UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Hi Everyone,

I was just after some advice on my intacs. I haven't posted here for a while as I wanted to let things settle before I came to any conclusions about my progress over the last few months.

I have now had intacs in for over a year (14 months) and after the initial hopes of improvement I have now unfortunately come to the conclusion that they have not been successful. The vision in my eye is pretty bad. I see two of everything, everything is heavily distorted, I get really bad halos, things are misty (especially in low light) and on top of that I can see the edges of my intacs when looking at most light sources.

My perscription has never really settled, but whatever the changes it still produces the same poor vision in the intacs eye.

I feel like I have given them a good year and I'm now seriously considering approaching my surgeon on my next visit and asking if he can remove them, so I have some questions I hope someone can answer.

1. Does it cost to have them removed?
2. Is it rather like having them inserted, or more or less painful?
3. Will there be any damage to my eye?
4. Will my sight return to roughly how it was before the operation?

Any personal experiences or advice on these matters would be really appreciated.
Thanks,
Alice

Alice

I am sorry you have run into this trouble. Remind us, was your INTACS surgery performed under the NHS or as a private contract?

Andrew

Thanks guys!

My operation was done privately and I have my final follow up appointment next month.

I would seriously think carefully if you are considering intacs. There really is no quick fix for keratoconus and I think I was a little unrealistic about the chances of their success.

That is not to say, however, that this is always the case. I know they have worked for some people, but back to the drawing board for me!

Alice