Policyholder Services

I would like to use the Intralase unit to make the corneal incisions for my Intacs procedures. Does my policy cover me for this?

Intacs were first approved by the FDA for treatment of myopia in 1999. These intrastromal corneal ring segments were later granted a humanitarian device exemption to treat keratoconus. Intacs may also be used off-label for the treatment of post-LASIK ectasia.

When Intacs were initially approved by the FDA, the incisions were made using manual instruments. In 2006, the Intralase FS laser obtained FDA approval for performing lamellar corneal resections to create tunnels for placement of corneal ring segments. Two years later, the Intralase iFS obtained similar FDA approval. Many physicians now use these lasers in their Intacs procedures, but both manual and laser tunneling techniques have similar outcomes and utilize the same patient selection criteria.

OMIC’s eye surgeon consultants indicate that it is important to check the thickness of the cornea in the 6 mm – 7 mm optical zone area to assure proper thickness to avoid perforation during the tunneling procedure or when placing the Intacs, especially when using the laser. The incision site must meet the same requirements for thickness using either of the tunneling techniques. When creating tunnels with the laser, use care to avoid too small of a channel as that may cause difficulty when placing the Intacs segments.

Treatment of keratoconus or post-LASIK ectasia with Intacs is automatically covered under OMIC’s Surgery Class 3 coverage. Performance of Intacs procedures for treatment of myopia is also covered.

Updated 12/9/2015