Intac and CAIRSRaleigh & Oxford, NC

Corneal remodeling may be a highly beneficial solution for patients struggling with keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration, post-LASIK ectasia, and other irregular corneal shape eye conditions. The procedures aim to reshape the corneas, stabilize vision, and allow patients to wear contacts and glasses. Corneal remodeling is significantly less invasive than corneal transplantation and comes with lowered risks and a more seamless, rapid recovery process.

Meet Dr. Vinod Jindal and Dr. Sumeet Jindal – Experienced, Thoughtful Eye Care in a Cutting-Edge Practice Setting

Located in Oxford and Raleigh, NC, New Century Ophthalmology is a state-of-the-art sanctuary for superior eye care utilizing today’s most innovative technologies and solutions. Our skilled ophthalmologists provide a stress-free treatment journey and go above and beyond to achieve your desired results, restoring your confidence, peace of mind, and overall quality of life. Your procedure takes place at our world-class, accredited facility, outfitted with the latest in diagnostic equipment. Contact us today to set up your private consultation and learn more about how corneal remodeling with Intacs and CAIRS can improve your vision.

What Are Intacs?

Intacs (intrastromal corneal ring segments) are acrylic inserts placed in the cornea to normalize its shape. The procedure takes place in the office and is known to help patients achieve a moderate enhancement in vision. After Intacs, it is common for patients to gain several lines of accuracy on the vision chart, and many insurance plans cover Intacs.

What Are the Benefits of Intacs?

Intacs in Raleigh, NC, come with the following compelling benefits:

Can be inserted on an outpatient basis
Quick, painless treatment process
Preserves the central portion of the cornea
Improves vision
Restores tolerance for contact lenses
Non-permanent solution that can be reversed
Can defer the need for a corneal transplant

Who Is a Candidate for Intacs?

Dr. Vinod Jindal and Dr. Sumeet Jindal will conduct a private consultation to assess your needs and recommend the most restorative solutions possible. In general, good candidates for Intacs have the following characteristics:

At least 21 years old
Suffering from nearsightedness or astigmatism due to keratoconus
Unable to correct vision with glasses or contact lenses
The central corneas are clear
Have exhausted all options except a corneal transplant

The following factors indicate that patients are NOT good candidates for Intacs:

Excessive corneal thinning from keratoconus
Autoimmune or immunodeficiency diseases
Pregnant or nursing
Certain eye conditions that increase the risk of complications
Prescription drug usage that affects corneal healing, such as Accutane, Imitrex, or Cordarone

Intacs Treatment Process

Preparation

Our team will conduct a detailed consultation process prior to performing intact surgery, using the latest diagnostic testing to evaluate your corneal condition. Once your treatment is booked, you should arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after your procedure. On the day of your treatment, avoid wearing makeup, cosmetics, lotion, creams, perfumes, or oils.

Surgery

Intac application itself takes around 15-20 minutes, with the whole appointment lasting about 60 minutes. Treatment steps are as follows:

Patients can take sedation medication to help them relax
The eyelids are held open with a specialized instrument
Numbing eye drops are administered
One cornea is addressed at a time with a laser or mechanical instrument to forge two channels
between the inner corneal layers.
The intac segments are inserted into the channels and the area is sutured.

Recovery After Intacts Surgery

After a brief resting period in the office, our providers will check your eyes once more and then send you home. Most patients can resume normal activities within about 24 hours. You can expect a few mild side effects for the first few hours, including burning, itching, and watering of the eyes. You may also encounter a scratchy feeling at first, like something is stuck in your eye. Dr. Vinod Jindal and Dr. Sumeet Jindal have the following recommendations:

Take a short 1 to 2-hour nap with your eyes closed after your procedure.
Take your pain medications as needed.
Wear shields over your eyes for the first few nights to avoid placing any pressure on the treated areas.
Don’t rub, touch, scratch, or otherwise disturb your eyes for several weeks.
Refrain from using makeup, perfumes, and lotions for 2-4 weeks.
Steer clear of swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, and contact sports for a few weeks.
Contact Dr. Vinod Jindal and Dr. Sumeet Jindal if you experience severe or worsening pain.
Be diligent in attending all your follow-up visits for the next few months.

What Are CAIRS?

Where intacs are made with acrylic, CAIRS (Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segments) are engineered with human collagen. More of the cornea’s warpage can be effectively contoured with collagen-based inserts, providing even greater improvements in the patient’s vision. Many individuals are able to gain 3-4 lines on the vision chart, and many insurance carriers will also cover the cost of CAIRS.

What Are the Benefits of CAIRS?

Like intacs, CAIRS comes with a wide range of benefits for those suffering from corneal abnormalities and degenerative eye diseases. Advantages include the following:

Stabilizes the corneal shape, preventing further distortion
Improves vision
Minimally invasive
Patients can resume normal activities within 24 hours
Can be performed in conjunction with CXL (corneal collagen crosslinking)
The procedure can be highly customized based on the degree of keratoconus severity
The treatment uses biocompatible donor tissue, lowering the likelihood of adverse reactions
Can delay the need for a corneal transplant

Who Is a Candidate for CAIRS in Oxford and Raleigh?

