The Doctor's Doctor - Dr. Mandel

Intacs and CTAKS for Keratoconus: How They Work and Who They Help

Intacts for Keratoconus in the Bay Area If you’ve been diagnosed with keratoconus and are researching treatment options beyond glasses or contact lenses, you may have heard of Intacs or CTAKS. Intacs are small, curved implants designed to reshape the cornea and improve vision distorted by the condition. With Mark Mandel, MD, a leading Bay Area cornea and keratoconus specialist, patients can also benefit from a more advanced option called CTAKS. CTAKS are designed specific to your cornea with enhanced precision and outcomes in mind. With extensive surgical experience and a commitment to innovative care, our team offers customized treatment plans that prioritize your long-term vision health.

What Are Intacs and CTAKS?

Intacs are ultra-thin, semi-circular plastic rings implanted into the cornea. Their purpose is to flatten the steep areas caused by keratoconus and create a more regular corneal shape. This leads to sharper, more stable vision with reduced dependence on corrective lenses. The procedure is minimally invasive, and  performed under local anesthesia.

Unlike Intacs, which are synthetic implants, CTAKS are made from actual human corneal tissue. This biological material is carefully matched to your individual eye’s shape and structure, offering a more natural fit and potentially more effective reshaping of the cornea. The customization process behind CTAKS is extensive. Using advanced imaging technology, such as the Pentacam system, your eye’s topography is mapped in detail. These detailed scans are then used to create a tailored implant specific to your eye’s unique configuration.

Who Can Benefit from Intacs or CTAKS?

You may be a good candidate for Intacs or CTAKS if:

  • You have been diagnosed with mild to moderate keratoconus.
  • Contact lenses are no longer comfortable or effective.
  • You are not yet in need of a corneal transplant.
  • Your cornea is thick enough to support the implant.

These implants are designed for patients seeking to stabilize their vision and delay or avoid more invasive treatments. A full evaluation with a corneal specialist is necessary to determine which approach is best for your unique condition.

Restore Clearer Vision with Trusted Experts

Choosing the right corneal implant begins with the right provider. With cornea specialist Mark Mandel, MD in the Bay Area, you have access to both time-tested options like Intacs and innovative treatments like CTAKS. Mark Mandel, MD brings years of surgical excellence to every procedure and is committed to finding the best vision solution for your specific needs.

To find out if CTAKS are right for you, call (510) 886-3937 to schedule your consultation today.