David I. Schanzlin, M.D., Professor and Shiley's Director of Keratorefractive Surgery, is the international authority on IntacsTM, the newest treatment for nearsightedness. Formerly known as Intrastromal Corneal Rings, Intacs are two tiny, feather light, paper-thin crescents made of the same clear polymer (plastic) used in patients' eyes for 50 years. Placed in the outer edge of the cornea during a brief outpatient surgery, Intacs' flattening effect changes the cornea's steep curvature. The resulting "more natural" shape corrects the way light hits the retina of the eye, thus providing a clear image.

Intacs™

Uniquely, they can be removed allowing vision to return to preoperative refraction, in most cases. Approved by the FDA in April, "Intacs give prospective patients the possibility for permanent correction without having to make a permanent choice with their eyes," affirms Dr. Schanzlin. This also establishes a new vision correction category - reshaping the cornea by adding material to the eye instead of by cutting or removing tissue, like other popular refractive surgery options.

David Schanzlin, M.D. performing the first-FDA-appproved Intacts surgery in the United States on patient Tom Loarie, II.

Quick Facts on Intacts™ Developed by KeraVision, Inc. , Intacs™ was selected by US News World and Report as on of the top two technological advances in ophthalmology. Designed for the 22 million adults with low to moderate myopia (nearsightedness). Engineered to give the patient the option of having them removed. In clinical trials, 97% achieved at least 20/40 vision while 53% tested with 20/16 vision or better.