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DOCTOR AT PACIFIC VISION INSTITUTE BRINGS INTACSTM
TO BAY AREA RESIDENTS
Ella G. Faktorovich, M.D. , Estimates Over 500,000 Local Candidates
San Francisco, Calif. --June 25, 1999 -- Ella G. Faktorovich, M.D., director of the Pacific Vision Institute
and one of only a few surgeons in the U.S. to specialize exclusively in laser and refractive surgery vision correction,
is the first ophthalmologist in private practice to offer IntacsTM in San Francisco.
Approved by the FDA this April, the non-laser procedure can treat mild and moderate amounts of nearsightedness
(myopia).
"Much like LASIK and PRK procedures, Intacs will appeal to people who are nearsighted, who lead active
lifestyles and who don't want to trouble with their glasses or contact lenses," said Dr. Faktorovich. "In
the hands of an experienced surgeon, state-of-the-art procedures like these are highly effective."
Intacs are clear, ultra-thin polymer crescents that reshape the cornea, allowing patients with nearsightedness
to see clearly. Unlike other surgical procedures, the Intacs can be removed, thereby reversing the treatment. Dr.
Faktorovich explains that removing the Intacs may become desirable as the patient's vision changes with age or
in the event the patient wants to use different alternatives in the future.
"An ideal candidate for Intacs is mildly nearsighted and is interested in trying out clear, natural vision,"
said Dr. Faktorovich. "Should he or she later decide to remove the Intacs, their eyes will return to their
former refraction
within three months, in most cases."
-MORE-
Faktorovich / Page Two
About Dr. Faktorovich
Ella G. Faktorovich, M.D. is the director of the Pacific Vision Institute in San Francisco. During her ophthalmology
residency at the University of California, San Francisco, Dr. Faktorovich developed new techniques for retinal
transplantation and pioneered sight-saving medications for patients with retinal degeneration. She completed a
fellowship in refractive and corneal surgery at the Jules Stein Eye Institute, UCLA School of Medicine, where she
also served as an assistant visiting professor. Dr. Faktorovich teaches other ophthalmologists corneal surgery
and other refractive techniques and has lectured extensively, both in the U.S. and abroad. In addition, she has
published numerous articles and abstracts on eye biology, laser vision correction and refractive surgery and is
on the editorial board for the San Francisco Medical Society Magazine. Dr. Faktorovich is also the chief clinical
consultant for Intraocular Refractive
Research, Inc.
About IntacsTM (Intracorneal Ring Segments)
Intacs consist of two clear, extremely fine strips of transparent material that are applied to the periphery of
the cornea in order to correct mild nearsightedness.
About LASIK (Laser-in-situ Keratomileusis)
LASIK uses an excimer laser to reshape the cornea so that images can focus directly on the retina. The laser reshapes
inner layers of the cornea with precision accuracy in increments of less than .25 microns (one-tenth the thickness
of human hair). LASIK can correct mild, moderate, and high levels nearsightedness, as well as farsightedness and
astigmatism.
About PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
PRK applies an excimer laser directly to the outer surface of the cornea to reshape it so that images can focus
directly on the retina. PRK can correct mild levels of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
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INTACSTM FOR MYOPIA
OVERVIEW
| Description |
KeraVision(R) Intacs corneal ring segments are the first FDA- approved non-laser
surgical treatment in the U.S. for the correction of mild myopia (nearsightedness). These clear, ultra-thin, precision-engineered
crescents are placed in the cornea, which is the clear dome-shaped window at the front of the eye. |
| Who They Treat |
An estimated 20 million adult Americans have mild nearsightedness (roughly speaking, 20/80 to 20/300 vision), which
is the treatment range for Intacs. This range includes people requiring from -1.0 to -3.0 diopters of myopic correction.
Intacs are designed especially for this group -- the
largest segment of nearsighted adults in the U.S. |
| Benefits |
In U.S. clinical studies*, 74 percent of Intacs patients achieved 20/20 vision or better and 97 percent achieved
20/40 or better (the vision standard for receiving a driver's license in most states). A total of 53 percent achieved
at least 20/16 vision, which is considered better than "normal" vision. Excellent vision is achieved
because the procedure maintains the natural aspheric shape of the cornea.
The 15-minute procedure causes minimal discomfort, requiring only topical anesthetic eye drops in most cases. Visual
recovery is rapid.
In cases where Intacs were removed, eyes returned to their preoperative refraction by three months in most instances. |
| Composition |
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is the same polymer that has been safely used in eyes for nearly 50 years in procedures
to correct cataracts. |
* Based on U.S. clinical data for 410 Intacs myopia treatments within the range of -1.0 to -3.5
diopters and monitored for 12 months, as reported to the FDA in KeraVision's Pre-Market Approval (PMA) application.
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