I had Intacs implanted December 5, 2005 by dr Swanson in Agua Prieta, Mexico. I know it may sound odd having a medical procedure done in Mexico, however, Dr. Swanson is one of the foremost ophthalmologists on the procedure and the disease and was recommended by Addition Technologies (makers of Intacs) as one of the most prolific surgeons. Check out his website at
http://www.swannkeratoconus.com/ where he has posted results of patients achieving better than 2 lines of correction in 75% of instances of KC implantation at 6 months post-op. As per my conversation with him, the remaining 25% realized improvements after the 6 month follow up period.
I am just a bit over one month post-op and have noticed improvement in the right eye which was not as poor as the left. The left was quite advanced and the vision is still not that great. The reason, I am told, is because the rings will first eliminate the irregularities and centre the bulge created by keratoconus. It will create a much different presription and will take anywhere from 1-6 months for the final results to be seen. My topographies (Orbscans) have shown great improvements which will make for a much easier lens fit or glasses prescription. Night driving is still not good, I dont do it, but I tried not to before the surgery as well. I did have stitches placed as Dr Swanson utilises the 'steep axis' technique whereby he creates the channel manually (refer to his web page) to obtain the best possible results as opposed to Intralase (Intacs channel created by a laser). The procedure is quick and there is little pain. Expect to pay anywhere from $4000 US - $13000 US depending on the location and fees of the surgeon.
I will have the stitches removed February 8th which will slightly improve the vision and contacts or glasses will be fit a few weeks after this. I'll post for you guys as I know there is little information on results to be found on the Internet. I may not be the best barometer for success as I had PRK performed (based on a ridiculous doctor's recommendation) in October 2003. PRK or any form of laser are absolutely contraindicted for Keratoconus. It did provide improved vision for approximately 1 month and then regressed back and continued to get worse.
Another option for KCers that seems extremely interesting is Corneal Cross-linking with Collagen and Riboflavin (or C3-R for short). Follow up has been done for about 3 years and has proven effective in halting progression in all cases and in some instances has given 2 lines on the chart back (
http://www.keratoconusinserts.com/cornea.html). I will likely go back to have this procedure done as it has proven even more effective when combined with Intacs.
Feel free to email questions you may have. I'll try to answer them as best I can, in terms of vision improvement - I'm only a bit over a month out so I can't say much yet. Will know more and will post for everyone early February.
Take care,
Derek