NHS & It’s avoidance of intact

[TheBigBadTatt]

Hi, I’m 27 and I was recently diagnosed with KC. This far I’ve not had the best experience with doctors. From forgetting to book me for a contacts referral to being very vague and frankly condescending in the explanation of my condition. However something that has really stood out to me is how strictly the topic of intact treatment is avoided and I am at a loss as to why. Does anyone have an answer? Thank you

[Anne Klepacz]

Hello and welcome to the forum. Corneal ring implants (Intacs or Ferrara Rings) have been around for quite a few years now, though how much they are used in the NHS seems to vary a lot from one hospital to another and between specialists. Intacs don't stop KC progressing so since corneal crosslinking (CXL) which does stop progression became available, they're probably used less, although they do improve vision for some people. But they don't work for everybody, and around 10% are removed because they cause problems. Have a look at Mr Damian Lake's article in the Winter 2018 newsletter - he suggests some other reasons why some corneal specialists don't use them.
https://www.keratoconus-group.org.uk/in ... wsletters/
If you'd like a copy of our information booklet on keratoconus (written for us by specialists at Moorfields Eye Hospital) just e-mail your postal address to anne@keratoconus-group.org.uk
Are you being monitored for eligibility for CXL? And do you now have your contact lens referral?

[tommy11]

I had an intac removed last year, 4 months after it was implanted. Speaking to the consultant after, I got the impression they weren't keen on this method anymore. I am not sure what timeframe this was over but he said the removal percentage was 50%.