Refractive Surgery


Intacs® Corneal Implants

Intacs® corneal implants reshape the cornea in patients with keratoconus-related nearsightedness. Intacs corneal implants, which are FDA-approved, adjust the natural shape of the cornea to precisely focus light rays on the retina. The implants, which are composed of the same materials as intraocular lens implants, can be removed or exchanged if there is a change in the patient's vision.

Benefits of Intacs Corneal Implants

Benefits of Intacs corneal implants include the following:

  • Implants can be removed or replaced
  • Implants do not affect the natural shape of the cornea
  • No tissue is removed from the cornea
  • No maintenance is required
  • Implants are barely visible

Candidates for Intacs Corneal Implants

To be eligible for the Intacs procedure, patients must be 21 years of age or older and have the following:

  • Prescription correction between -1.00 and -3.00 diopters
  • Astigmatism less than 1.00 diopter
  • Healthy eyes
  • At least one year of stable vision

Intacs has been approved by the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) for correction of mild nearsightedness in pilots.

The Intacs Procedure

During a brief outpatient procedure, Intacs corneal implants are placed in the periphery of the cornea by an ophthalmologist. Two semi-circular channels are created between the layers of the cornea, so the Intacs implants can be positioned. The procedure typically takes 15 minutes for each eye. Recovery can be expected within one or two days, with the full healing process taking approximately one month.


Conductive keratoplasty (CK)

Conductive keratoplasty, also known as CK, is a non-laser, non-invasive procedure to correct low to moderate hyperopia with or without astigmatism. CK is also used to manage presbyopia, reducing the need for reading glasses. FDA approved, CK delivers radio-frequency energy to the outside edges of the cornea, causing the band of connective tissue around the cornea to tighten, steepening the cornea and improving near vision.

Candidates for Conductive Keratoplasty

Patients eligible for the conductive keratoplasty procedure include the following:

  • Over the age of 40
  • Good vision
  • Require reading glasses
  • Stable vision for at least one year
  • Healthy eyes
  • Patients with a pacemaker
  • Patients with severe dry eyes
  • Patients who are pregnant or nursing
  • Diabetics

The Conductive Keratoplasty Procedure

Performed in surgeons office with anesthetic eye drops. A probe, as thin as a strand of human hair, emits radio-frequency energy in a circular pattern, to the periphery of the cornea. The procedure takes a few minutes for each eye.

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