Keratoconus is a condition in which the cornea is cone-shaped rather than round. People with keratoconus often have poor vision with glasses or soft contact lenses due to high astigmatism. Many need rigid gas permeable contact lenses (RGPs) for good vision. In the past, if RGPs also did not help, a corneal transplant was the only option. Now there is a much less invasive alternative.

Intacs are corneal inserts that are placed deep in the cornea to produce a rounder shape. The procedure can significantly improve the ability to see with and without glasses or contact lenses. More important, it can make the very invasive corneal transplant surgery unnecessary. Because the Intacs procedure is completely reversible, it is also an excellent option to correct mild nearsightedness for people who do not wish to permanently alter their cornea with laser surgery.