INTACS

What Are Intacs?

Intacs are two tiny half rings designed to permanently correct vision when placed within the eye. They are made of a special biocompatible plastic that has been safely used in contact lenses and cataract surgery for nearly 50 years. They're small -- very small, as you can see in the picture below.

Dr. Milne and Dr. Huff were two of the first 100 doctors in the United States and the first in South Carolina fully approved to implant the Intacs Corneal Rings.

Inside the cornea, these two two half rings are practically invisible and they cannot be felt. Intacs corneal ring segments are the result of nearly a decade of clinical research and have been available in other countries for several years.

(This picture: A pair of Intacs on a fingertip)

How do they Work?

Simply, Intacs gently change the shape of your cornea to correct your vision. In the nearsighted eye, the curve of the cornea is too steep. Light rays entering the eye are bent too much and are focused improperly. As a result, things far away look blurry. Intacs change the shape of the cornea, allowing the light rays to focus correctly.

Unlike laser surgery, which reshapes the cornea by removing tissue from the center, Intacs are placed in the outer edge -- leaving the central cornea intact. Why is this so important?

Virtually all light enters your eye passes through the central cornea in order to be focused. For this reason, the central cornea is crucial to crisp, clear vision.

The Procedure

The procedure for Intacs placement is quick and simple. After using drops to numb your eye, our doctor will make a tiny incision in the cornea.

Intacs are then placed between the layers of the cornea -- in the outer edge away from the center.

Visual improvement is apparent soon after Intacs are inserted. On average, most people resume normal activities within two to three days of the procedure.

What Are The Risks?

With any surgical procedure, there is some risk. Clinical studies in the U.S showed that infection, which is a risk with any surgical procedure, occured 0.2% of the time with Intacs. Some patients experienced difficulty with night vision, glare, halos, blurry or double vision and fluctuating distance vision.

If the results of the procedure are not satisfactory, you may need to have your Intacs removed or replaced.

Our doctors can discuss the potential benefits and risks in detail during your consultations and examinations.

WHO QUALIFIES FOR INTACS?
YOU DO, IF:

Your prescription for eye glasses or contacts is between -- 1.00 to 3.00 diopter, with no more than 1.00 diopter of astigmatism.
You have healthy eyes, free from disease or injury.
You have had stable vision for one year.
You are at least 21 years of age.