Intacs?

[u121460]

Hi all,

So i was diagnosed with KC just over 2 years ago after realising my vision was poor in my right eye.

Since being diagnosed, I was given a rigid lens to wear in my right eye, but found it way too uncomfortable so decided to cope without.

I then had cross linking treatment over a year ago. This stopped the condition worsening.

So 2 years on and I went to see the doctor today and he told me that my right eye has slightly deteriorated!

It's only now that I have decided to take matters into my own hands and read about intacs.

My question is, has anyone has this treatment? Was it helpful? How would I know if I can have it done?

Im now 25 and want to do something about my vision early on before its too late!

Thanks!

[Andrew MacLean]

'u121...'

Welcome to the forum. It is good to meet someone who has had novel treatments early. Your story will be interesting to follow.

Every good wish.

[Lynn White]

Hi There...

INTACs usefulness depends a lot on how much astigmatism you have and the shape of your cornea. You need a proper assessment by a surgeon experienced in this procedure to give you an opinion. You could listen to people here say that it was great and others who said it didn't help at all and that would still not have any relevance to your particular case. Additionally, INTACs do not help stop KC at all.

Also, you do need to fully understand what was meant by "slightly deteriorated" for your right eye.You have worn RGPs and then got cross linked and both of these can make the cornea fluctuate a lot. Many of my patients have appeared to get a little worse before they got better, so a "slight deterioration" may just be a "fluctuation". I would advise caution before rushing into another procedure just yet.

Lynn

[anne12345]

I had intacs placed two years ago and STILL have issues with poor vision. ( I also had crosslinking) It is not the cure-all that it is touted to be. I wore RGPs prior to surgery. I had decent vision in soft lenses for about 8 months after the procedure , but then my vision has slowly deteriorated. One of my intacs has elevated above the cornea just enough to cause a ridge. When I could no longer see out of soft lenses, I tried to go back to a RGP lens and it rubbed against the "ridge" and caused corneal abrasions. Now I am in scleral lenses, which are far superior in comfort, but because they vault so much over the cornea to avoid the intacs, I have problems with double vision/ghosting.... I am trying one more contact lens fitter next month, and if that doesn't work, I am going to have them removed.

his disease is a struggle for some of us! Please do your research before choosing treatments and surgeons! (Valid research studies not internet hype) You only have one set of eyes. There are SO many contact lens options out there now that weren't out a even a few years ago. Scleral lenses, mini scleral lenses, hybrid lenses, and new soft lenses all specifically for keratoconus. ALL of them are comfortable and much more easily tolerated than traditional RGP lenses. Get fitted in one of these before resorting to surgery. Intacs can induce astigmatism. Go to the ADDITION TECHNOLOGY, INC. website and read their "Patient Informed Consent" documentation. Crosslinking can cause corneal hazing, infections, and it also may just not work. There is no standardization of formulas or treatments. Studies I have read say it lasts only up to four years......

Good luck.
Anne, USA

[longhoc]

Hi there Anne

Thanks so much for your comments and insights. You've really covered all the angles there. I'd especially echo what you say with regards to studies. This is so important -- not all studies are performed with equal rigour !

It's worth adding that the FDA approval for Intacs is on a "humanitarian device exemption" basis. What this means in English is, it might not work, it might not work equally well for everyone, it might work for some people though so even though results are variable it would be wrong to deny this treatment option. So definitely not a cure-all. Like so many treatments for Keratoconus, one size certainly does not fit all.

Kind regards

Chris

[u121460]

Guys,

Thanks for your replies, I will take your advice and do deep research before coming to a decision as to what next!

The doctor has given me another appointment in 9 months, so maybe I will look into other options in that time, and discuss with him when I see him next.

I am surprised about all the different lens you have recommended Anne, the only option my doctor gave me was to have cross linking treatment re-done.

Maybe the doctor feels those contact lens you have mentioned are not a option for me?

[munster]

My lens fitter (also the hospital specialist) has warned me away from Intacs.

He said it makes lens fitting after more difficult. The cornea takes on a table top shape. It flattens on the top, rather than curved. He's seen more people getting them removed, because its more hassle than its worth.

Thats just from his experience from seeing KC patients.