One of the newest options available to keratoconus patients who have become unable achieve functional vision with contact lenses is Intacs corneal implants. The goal of Intacs is to "defer" a corneal transplant and "stabilize" the cornea so that contact lenses or glasses can provide functional vision. Intacs are a natural bridge between functional vision with glasses or contact lenses and a corneal transplant.
Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease, which causes a thinning of the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. As the disease progresses, the quality of one's vision deteriorates and contact lenses or glasses no longer become a satisfactory solution for most people. Historically, an invasive corneal transplant has been the only option . Over the past 10 years, Intacs corneal implants have been are a better first option prior to a corneal transplant for contact lens intolerant patients providing the best possible option to stabilize the cornea and improve vision.
Prior to any surgical procedure it is common to experience a degree of anticipation and anxiety. It may be comforting to know that the Intacs procedure is far less invasive than a corneal transplant or many other surgical procedures of the eye and the Intacs success rate is high. The surgeons performing the procedure are typically corneal surgeons, having expertise with keratoconus. Each surgeon has also undergone a rigorous training program specific to Intacs for treating patients with keratoconus.
Before the Procedure
You eye care physician will have you undergo a thorough eye examination. Your examination will include a variety of standard ophthalmic tests for the Intacs procedure, as well as general medical tests and a review of your specific medical history.
The Procedure for Intacs
Anesthetic drops are used to numb the eye, which is held open throughout the procedure to prevent blinking.
Step 1: A single, small incision is made in the surface of the cornea.
To stabilize your eye and ensure proper alignment of the Intacs implants, a centering guide is placed on the surface of your eye. During this time, inner layers of the cornea are gently separated in a narrow circular area to allow for Intacs placement.
After the second Intacs implant is placed, the small opening in the cornea is closed.
Step 4: The procedure is completed.
The placement of Intacs corneal implants re-shapes your cornea, eliminating some or all of the irregularities caused by myopia and astigmatism associated with keratoconus. The goal of Intacs is to provide you with functional vision and potentially defer the need for a corneal transplant.
Follow-up visits will be required to monitor the healing process and evaluate the visual benefits of the procedure. Even after a successful procedure, glasses or contacts still may be to provide you with good vision. Most patients return to work within a few days.
As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks, including infection. Some patients experience visual symptoms including difficulty with night vision, glare, halos, blurry and fluctuating vision.
In the U.S., corneal tissue is readily available for transplant surgery (unlike outside the U.S.). The procedure requires the removal of your corneal tissue, where the disease is most prevalent, and is surgically replaced with donor corneal tissue which is then sutured into place.
The procedure takes between one to two hours and will require multiple follow-up visits to assess the healing process to apply rejection medications, complete the removal of the and to perform a refractive examination and fitting for glasses or contact lenses. The overall recovery time differs by individual, however, the medical community indicates the recovery time can take more than one year.
One of the newest options available to 
In the U.S., corneal tissue is readily available for transplant surgery (unlike outside the U.S.). The procedure requires the removal of your corneal tissue, where the disease is most prevalent, and is surgically replaced with donor corneal tissue which is then sutured into place.