Hi Johnni and welcome to the forum
Like you I was diagnosed KC in Nov 2005, uncanny coincidence
In relation to INTACS, I had these implanted in my right eye in February this year, and have seen (literally) great improvement in my vision.
However I do have a few questions and some advice for you......
Have you been referred to your nearest eye centre and seen a consultant in order to get a full diagnosis to the extent of your KC?
Have you seen an optometrist who is experienced in fitting lenses to KC patients?
Moving on to INTACS themselves....
The foremost point to bear in mind is that they are not a miracle cure as they can only extend the period before a corneal graft becomes a real possibility and/or inevitable. The results one patient may experience does not necessarily indicate the results another patient may experience.
INTACS are only suitable for a relatively small number of KC patients, the factors which can determine a patient's suitability include, but are not limited to:
Severity of KC
Corneal thickness
History of lens intolerance
Corneal health
Suitability can only be decided by a trained health care professional, it is not a treatment that you can go and buy off the shelf so to speak.
The long term success results of INTACS, in the UK at least, are fairly unknown as previously this procedure was not recognised by NICE guidance and the small number of centres actually performing the operation. IIRC there is little worldwide data as to the success or failure of the procedure beyond 20 years, that is not to say there is any current reason to believe there will be any long term complications with the procedure.
There are other treatments available including C3R. This in my opinion requires more study into the long term prognosis in patients, but from the data I've read should not be entirely ruled out (cue massive debate
)
You can read about my experience of the INTACS procedure here:
"Intacs Operation Diary - Update"As to the progression of your KC, it may well progress to a lesser extent. By the time I had my operation my KC had progressed further to what it was at the time of diagnosis, but only to a very small extent. I was told that it is likely that I had suffered from KC since I was about 13 (some 22 years ago) but because it had been very mild at the time it was masked by the astigmatism.
Please do find an optometrist who is experienced in fitting KS patients and also get a referral to a consultant.
Remember.....You rule your KC life, do not let KC rule your life.
I wish you all the best and please keep us informed as to how you progress.
Karl
and when its windy and i get something in my eye. ANyone have any experience with the Intacs process.
My lenses used to pop out all the time. On one occasion I was in the company of some very distinguished people, I shook hands with them and then out came my right lens. Immediately everybody (including a member of the United Kingdom Royal Family) sank to their hands and knees and started feeling around for a lens.