Do ring segments replace scleral lenses?

Rarely. They improve the playing field; most keratoconus eyes still achieve their sharpest vision with a specialty lens fitted after healing.

Are corneal ring segments permanent?

They are designed to be removable or exchangeable by the surgeon, which is part of their appeal.

Who implants corneal ring segments?

A corneal surgeon. We handle the work-up, the referral, the aftercare checks and the lens design, so both offices work from one plan.

Intacs is a brand of corneal ring segments: small, curved, removable inserts that a corneal surgeon places inside the cornea to reshape the cone and reduce its nearsightedness and astigmatism. The FDA approved them for people with keratoconus who can no longer see well enough with contacts or glasses, to restore functional vision and possibly delay a transplant. Halting progression is the job of cross-linking.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brandon Cohenmehr, OD Last reviewed October 24, 2026

Corneal Ring Segments

Tiny arcs that reshape the cone from inside the cornea.

Ring segments — often known by the brand Intacs — are small, clear crescents a corneal surgeon implants within the cornea. They flatten and regularize the cone mechanically: no tissue removed, reversible in principle, and compatible with lenses afterward.

Book appointmentOr call 310-828-2010 Accepted insurance

What they are: Implanted clear crescents
Done by: A corneal surgeon — co-managed here
Goal: A flatter, more regular cornea
After: Lenses usually still sharpen vision

Their role

A reshaping tool — not a cure, not a lens.

Segments can reduce steepness and irregularity enough to improve uncorrected vision and make lenses easier to fit. They do not halt progression (that is cross-linking’s job), and most eyes still see their best through a specialty lens afterward.

Good candidates: Clear central corneas with adequate thickness, intolerant of lenses or seeking a more fittable shape.
Not for: Very thin or scarred corneas; active progression is addressed first.
Our role: Candidacy work-up and maps before; healing checks after; then a re-map on the Eaglet Eye Surface Profiler and a fresh free-form lens design.

Sequencing

Where segments fit in the plan.

Stabilize first — cross-linking if progressing
Reshape when the shape itself blocks a good fit
Refine with a free-form scleral lens designed after healing

Ask about candidacy

Common questions

Ring segments, answered.

Anything else, call the office at 310-828-2010.

Rarely. They improve the playing field; most keratoconus eyes still achieve their sharpest vision with a specialty lens fitted after healing.
They are designed to be removable or exchangeable by the surgeon, which is part of their appeal.
A corneal surgeon. We handle the work-up, the referral, the aftercare checks and the lens design, so both offices work from one plan.
Intacs is a brand of corneal ring segments: small, curved, removable inserts that a corneal surgeon places inside the cornea to reshape the cone and reduce its nearsightedness and astigmatism. The FDA approved them for people with keratoconus who can no longer see well enough with contacts or glasses, to restore functional vision and possibly delay a transplant. Halting progression is the job of cross-linking.

Ring segments near you

12222 Wilshire Blvd, on the Santa Monica border.

West Los Angeles Brentwood Santa Monica Westwood Beverly Hills Culver City Pacific Palisades West Hollywood Marina del Rey Newport Beach

Also consider

Next step

Wondering if your cornea qualifies?

A mapping visit with an eye doctor in Los Angeles answers candidacy questions before anyone talks surgery.

Book a mapping visit Or call 310-828-2010