INTACS in Los Angeles - Intracorneal Ring Implants

Intracorneal Ring Implants (INTACS)

Intracorneal Ring Implants (INTACS) are a vision correction option to treat low to moderate levels of myopia. At the UCLA Laser Refractive Center, INTACS are used to correct myopia in patients who have keratoconus and those who have residual myopia following laser refractive or LASIK surgery in Los Angeles.

»	Information about Keratoconus

As with other procedures to correct myopia, INTACS are designed to alter the shape of the cornea. INTACS consist of two, tiny plastic half-rings that the doctor inserts through an opening near the outer edge of the cornea. The plastic half-rings rest between the layers of tissue outside the central optical zone of the cornea, much like placing a pencil between the pages of a book. This placement flattens the cornea, improving vision for those with myopia. The INTACS rest below the surface of the eye so they cannot be felt. They can be removed or changed to accommodate changing vision needs, if necessary.

INTACS consist of two micro thin plastic half-rings

INTACS are inserted into channels created near the edge of the cornea

Press on the walls of a tent, the central portion will flatten. INTACS flattens the central cornea by a similar mechanism.	INTACS are barely visible and cannot be felt by the patient

Key features of INTACS

	a less invasive treatment option than corneal transplantation for moderate to advanced keratoconus
	no laser, no tissue removal
	central part of cornea remains untouched
	can be removed or changed, if necessary