Intacs followed by Cross Linking?

[Sharon Tuckfield]

Any comments experience would be gratefully accepted regarding having both of the above treatments. My son, who is 22, went to Moorfields today. He has Keratoconus in both eyes the left one being particularly bad. His consultant today suggested that he has a "Corneal ring" or Intacts I think it is called done follwed by the Collagen cross linking about 3 months later. It was a bit of a shock as initially we thought it was just the Cross linking that they were thinking of doing. After having it explained it seems to make sense to have both procedures but as a "worrying" mother I would like some feedback if anyone has experienced these treatments together, yes I know he's 22 but we never stop worrying! He also drives for a living so any sight problems will have a major impact on his life. He is also petrified as I think you have to be "awake" during the procedure............I won't ramble on anymore but would really be grateful for any comments etc. Thank you

[Ladyburd]

Hi Sharon

I had the INTACS done exactly a year ago & it was very successful, but my eye is very sensitive, as I have many allergies, so I'm struggling to use a RPG lens, so I have been referred back to the surgeon who did my INTACS

I'm really interested that your son has been suggested Crosslinking too. I wanted to explore this as an option, but wasn't sure if I could get it as well as the INTCAS - Can you give me any more info?

On the INTACS, I can tell you it was really straightforward with nothing to worry about, I'll give you a summary of my experience, but if you want anymore info, please feel free to ask:

Pre-op done 2 weeks before INTACS - lots of different eye tests

Went in in the morning & had the INACTS at 2pm under general anesthetic

Went home at 6pm - Eye was covered with an eye patch

Eye felt sore/gritty for 4 days -used drops & pain killers to help

Was off work for 1 week

My eye took a bit to get used to the INTACS but was OK

Only side effect is I get a Halo (a common side effect with INTACS) This effects my night vision, but i can still drive OK

A few months later had stitches removed - Not nice, but not sore. Think the thought of it is actually worse!

My vision has improved & was able to try contacts

Please don't worry it really is not that bad - if i can do it anyone can

All the best

Claire x

[Sharon Tuckfield]

Hi Claire

Thank you so much for your reply. Am really pleased to know also that you were able to have the procedure done under general anesthetic!

My sons vision is really bad in one eye (he has K in both) and he has been wearing hard contacts for 3 years now. The consultant said that by doing the Intact first this would hopefully improve his sight. By doing the Collagen x linking afterwards that should "stabilise" his sight at the improved level. Hope that makes sense, it did to me at the time but not sure if I've explained it well enough!

If they just did the Cross linking at this stage his sight would still be as bad but hopefully not get worse as quickly. I think they are just trying to prevent or delay him having to have a Corneal transplant.

Funding can be a problem but we are hopeful he can get it......fingers crossed. I am so pleased that it has been an improvement for you but hope that you can get the sensitivity in your eye sorted out. It is so difficult as with any medical procedure we can't be certain of how our bodies are going to react.

Let us know how you get on and I will do the same.

Kind regards
Sharon x