Do Intacs work for keratoconus?
Intacs can be very effective at changing the shape of the cornea and flattening the cone caused by keratoconus. But the Intacs procedure cannot halt the progression of keratoconus caused by weakening of the collagen (structural protein) within the corneal tissue.
What is the cost of Intacs for keratoconus?
Cost of Intacs® for Keratoconus The cost of Intacs® is typically around $2,000 per eye, less than the cost of a corneal transplant.
Are Intacs covered by insurance?
Intacs for the treatment of keratoconus is usually covered by major medical insurance companies. Patients should ask their eye surgeon and health insurance company for details.
Are Intacs painful?
DOES THE INTACS PROCEDURE HURT? No. The Intacs procedure is painless and you should feel little or no discomfort after surgery.
Can you reverse keratoconus?
Keratoconus does not fade on its own. The shape of your cornea can’t permanently change, even with medications, special contact lenses, or surgery. Remember, we have various options for reshaping your cornea, but keratoconus is a chronic, lifelong disorder. So don’t wait until things get worse.
Can you get Intacs after cross-linking?
Intacs can also be used after other keratoconus procedures, such as corneal collagen crosslinking. After your KC evaluation, Dr. Hersh will be able to discuss the goals of Intacs for you based on the severity of your problem.
Can glasses correct keratoconus?
Mild to moderate keratoconus can be treated with eyeglasses or contact lenses. This will likely be a long-term treatment, especially if your cornea becomes stable with time or from cross-linking.
Can keratoconus be cured permanently?
Keratoconus isn’t a condition that can be permanently treated with medications or surgery. It’s a chronic eye disorder, which unfortunately means it’s for life. The most advanced medical options aren’t magic.
Can you go blind with keratoconus?
Keratoconus is a condition where the cornea becomes thin and stretched near its center, causing it to bulge forward into a conical shape. As a result vision becomes distorted. Keratoconus does not cause total blindness, however, without treatment it can lead to significant vision impairment.
Does cross-linking improve vision?
Rubinfeld notes that cross-linking does improve vision in a number of patients. “We’ve found that about 50 percent of the time patients achieve a significant improvement in vision,” he says. “Nearly all studies have found some improvement in corneal curvature and some flattening after cross-linking.