Intacs - Eye/Lasik Care

Intacs Procedure Abroad

Overview

or those looking for a safe alternative to traditional laser eye surgery, Intacs corneal implants are viable options. Intacs improve the quality of vision for anyone who undergoes the procedure and unlike laser surgery, which cannot be reversed, Intacs corneal implants have the ability to be removed or replaced should the patient’s vision requirements change over time. Laser surgery permanently removes eye tissue out of the central optic zone, and since the tissue does not grow back, additional surgeries will be required to improve vision if adjustments are needed.

Intacs are ideal for patients suffering from nearsightedness, as the implants help adjust and filter light through to the retina for clear vision. Through the procedure, the cornea shape is readjusted to better accept light rays for improved visibility. The Intacs are FDA-approved and the vision correction is maintenance free – which is an additional benefit for long-term vision health.

There are a few requirements in order to obtain this procedure, including:

• You must be over the age of 21
• You must have stable vision for at least 12 months
• The eyes are healthy – free from injury or disease

Procedure
Prior to the procedure, an optometrist and ophthalmologist will typically complete an eye examination and subject the eyes to a variety of common ophthalmic tests. During the procedure, the eyes are held open and anesthetic drops are placed onto each eye to numb the area. A small, single incision is made onto the cornea’s surface and a centering guide is used on the eye to ensure the corneal surgeon places the implants in the proper location.

The inner layers of the cornea are separated, and the Intacs are set gently into place. Once the implants are set in the proper position, the small incisions are closed up.

Treatment
Follow-up visits are required to ensure the Intacs are working properly and the vision is improved. For some patients, contacts or prescription glasses may still be necessary for proper vision. While complications are rare after a procedure, there are some risks – including eye infection. Patients may also experience any of the following symptoms after the procedure:

• Fluctuating vision
• Blurriness
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Glares or halos

Following the procedure, the surgeon will prescribe eye drops to ward off infection in the few weeks after the surgery. The drops will also minimize any remaining discomfort after the procedure. Once the cornea has completely healed, the stitches will be removed in a follow-up visit. If the surgery was to correct nearsightedness, the patient will be able to see improvements right away. For those using the Intacs to improve conditions like keratoconus, results will take up to a few months for complete healing.

Benefits of Intacs
One of the main benefits of Intacs corneal implants is the ability to improve vision without removing any tissue from around the central cornea. If, over time, vision needs to be adjusted, the Intacs procedure allows that to take place. The outpatient procedure is pain free and offers quick recovery time and both eyes may be completed in the same visit.

Cost of Intacs
In the United States, the cost of Intacs ranges between $3,000 and $5,000 USD per eye, though some medical insurance plans will cover the costs to remedy ailments, such as keratoconus.

Choosing Your Doctor
An ophthalmologist should be licensed and trained and certified to perform Intac and other vision correction surgical procedures. He or she should also be trained to use of laser and ultrasound equipment. Medical licensing in the United States is by local, state, and national medical boards. A good choice would be a doctor who is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, or one who is associated with an academic medical center as they are more apt to be trained in new or advanced procedures.

If you want to know more, you can always contact us and ask for more info.