Intacs prescription inserts for keratoconus provide a unique new option to improve a patient's vision and possibly defer a corneal transplant. Intacs are indicated for the correction of nearsightedness and astigmatism for patients with keratoconus, where contact lenses and glasses no longer provide suitable vision.

For keratoconic patients who cannot or do not want to wear contact lenses, Intacs offer a less threatening option than a corneal transplant. Most physicians would prefer to delay a corneal transplant -– to make it the option of last resort. Intacs prescription inserts make this a possibility by improving functional vision.

INTACS prescription inserts

The goal of the Intacs procedure is to provide the keratoconic patient with the ability to achieve improved functional vision with contact lenses or glasses and in some cases without them. In the few patients who later had a corneal transplant after having the Intacs procedure, their transplants were completed without any complications.

Placing Intacs in the periphery of the cornea flattens the center by restoring the natural dome shape of the cornea to improve vision. Imagine your keratoconic cornea as a tent with a curved top. If the sides are pushed out, the top is flattened slightly and the dome shape is restored.

Talk to your physician today to see if Intacs are right for you.

Will insurance cover this procedure?

Bowden Eye Associates has had some success with with getting approval from some insurance carriers. Since this is new technology, some insurers may not yet recognize this procedure for treating keratoconus. Addition Technology is working to educate insurers on the importance of the Intacs procedure for treating keratoconic patients. Bowden Eye Associates and you, the patient also need to help educate your particular insurance company.

Where can I get more information?

Dr. Bowden has experience and success with this treatment of keratoconus and is your best source of information. A good place to start with self education is the National Institutes of Health.

You can also learn more about INTACS at www.intacsforkeratoconus.com