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Intacs^® are clear, thin prescription inserts placed in the periphery of the cornea (under the surface) by an ophthalmologist during a brief outpatient procedure. Intacs for the treatment of keratoconus is an FDA approved procedure.
Dr. Brian's technique and large research study were used by the FDA as part of their approval. The FDA adopted part of his procedure guidelines for the approved surgical technique which is the basis for instructional courses used to train other surgeons.

How Do Intacs^® Work?

Intacs^® reshape the curvature of the cornea from within, enhancing the natural shape of the eye to correct mild nearsightedness. Because no tissue is removed, natural optics are enhanced without detracting from the structural integrity of the cornea.

A curved glide creates a channel in the periphery of the cornea by gently separating the tissue layers. One or two tiny plastic segments (Intacs^®) are placed in the channel much like placing a pencil in between the pages of a book. This causes the cornea to flatten which help to achieve more clear vision.

Using the L-U^® ophthalmic tool to measure corneal irregularly, we found that Intacs improve the irregular corneal shape. This typically translates into improved vision with less distortions, glare, and streaking of lights.

Intacs^® can be exchanged or removed if needed.

Benefits of Intacs^® for Keratoconus:

• Outpatient 10-minute procedure
• Improved quality of vision
• Removable, exchangeable
• Less invasive than corneal transplantation
• Doesn't preclude one from undergoing a corneal transplant in the future if needed

Potential Risks of Intacs^® for Keratoconus:

• Foreign body sensation
• Glare/halos
• Infection
• No improvement
• Sub-optimal vision

Not everyone with keratoconus will be a candidate for the Intacs^® procedure. An eye doctor experienced with Intacs^® can determine if you are a candidate.      Dr. Brian frequently evaluates patients in his clinic for this purpose. For his out-of-town patients, Dr. Brian can review your chart notes ahead of time to make a preliminary determination as to whether Intacs^® may be beneficial.

Patients fly from all over the country for Dr. Brian to treat them. Your eyes are very precious. If another eye surgeon has offered to perform Intacs on you,you may want to ask about experience and does the surgeon know how to plan the Intacs surgery or does your surgeon have to send your information to outside consultant to be told how to do the Intacs procedure? 

Specifically ask your surgeon 1) if 1 or 2 segments will be used, 2) what thickness will be used, and 3) what location will Intacs be placed?  You will have an idea about level of experience with answers to those questions, especially if your surgeon needs to send your information to an outside consultant for advice.  Dr. Brian has been doing Intacs for keratoconus over 10 years, which is longer than any other eye surgeon in the world (except for France). 

Listen to Norris’ experience 3 years after treatment.

For over 10 years, Dr. Brian has been performing Intacs procedures many times per week.  You can feel confident with him.  Would you really trust your eyes to someone who only does one Intacs procedure a month or just a couple times a year?

Keratoconus is the thinning and bulging of the cornea. Treatments include Intacs^®, Holcomb C3-R^®, cornea collagen cross linking, and if keratoconus progresses to a serious level, cornea transplantation. Dr Brian Boxer Wachler is a specialist in keratoconus evaluation and treatment.