How Are Intacs® Corneal Implants Inserted, and Can They Be Removed?

Updated

Intacs® Corneal Implants are inserted surgically through a small radial incision in the corneal stroma, placed in the periphery of the cornea at approximately two-thirds depth, outside the central optical zone. Yes—they are designed to allow removal or replacement. The implants are made from polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and come in different thicknesses, so the specific device used is chosen before or during the procedure.

What the Procedure Involves

According to the manufacturer's description, the surgical steps center on placing the segments in the peripheral cornea rather than the center:

  • Incision: A small radial incision is made in the corneal stroma.
  • Placement: The Intacs® segments are inserted into the corneal stroma at roughly two-thirds depth.
  • Position: They sit in the periphery of the cornea, outside the patient's central optical zone.

Once in place, the product reshapes and stabilizes the cornea. The intended effect is to reduce or eliminate myopia and astigmatism in patients with keratoconus, so functional vision may be restored and a corneal transplant potentially deferred.

Why the Peripheral Position Matters

Because the segments are placed outside the central optical zone, the mechanism is a reshaping of the cornea's peripheral structure rather than a direct treatment of the center. This is the key difference from simply describing the device as a "lens"—it is an implant that changes corneal shape from the outside in.

Can They Be Removed or Replaced?

Yes. The manufacturer states the Intacs® are designed to allow removal or replacement. This matters for two practical reasons:

  1. Adjustability over time: If the outcome is not as intended, or the cornea changes, the option to remove or exchange the segments exists by design.
  2. Thickness selection: Since the implants are available in different thicknesses, replacement can involve a different segment thickness rather than only removal.

The website does not describe the removal procedure itself, recovery after removal, or how often replacement occurs. Those specifics would need to come from the treating surgeon.

Who This Is For

The device is described for patients with keratoconus—a disease that thins the cornea and causes it to progressively bulge into a cone-like shape, dramatically affecting vision. Intacs® are positioned as an option to improve vision before considering a cornea transplant. The site also states they are the only FDA-approved intracorneal segments.

Question Answer from the manufacturer's information
How are they inserted? Through a small radial incision in the corneal stroma
Where are they placed? Corneal periphery, about two-thirds depth, outside the central optical zone
What are they made of? Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)
Do they come in different sizes? Yes, different thicknesses
Can they be removed? Yes, designed to allow removal or replacement
What is the goal? Reduce or eliminate myopia and astigmatism in keratoconus; potentially defer corneal transplant

What to Confirm With a Surgeon

The website covers the device concept but not candidacy criteria, surgical risks, recovery timelines, or cost. Before deciding, ask the treating ophthalmologist to confirm:

  • Whether your corneal thickness and cone location make you a candidate for peripheral placement at two-thirds depth.
  • Which segment thickness they recommend and why.
  • What removal or replacement would involve in your case, and under what circumstances they would consider it.

The site itself offers patient, medical professional, and contact sections for further inquiries.