Intacs - inserted with or without laser?

[Eddie S]

Hi,

Following the suggestion from my KC specialist last week that my options really came down to Intacs or transplant, i've been trying to find out as much as I can about both procedures.

Intacs - I understand that the 'tunnels' for them to sit in can be created by knife or laser, laser having the better outcome.

Is it currently more likely (esp. under NHS) to have the tunnel created by knife or laser?

Thanks in advance

Ed

[Andrew MacLean]

Two strings with but a single subject!

http://www.keratoconus-group.org.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3293

Andrew

[Eddie S]

Hi Andrew,

Yes, seeing dplees post about East Grinstead made me realise that there was two different methods for inserting intacs and, wanting to know what i'm letting myself in for, I instantly needed, wanted, have to know how much better laser over knife is

It worries me that dplees previously had their intacs inserted manually (im guessing here by knife) and had a bad run with them.

If I go with NHS intacs surgery, im guessing it will be by knife. Is it more likely to fail and are the results likely to be poorer than by laser?

I hope you know what I'm getting at, especilally considering that it is still quite a new procedure be it by knife or laser.

Thanks in advance all.

Ed

[GarethB]

Eddie

In birmingham, they use a tool that holds the eye still mark with special ink where they need to have the tunnels. They then insert a tunnelling tool which they twist a set distance which is dicated by the tool holding the eye ball still.

The closest thing I can liken the tool too is half the blades on a blender. It is designed to make a tunnel at a certain depth in the cornea.

When it comes to a graft, the tool used is like a high tech coockie cutter.

[Andrew MacLean]

Eddie

I am not sure that you are right that NHS surgery would be knife over laser. If I were you, I'd ask my ophthalmologist which he prefers, and why.

In my experience Ophthalmologists are very willing to discuss these matters with patients, indeed that they are delighted to have an opporunity to answer questions.

Andrew

[Eddie S]

Hi Gareth, Andrew,

I think I need to stop worrying and see what my next appointment (now in 2 weeks) holds!

Thanks for your help.

Ed