Frequently Asked Questions
Are reading glasses necessary after the INTRACOR procedure?
In most cases, glasses are no longer needed. However, when reading books with particularly small print or in poor lighting conditions, weak glasses may make reading more comfortable.
Am I a suitable candidate for INTRACOR?
In general, the procedure was developed for people from 40 years and older whose general state of health is good; who have no eye diseases; who, except for presbyopia, have only minor vision problems; and who seek to improve their close vision without glasses or contact lenses. Your ophthalmologist will advise on your treatment options and determine if you are a suitable candidate for the INTRACOR procedure.
When can I return to normal activities?
Your INTRACOR specialist will be able to advise on any specific short term changes to your routine. You should not drive on the day of the treatment but you can return to all of your usual activities after a few hours.
I have received laser treatment in the past. Can I still benefit from the INTRACOR procedure?
That depends on the type of laser treatment you received; only your ophthalmologist can make that decision. Prior LASIK therapy may preclude the INTRACOR procedure.
Are there other solutions for presbyopia?
If you are unsuitable for the INTRACOR procedure, the following options are available:
- Reading glasses
- Multifocal contact lenses
- Artificial lens implants such as multifocal lenses or accommodating lenses that replace the eye's natural lens.
- PresbyLasik, a surgical laser treatment that simultaneously corrects short-sightedness or far-sightedness.
What happens if I develop glaucoma or cataract a few years after the INTRACOR procedure?
Your ophthalmologist will advise you on the impact for treating glaucoma or cataract after INTRACOR. Usually there shouldn’t be any impact.
Are there any other side-effects?
Sometimes, there can be a slight reddening of the eye, caused by the fixation of the eye prior to the procedure. These symptoms disappear within a few days. You may experience some brief discomfort after the treatment because the brain may have to adjust to the change in vision.
Can the INTRACOR™ procedure be done in patients with early cataracts, or should you wait until after the cataract procedure has been done?
The cataract is treated first and once there is stable refraction with emmetropia, the INTRACOR™ procedure is performed.
After the INTRACOR™ procedure, will patients encounter any problems with glare and halos or driving at night?
Whilst some patients may experience glare and halos, they do not seem to be disturbed to the extent of having to abstain from certain activities such as night driving.
How long does the INTRACOR™ effect last?
So far, the INTRACOR™ clinical data up to a follow up time of about 2 years have been very stable.
What is the maximum refractive error that can be treated with INTRACOR™ for hyperopia combined
with presbyopia?
At the moment, we are able to correct up to +2.75D.
Can INTRACOR™ treat myopia and if so, how many diopters?
So far, we have treated patients up to –3.00D. We can treat astigmatism up to 2.00D but the outcomes are not as accurate as for those patients with a half diopter less than that.
What are the contra-indications of INTRACOR™?
The contra-indications are similar to those with LASIK, including patients with irregular corneas due to keratoconus, corneal scars etc.
Will you consider a patient who has a borderline topography for the INTRACOR™ procedure?
If there is some kind of irregularity observed in the topography, we will definitely not recommend the patient to go for the INTRACOR™ procedure.