Treatment for Keratoconus with INTACS Inserts

INTACS® Prescription Inserts Used to Treat Patients With Keratoconus as a Humanitarian Use Device

NA · University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center · NCT02138669

This study is testing whether using special inserts in the eyes can help people with keratoconus see better by reshaping their corneas.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment25 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (other)
Locations1 site (Dallas, Texas)
Trial IDNCT02138669 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the use of INTACS prescription inserts for patients with keratoconus, a condition that causes progressive vision deterioration. The procedure involves surgically placing two clear INTACS inserts into the cornea to improve vision by reshaping the cornea. Patients will undergo a series of pre-operative and post-operative assessments to monitor visual acuity and corneal health over a 12-month period. The inserts are made from a biomedical material and are designed to be minimally invasive, allowing for outpatient treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 21 and older with progressive keratoconus and clear central corneas who have not responded to other vision correction methods.

Not a fit: Patients with thin corneas, autoimmune diseases, or certain ocular conditions may not benefit from this treatment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve vision and quality of life for patients with keratoconus who cannot achieve adequate vision with glasses or contact lenses.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that INTACS inserts can be effective for treating keratoconus, indicating a promising approach for this condition.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Who have experienced a progressive deterioration in their vision, such thot they can no longer achieve adequate functional vision on a daily basis with their contact lenses or spectacles; Who are 21 years of age or older; Who have clear central corneas; Who have a corneal thickness of 450 microns or greater at the proposed incision site; Who have corneal transplantation as the only remaining option to improve their functional vision.

Exclusion Criteria:

Who have abnormally thin corneas or who have a corneal thickness of 449 microns or less at the proposed incision site;

Patients with collagen vascular, autoimmune or immunodeficiency disease;

Pregnant or nursing patients;

Presence of ocular conditions, such as recurrent corneal erosion syndrome or corneal dystrophy, that my predispose the patient to future complications;

Patients who are taking on or more of following medications: isotretinoin (Accutane); amiodarone HCL (Cordarone).

Where this trial is running

Dallas, Texas

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Keratoconus, Cornea, Steep cornea

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.