Intacs® FAQs
Read More About intacs by Clicking Here!
What causes keratoconus and am I likely to get it?
One out of every 2,000 people will be affected by keratoconus. There is no known cause for the disease, but many experts believe that genetics, allergies, and even environmental factors may bring it on. Keratoconus is an equal opportunity disease, affecting men, women and all races.
How do I know that I might be suffering from keratoconus?
In the beginning, you may notice a slight change in your vision. Over time, your vision can fluctuate rapidly, making it necessary for you to renew the prescription for your glasses or contacts. The main culprit for this is the thinning of your corneas, which causes them to bulge from your normal eye pressure pushing against the weakened cornea. It only gets worse as time goes by and light rays are distorted.
Does keratoconus affect both eyes?
In 90% of the cases, keratoconus affects both eyes, but not necessarily at the same rate for each eye.
What age group can expect to be affected by keratoconus?
Anyone between eight and 45 can experience keratoconus. It becomes most obvious to teenagers and continually worsens, then normally stabilizes between 30 and 40.
What is the typical method to treat keratoconus?
The early stage of keratoconus can be treated using contact lenses or glasses. As the disease progresses, rigid gas permeable contact lenses are sometimes used to improve vision and to brace the cornea bulge. In the advanced stage, corneal transplant surgery is normally the only alternative.
Can you tell me more about corneal transplant surgery?
There are some 4,000 transplants conducted every year in the U.S. The success rate is high. However, those for keratoconus are effective for only about 10 years. That’s why someone who undergoes the surgery as a youngster will need to go through several more procedures. Yearlong recovery periods are not uncommon and contact lenses or glasses are often necessary after surgery.
What are the chances that I might go totally blind?
Alone, it is highly unlikely that keratoconus will cause total blindness. In severe cases, though, your vision could be seriously impaired.
How do Intacs work and help me?
Made of medical plastic and surgically placed under the surface of the cornea, Intacs reshape the architecture of the cornea, giving it a more natural dome-like shape, which improves your vision.
What are the advantages Intacs compared to a corneal transplant?
Unlike a corneal transplant, which is an invasive surgical procedure that requires the removal of a section of your cornea and having it replaced with donor tissue, there is no removal of corneal tissue with the Intacs procedure. Also, the recovery period with Intacs is typically very short and your vision is immediately improved.
Where can I get more information?
Call The Christenbury Eye toll free at 1 (877)-702-2020.
