The Intacs System

Intacs are an important new advance in vision correction. They consist of plastic implants of almost microscopic size that are placed in the outer part of the cornea, the clear front window of the eye. No laser treatment is needed. The implants change the shape of the cornea and will correct up to about -2.5 dioptres of short sight (‘dioptre’ is the unit used to measure focusing error). They cannot be felt, are permanent (unless you choose to have them removed) and require no care or maintenance at all. They are normally invisible except on very close inspection when they look like a contact lens on the eye.

The two tiny Intacs implants rest on a fingertip

Photo of Intacs after insertion

Their great advantage is safety - no tissue is removed from the cornea and the crucial central area of the cornea which focuses light is not touched. Although a complication may still occur, this is rare. Also, Intacs are the first reversible vision correction procedure as they can be removed (by your doctor - this requires a minor procedure) and the eye then returns to its previous state. Although it is unlikely that this will be necessary there are occasions when reversibility is helpful, for example if your vision correction needs change with age or if you wish to take advantage of new vision correction technologies.

The procedure takes about 20 minutes and is carried out under general anaesthesia. No injections are needed. Vision normally returns to normal after 1 or 2 days although full recovery may take 1 or 2 weeks.

Intacs are suitable for people who suffer from short sight. It may also benefit you if you have presbyopia (dependence on reading glasses) or if you have undergone a medical procedure such as cataract surgery and are dissatisfied with the result.