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-INTACS FOR KERATOCONUS-
Intacs, a FDA-approved procedure for myopia correction received FDA approval for the application to stabilize the cornea and help delay the effect of keratoconus, a progressive disease.
Intacs reshape the curvature of the cornea from within, enhancing the natural shape of the eye. Since no tissue is removed, natural optics are enhanced, thus appearing to add to the structural integrity of the cornea.
An Intralase femtosecond laser creates a channel in the periphery of the cornea by gently separating the tissues. The two plastic segments (Intacs) are placed in the channel, causing the cornea to flatten which helps to achieve clearer vision. It is an outpatient procedure and takes about 10 minutes. The Intacs can be removed or exchanged if needed.
Keratoconus is a non-inflammatory eye condition in which the normally round dome shaped cornea progressively thins causing a cone-like bulge to develop. This results in significant visual impairment. Onset of Keratoconus often appears in teen years or early twenties, but has been reported to occur at ages as young as 6 years. Keratoconus affects approximately one in every 1000 in the United States.
Unfortunately, not everyone with keratoconus will be a candidate for the Intacs procedure. An eye doctor experienced with Intacs will be able to determine if you are a candidate. Corneal Specialist, Dr. Jack L. Weiss, M.D,, of Gordon Binder Vision Institute frequently sees patients in his clinic for this purpose. He will be able to determine if the procedure is beneficial for your vision. "Intacs may be an excellent choice for keratoconus patients who are not entirety satisfied with their contact lens wear.
It is less invasive, removable alternative to corneal transplantation", said Dr. Weiss. Charles Free a recent patient said, "I am two days post-op and for the first time I am seeing clearly out of both of my eyes. The team was extremely competent and I would definitely recommend the procedure."
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