UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Hi everyone
I had INTAC in my left eye yesterday at east grinstead. The procedure was pretty painless, however can't see anything out of my eye other than a blur like watercolours.
I went for a checkup today and a man there who also had it done had already been able to see 20/20; I can't see a thing! Feel quite blind other than a blur of colours.
Apparently my cornea has been tightened too much this time; they said it would ease off but I am worried as I can't see anything; does anyone have any advice who has had the surgery? Really worried!

Thanks

Alex

Hi Alex

Sorry that I've no experience of intacs. I wish I could say what the effects you're getting are and give you either reassurance -- or suggest that you go back to the clinic and report that something is amiss -- but it's not a subject that I've got knowledge of so I'll do more harm than good !

What I can say with 100% confidence is that every single time -- and I do mean every single time -- I have anything done by way of a procedure, even minor things, I end up thinking the worst. I think it is the way my brain is wired I think too that I should ban any Keratoconus patient comparing notes with another patient -- it's not a good idea because there just isn't any such thing as a "typical" Keratoconic cornea; we're all unique. So outcomes, recovery rates etc. simply can't be read across from one person to another.

If the person looking after you says, this is what's occurred, this is normal, this is what's going to happen next then try (and it is a Herculean effort I know) to follow through with their advice. Which in this case is the dreaded "wait and see", no pun intended.

Did you get a timescale e.g. "it'll be better by tomorrow...", "it'll be better this time next week..." etc. ? I've known the professionals get a bit vague when it comes to the nitty gritty detail (I think they think that somehow we'll "know" !?!?) so if you've not got a rough estimate of how long it will take to get to the "getting better" stage, then definitely give 'em a ring and ask.

Hopefully someone a little less clueless about intacs than I might be able to say more.

Take care

Chris

Hi Chris

Thank you for your reply.the consultants didn't seem too worry, though they didn't seem to take my concerns massively seriously either. That said my cornea was now too flat like a drum and hope my eye will now stretch a little. There was mention of months, though when I raised that I work in IT they're was no overall concern.

I know it is early days- it was only yesterday- I would have been fine I am sure had I not met the gentleman with the brilliant vision. I have a week off work so I will just have to wait and see. Just a little scared as I can't see anything at all!!

The problem is, as mentioned before, everyone's KC is unique. Also, there's no definite procedure that works all the time. I don't want to scare you in anyway. The good thing about Intacs, is that the procedure can be reversed. You may need more time for your eye to heal or readjust. You my also still need glasses/contact lenses.

I was told that if I have Intacs, I would still need glasses/contact lenses for correction. They don't think they could fully correct the curvature.

Good luck with your recovery.