CAIRS is recommended for patients with the following:

Progressive keratoconus
Corneal ectasias that do not respond to conservative therapies
Contraindications for corneal collagen crosslinking or other surgical procedures

Dr. Vinod Jindal and Dr. Sumeet Jindal will meet with you in Raleigh or Oxford, NC, for a detailed preoperative assessment. They will perform a comprehensive eye exam using corneal topography to map the shape of your corneas and determine the extent of your abnormalities. They may conduct pachymetry, a type of test that measures corneal thickness, as well as a visual acuity test. Once they have determined that no infections or extensive corneal scarring are present, they will confirm your candidacy and schedule your surgery date.

How Is the CAIRS Procedure Performed?

CAIRS surgery is performed via the following series of steps:

Anesthesia

Our team will administer numbing eye drops that act as a topical anesthesia.

Creation of the Stromal Tunnel

Dr. Vinod Jindal and Dr. Sumeet Jindal will use a femtosecond laser or a mechanical microkeratome to precisely forge a tunnel through the dense connective tissue known as the corneal stroma.

Preparation of the CAIRS

The CAIRS corneal inserts are fashioned from donor tissue formed into small rings or arcs that provide a structural underpinning for the corneas.

Insertion of the CAIRS

The ring segments are placed in the stromal tunnel with exceptional care and accuracy. One or two segments may be utilized, depending on the severity of your corneal condition.

Adjustment

As a final step, Dr. Vinod Jindal and Dr. Sumeet Jindal will adjust your CAIRS to ensure they are properly aligned and positioned. They will administer antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drops to ward off infection.

Recovery After CAIRS

As with intacs, recovery after CAIRS is quick and seamless. Most patients find they can resume their normal activities within 2-3 days. Within a few weeks, patients can start noticing improvements in their vision, with full CAIRS stabilization occurring over the course of several months. Dr. Vinod Jindal and Dr. Sumeet Jindal will see you for regular follow-up sessions to ensure your healing process is progressing smoothly and your implanted segments remain optimally positioned.

Book Your Consultation in Raleigh Today to Learn More About Corneal Remodeling!

If you would like to learn more about whether CAIRS is an option for restoring your vision through corneal remodeling, contact us today in Raleigh or Oxford, NC, to book a private consultation with Dr. Vinod Jindal and Dr. Sumeet Jindal, two of the most trusted eye care experts in the region.

Intact and CAIRS FAQ

How Do Intacs and CAIRS Compare?

CAIRS is the newest cutting-edge version of corneal remodeling that provides the most gains in corneal shape correction and vision renewal. Rather than using artificial acrylic, CAIRS rely on human collagen, which can be considered a more natural approach to corneal reshaping.

What Are the Risks With Intacts?

Dr. Vinod Jindal and Dr. Sumeet Jindal will go over the risks of the procedure with you during your private consultation in Oxford or Raleigh. Risks may include the following:

Infection
Fluctuations in vision
Reduced night vision
Glare or halos around bright lights

Will I See Better After CAIRS?

While most patients experience some level of vision improvement after CAIRS surgery, success can depend on the severity of your keratoconus, your prior vision, and the unique features of your corneas. CAIRS are known to lessen irregular astigmatism and enhance visual acuity, resulting in crisper, clearer vision. You will meet with Dr. Vinod Jindal and Dr. Sumeet Jindal for a private consultation to ensure that your expectations for your results are realistic.

Is CAIRS the Only Option Left to Improve My Vision?

CAIRS is an effective means of enhancing eyesight in patients suffering from keratoconus and other corneal ectatic conditions. In the early stages of vision impairment, patients can wear glasses and contact lenses. Rigid gas permeable (RGP) and scleral lenses offer a consistent refractive surface for those with moderate to advanced keratoconus. Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) is also a treatment option. It strengthens the collagen fibers within the corneas, slowing the progression of eye disease. Intacs are the synthetic version of CAIRS and can help improve vision and prevent further corneal deterioration. The best way to determine the right approach for meeting your needs is to sit down for a private consultation with Dr. Vinod Jindal and Dr. Sumeet Jindal in North Carolina.

How Much Do CAIRS Cost?

The cost of CAIRS can vary based on your specific eye features and the nature of your corneal abnormality. To receive a customized quote, please contact us at New Century Ophthalmology in Oxford and Raleigh, NC, to set up your private consultation with esteemed eye care specialists Dr. Vinod Jindal and Dr. Sumeet Jindal.

Who Developed the CAIRS Procedure?

The CAIRS protocol was created by Dr. Soosan Jacob, a renowned ophthalmologist and visionary in the field of corneal and refractive surgery. Dr. Jacob has helped to advance the field of corneal repair by leaps and bounds by establishing the use of allogenic tissue to remodel the corneas.

Who Is Qualified to Perform CAIRS Surgery?

The highest degree of precision, dexterity, and attention to detail are required to properly perform corneal remodeling. Dr. Vinod Jindal is a board-certified, fellowship-trained ophthalmologist, while Dr. Sumeet Jindal is board-certified and fellowship-trained in oculoplastic and reconstructive surgery. This elite and rigorous training background ensures that you receive the most elevated quality of care possible in a technologically advanced practice setting. Reach out today to schedule your private consultation in Oxford or Raleigh.