Intacs for Keratoconus in San Leandro

All About Vision with Intacs

Keratoconus is an eye condition in which the cornea has an abnormal curvature, bulging into a steep cone shape instead of a smoothly rounded dome. During the early stages of keratoconus, specialized contact lenses are the typical treatment.

However, as the condition progresses, even speciality contacts are not always able to provide clear vision. At this point, Intacs corneal inserts may be an effective treatment, and they are often recommended as a viable alternative to having a corneal transplant.

Our eye doctors in San Leandro stay on top of the latest treatments for keratoconus. We will examine your eyes thoroughly to determine the most helpful therapy. If you have keratoconus, contact us to schedule a consultation to find out if Intacs are right for you.

What are Intacs?

Intacs is the brand name of a small plastic medical device approved by the FDA as a way to treat keratoconus. These corneal inserts are placed just beneath your eye’s surface, thereby giving your cornea a new shape.

By flattening the cornea, Intacs enable light rays to enter the eye properly – enabling you to enjoy clear vision. Intacs are available in a range of thicknesses, and our San Leandro eye doctors will assess your keratoconus to recommend the best type of Intacs for your needs.

How are Intacs Inserted?

Our corneal surgeons are highly qualified and experienced in performing the Intacs procedure, which is safe, minimally invasive and has a high success rate. It also takes only about 15 to 20 minutes to perform, and it is done in the comfort of our San Leandro eye care centre.

1. A topical anaesthetic will be applied to minimize any pain
2. We will place a speculum in your eye to hold the eyelids open wide and prevent blinking
3. Our corneal surgeon will use a blade or laser to separate the layers of the cornea and make channels for the Intacs rings to sit in; only a very small incision is needed.
4. After this initial step, the rings are inserted and stitched into place with one suture or tissue glue.

Most of our San Leandro keratoconus patients report that they feel a sensation of pressure and tugging on the eye as the channels are created and the rings are inserted. Some people feel a slight pinch as we place the sutures.

During the first few days after your Intacs procedure, you may experience light sensitivity, feel like a foreign body is in your eye, or have tearing. These are all symptoms associated with the healing of the incision. Taking over-the-counter painkillers is generally enough to control the pain. Usually, the healing process is fast and does not involve a lot of discomforts.

You will need to visit our San Leandro office for follow-up exams to make sure that your eye is healing well and to check that your vision has improved.

Vision Before & After Intacs

Prior to Intacs, people with keratoconus do not have sharp vision. In the early stages of the condition, everything appears slightly blurry and distorted, and there is often an increased sensitivity to light and glare. As keratoconus progresses, the corneal bulges more and more – leading to greater visual distortions. Glasses and contact lenses are unable to provide crisp eyesight.

The Intacs procedure usually improves vision, yet many people still need to wear prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses in order to see clearly. However, since the cornea has been reshaped, people who were unable to tolerate wearing contacts may now be able to wear them comfortably.

Visit Our San Leandro Eye Doctors for Keratoconus Treatment

Intacs are one method for treating keratoconus. Visit our eye care centre for an eye exam and we will assess your individual condition to recommend the most suitable keratoconus treatment.