The operation of implanting the ring, i.e. the INTACS intracorneal ring, is one of the modern methods of treating keratoconus. How is the ring implantation procedure performed? Are the INTACS intracorneal rings an effective and safe method of treating keratoconus?
Ring implantationtomethod of keratoconus treatmentduring whichINTACS intracorneal rings .Keratoconusis a disease in which the cornea forms a cone instead of a ball. The defect affects both eyeballs and usually appears in adolescence. A patient with a keratoconus sees things unclearly. The image is blurry, making it difficult to read, for example. Progressive myopia makes it impossible to function independently. Until recently, the defect was treated only with hard contact lenses. They flatten the cornea a little, which makes it easier to see. However, they don't help for long. In addition, the constantly oppressed eye hurts, it tears profusely. In addition, some patients were unable to wear lenses at all.
Instead of a corneal transplant - keratoconus surgery
In very advanced disease, the only treatment was a corneal transplant. Without it, the patient would lose his eyesight completely. - The procedure we performed is not an ideal solution for all those suffering from this disease - says prof. Jerzy Szaflik from the Eye Microsurgery Center in Warsaw. - To my knowledge, it could be performed in about 100 people waiting for a corneal transplant, which is, contrary to appearances, a lot. Because although every year in our country as many as 1,000 people qualify for transplantation, such operations are performed very little, because there is a shortage of corneas collected from deceased people. The innovative treatment is safe and reversible. It takes only 15 minutes and is performed by numbing the eye with drops.
Keratoconus surgery -INTACS intracorneal rings
Correction of the eye cone involves placing the so-called ring - it is a two-part implant (like two halves of a circle). The implant is placed 6 mm from the central point of the cornea, which gives it its proper shape and significantly improves vision. The ring does not completely eradicate the keratoconus, but it does reduce it enough thatremaining amblyopia can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. The effects of ring implantation are assessed after one week. After a month, the eye adjusts to the new way of seeing. The patient becomes independent. Can read write and move around.
Keratoconus surgery - a precious ring made to measure
The implant must be adjusted to the degree of corneal deformation, so it is prepared individually for each patient. There is no laboratory in Poland where a ring can be made. Therefore, after thorough research and precise description of the defect in a given patient, the appropriate order is sent to the USA, where it is produced. The production of one ring and the procedure for one eye was estimated at around 6,000. zloty. Unfortunately, the costs are not reimbursed for the time being. Currently available implants last about 7 years.
Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a disease that causes the cornea to change from spherical to conical shape. How do you recognize a keratoconus? What are the treatments for keratoconus? Listen to our expert - drug. Łukasz Kołodziejski from the LIBERMEDIC clinic.
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