Kertatoconous, C3R and Intacs

[srini_satya]

How are you faring after the corneal graft? Any issues there? Thanks, Satya

[srini_satya]

Dear All, Can you please let me know how long it typically takes for the C3R to stabilze the Keratoconous? Does any one have experience with ICLs? What are the drawbask? Thanks, Satya

[Simon Miles]

Satya, Have a look at this site: http://www.kcfreedom.org
There is a lot of good information here about the new precedures available for KC.

[cclman]

I put 2008 as they may have changed or got better since the last posts on this topic. I have 3 weeks to decide if I hace one put in the R eye. I am worried that:

1) I will feeel it
2) It will come out
3) It will hurt when in
4) It will only last months or years

What is anyones opinion and experience of intacts aka RINGS. Thanks for any tips.

[Dek]

I had Intacs in my right eye in January this year.
I can say that it did not really hurt immediately post op.
It has not come out.
I'm not aware of it being there, although I don't know if the cornea is more sensitive with regard to contact lens wear due to the additional tension on it.
I have a follow up appointment in 2 weeks time and I would like to know if the corneal topography has changed/improved.
Initially there appeared to be an improvement in my uncorrected vision but now since wearing a contact lens I am not so sure. My vision with a hybrid contact has improved and when first fitted I could read the 3rd line from the bottom-something I could not do before the op.
I don't know how long it will last and I guess that is influenced by additional treatments such as CXR. I haven't been offered that yet but need to explore it at my follow up.
If you want to know the medical facts/statistics reagrding INTACS I found the NICE Guidelines (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) very useful. They can be found on: www.nice.org.uk Do a search under corneal implants for keratoconus.
At the end of the day only you can decide to go ahead. I decided to because it is relatively simple (takes about 15 min), is reversible, might improve my vision without more invasive/risky treatment (corneal transplant) and had confidence in the specialist centre/surgeon I was referred to (RVH East Grinstead).
Good luck with whatever decision you make and hope this helps. By the way I work in the medical profession and am extremely cautious about treatments offered!
Dek

[cclman]

Thanks Dek for the sound advice. I only had CCL (aka cxl) 2 weeks ago and my wife is expecting a wee one . I'll leave an intact till next year if at all.

P.S I decided this only today after careful thought. You have no pain and cannot feel it.... humm, zat is wery interesting as some people on this forum have come back with horror stories about intacts. Perhaps you were lucky

[Dek]

It might not be luck but the skill of the surgeon a bit like going to the dentist-some hurt you some don't. Mine used a femtosecond laser to make the channel which I believe is better than a rotating dissector. Also remember that the rings come in different sizes depending on the degree of KC. Ask your surgeon how he is going to make the decision what size to fit. This is where his skill and experience comes in, not just in performing the operation. I don't know what part of Europe you are in and how common the op is there but personally I wouldn't have it performed by someone who had not performed many. Best of luck anyway with whatever you decide and with your new baby when it arrives.
Dek

[cclman]

Thanks for the excellent advice. I agree. I'll leave till next year (if at all) and fight on with one good and one bad eye. I had ccl/cxl done 2 weeks ago so in 3 to 6 months both eyes maybe better??? I will see For now its too much agro and risk.

[Andrew MacLean]

cclman

All the best. Stay in touch.

Andrew