UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Hi,

I have just been done CCL in my right (worst) eye.

Now my doctor wants to put an INTACS in this eye. I've read all the topics about INTACS and I see that for most of people INTACS bring no improvement. Some of them even need to remove an INTACS.

So I have a question. Is there anybody who is happy with INTACS (to who it bring better see) ?

Best regards,

Krzysztof

Krzysztof

I think that it is quite common nowadays for INTACS to be offered in conjunction with CXL. The theory seems to be that the crosslinking improves the stiffness and thickness of the cornea and the INTACS offer the required optical correction.

Andrew

Yes I understand that. However my question is different:

Is there anyone in this forum to whom inserting an INTACS bring an improvement of vision (without any side effects) ?

I've had INTACS removed reimplanted and I can't say that I'm a fan. I went to see David Jory at http://www.lcrs.co.uk/ the other day and he said that a new report suggests that custom made toric IOLs give better results.

Generally it works better for mild KC, but mild KC is easier to correct with glasses or contacts. Its being used to try to get people back in to contacts or glasses when that is not possible beforehand. Its considered "a worth a try" before invasive surgery is indicated. However there are risks with anything done to the eye, which you should discuss with a consultant so that you can weigh up the advantages and disadvantages with your corneal readings to hand and see if you would like to under-go this surgery to gain some benefit or if the risks are greater. Personally I think the results are a bit hit and miss and can not be predicted with any certainty before under-going this surgery - this is only my view though.

dplees wrote:I went to see David Jory at http://www.lcrs.co.uk/ the other day and he said that a new report suggests that custom made toric IOLs give better results.

quite interesting. Are there any references for this?

INTACS

They basically vary in success rate dependent on the individual and its hard to predict who is and isn't going to be successful with them. I have seen remarkable results with them - but also some problem cases.

Downside seems to be that some people (like dplees) become extremely sensitive and photophobic (light sensitive) after they are implanted. There is also the issue that some people see the reflections off the inside edges.

Intacs were originally developed to correct straightforward short sightedness and then adapted for KC. Where the thoughts about the IOLs come in is that if you now stiffen the cornea with CXL and stop progression, then IOLs can correct the residual astigmatism without inflicting more trauma on the cornea. Doubt if there is any rigid research on this as you would have to do a random study where people were arbitrarily assigned either intacs or toric IOLs. Only big institutions like hospitals can afford to do this - private clinics tend to try things out and report which seems to work best!

On balance, I see people who have more problems with intacs than those who do not - but then I would because they are seeking a solution to the problem whereas those who are fine just get on with their lives!

In the same way - those who are fine with their intacs probably do not read forums like these as they have no need to!

Lynn

chriser00 wrote:Is there anyone in this forum to whom inserting an INTACS bring an improvement of vision (without any side effects) ?

The answer to that is probably no, not without any side effects.

For me INTACS has brought a vast improvement in my vision, albeit I can see reflections off the inner edges in certain ambient light conditions. It is now almost 2 years since I had the op done and, although I've had a few "bad" moments along the way, I would consider it a success.

If you read through this thread it will give you an indication as to the difference it has made.

Thank you for all the answers.

I have one more question related to INTACS.

I'm training jiu jitsu (smth like judo, without punching or kicking).

Do I need to resign from the trainings after having INTACS done (because of the fact that when i hit the ground after throw, smb put accidentaly a finger into my eye or hit me it may destroy an INTACS) ?

best regards

Krzysiek