recommended for corneal cone, marginal degeneration, ectasia after refractive surgery and corneal surface irregularities, among others.
Since December last year, patients suffering from corneal cones can undergo implantation of intracorneal rings at our institution. What they are and how they help is explained in this article by the head of the Blikpol Eye Clinic, Judyta Aniśko-Słomińska, MD.
INTACS implants - key information
INTACS are semicircular implants inserted in the peripheral parts of the cornea, the location of which depends on the individual corneal topography. They are inserted into a previously prepared tunnel in the corneal dermis. Tunnels are created using surgical instruments or a femtosecond laser. In our 100% clinic, the procedures are performed using a femtolaser, as the procedure performed this way is much more precise and safe. A set of 1-2 rings, available in different thicknesses, allows for the levelling of symmetrical as well as asymmetrical corneal cones.
Pierścienie INTACS wyrównują i spłaszczają rogówkę, ale przede wszystkim umożliwiają poprawę najlepszej, użytecznej ostrości wzroku. Stabilizują rogówkę, co odwleka potrzebę zastosowania jej przeszczepu. Zazwyczaj stosowane są do korekcji późnych stadiów stożka rogówki (3 i 4 stopień), choć pierwotnie stworzone zostały do korekcji myopia. Zastosowanie mają również u pacjentów ze stożkiem rogówki, którzy nie tolerują twardych soczewek kontaktowych.
Why INTACS? INTACS corneal implants are an effective treatment for corneal disorders and are the longest and most widely used corneal implants in the world.
Advantages of INTACS implants:
- reversibility of the method
- The segments can be removed at any time, restoring the original shape of the cornea;
- no surgical intervention in the central part of the cornea;
- The effects of the treatment (refraction and topography results) can be adjusted by replacing the segment with another, removing one of the segments or changing its position;
- high efficacy and safety, especially with the femtosecond laser;
- making it possible to correct refraction with contact lenses and glasses;
- the possibility of performing combined procedures: ring implantation and cross-linking;
- rapid visual rehabilitation
- full stabilisation effect after three months on average;
- Stabilisation or delay in cone development.
When is INTACS ring implantation recommended?
- in the course of corneal cone
- in peripheral marginal degeneration (PMD)
- in case of acquired corneal ectasia
- after refractive procedures in irregular astigmatism (high degree)
- after corneal transplantation
- in post-traumatic irregularities of the corneal surface.
