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Intacs
are Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments designed to reshape the surface
of the cornea for the reduction of mild myopia and astigmatism.
Intacs are produced and marketed by Addition Technology ,CA, USA
The device consists of two arc-shaped segments made of PMMA. The
Intacs are surgically inserted into the cornea at two-thirds depth
of the peripheral corneal tissue. The Intacs correct myopia by raising
the peripheral cornea and indirectly flattening the central cornea.
The Intacs have a fixed outer diameter and are available in various
thicknesses. The amount of correction achieved is directly related
to the thickness of the segments; the thicker Intacs are used for
higher amounts of correction. Intacs have FDA approval in USA as
well as the CE mark in European Union for the reduction or elimination
of mild myopia. Intacs for the treatment of keratoconus is an off-label
indication. The objective of treating keratoconus with intrastromal
corneal rings is to delay or eliminate the need for a corneal graft.
Reported studies may demonstrate that keratography measurements
can be altered with intracorneal ring implants in patients with
keratoconus, resulting in a correlative improvement in visual acuity
in some patients. However, predictive criteria are not precisely
identified as for keratoconic corneas. Also, because long-term outcomes
are not available, predictability of success for intracorneal ring
segments for any population to maintain functional acuity or to
defer any eventual need for keratoplasty is not known
Potential Benefits of Intacs
for Keratoconus:
- Very quick surgery - about 15-minute
procedure and quick post surgery recovery
- Improved vision acuity - Removable,
exchangeable if there is need to do it
- No risk of rejection (although
ring extrusion is possible)
- May delay progression of keratoconus
- Don´t prevent undergoing
corneal graft later
Potential Risks of Intacs for Keratoconus:
- Sensation of the segments in
the eye
- Glare/halos effect
- Possible Infection
- No improvement
The
whole surgery is performed under local anesthesia . Not everyone
with keratoconus will be a candidate for the Intacs procedure. Patients
should consult with experienced Intacs surgeon.
Contact
address and various links:
Addition
Technology Inc.
Customer Service & Regulatory Affairs
155 Moffett Park Drive, Suite B-1
Sunnyvale, CA 94089
Phone 408-541-2700
Fax 408-541-1400 Executive Offices
950 Lee Street
Des Plaines IL 60016
Phone 847-297-8419
Fax 847-297-8678
Official site
of Addition Technology
Other sources and links:
Modified
Intacs procedure research study
Management
of KC with Intacs
Intrastromal
corneal ring segments: reversibility of refractive effect.
Intacs
for KC Case report
Intacs
for Keratoconic eye
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