Category: Keratoconus

True Testimonials: Anxiety Free Vision Correction~ Meeting Dorothy McDonald

Many of us deal with anxiety when it comes to our eyes. The patients at Boxer Wachler Vision Institute are no exception. The key is all in how they are treated. There is a big difference in with treatment of patients at Boxer Wachler Vision Institute and other vision centers.

Meet Dorothy McDonald a registered nurse who has had to use reading glasses for the better part of her life. She is an avid reader of her local newspaper as stated she was tired of reading it with her glasses and was ready for a change.

Deciding to get vision corrective surgery is not a decision to take lightly. However she decided it was time. Dorothy decided to have CK followed by C3-R in both eyes despite her concerns and anxiety. She shares that she enjoyed the presence of staff in the room with her and listening to their voices.

She had an “Anxiety Free” experience with the CK. However during her C3-R procedures Dorothy did experience some anxiety and the staff aided her by holding her hand, talking her through the procedure and with some medication to help her through.

Dorothy stated in an interview 24 hours after the procedure-

Quote:

“I woke up this morning to read the newspaper for the first time in 5 years without my glasses.”

While her procedures went well Dorothy tells anyone who is tired of wearing glasses to read to try the procedure. She says it is painless and a wonderful decision! For many of us we fight with the decision to have procedures done; especially if they are new. However the Boxer Wachler Vision Institute offers a caring and expert staff that go above and beyond to meet your needs-Just ask Dorothy!

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

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         ©2019 BOXER WACHLER VISION INSTITUTE OF BEVERLY HILLS. 465 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 902, Beverly Hills, CA 90210.                          Call: 310.594.5210  Or   Text: 424.245.0171  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. email: info@boxerwachler.com.

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Mapping Your Eyes: Topography & Keratoconus

One of the best ways to evaluate the cornea is through the use of Corneal Topography. There are various signs in the mapping that show the doctors signs of keratoconus and other progressive eye conditions. The topography can show irregular and steepening of the shape of the cornea. The normal cornea also has a 90 degree axes perpendicular in the cornea. In the normal cornea during corneal topographies there is a smooth and flat surface.

If the topography shows irregularities or steepening this is a sign that there are problems. Any irregularities in the cornea such as steepening and/or irregular shaping of the axies show signs of irregular astigmatisms. Raising questions for diagnosis of Keratoconus. When doctors check for Keratoconus in the Lasik evaluation they look for “ Inferior Steepening.” Corneal Astigmatism appears in the shape of a football compared to a normal cornea that is round and smooth.

Additionally Keratoconus is confused with Pellucid Marginal Degeneration or PMD. PMD was first discovered by an Ophthalmologist in 1957 named Dr. Schalaeppi. Pellucid Marginal Degeneration is a break down of the cornea creating a lobster claw pattern. PMD is also known as the peripheral form of keratoconus. While the disease is in the same family and similar there are some differentiating factors. When viewing in a corneal topography the PMD appears as a steepening from the outer margin of the cornea heading inwards and appearing to pinch the center.

Signs of Pellucid Marginal Degeneration:

No pain reported [compared to keratoconus]

Visual distortions

No vascularization of cornea

No scarring

Lobster Claw formation
In the end the best form of testing for Keratoconus is to have a baseline corneal topography, and regular testing annually. The treatments of keratoconus are advancing and progression of this disease can be treated successfully. Catching the condition early can give you a better result. Checking with your ophthalmologist and getting regular checkups is a must.

For more information about Pellucid Marginal Degeneration visit the American Academy of Opthamology

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

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         ©2019 BOXER WACHLER VISION INSTITUTE OF BEVERLY HILLS. 465 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 902, Beverly Hills, CA 90210.                          Call: 310.594.5210  Or   Text: 424.245.0171  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. email: info@boxerwachler.com.

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Describing Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a non-inflammatory degenerative eye disease. Keratoconus causes damage to the collagen fibers in the cornea causing them to grow weak. When it reaches a weak enough point in the fiber it bulges up like that of a hernia. Keratoconus causes irregular astigmatism, steeping of the cornea, and vision loss in the cornea. This significantly affects the patient’s daily life. Giving them grief when driving, reading and often completing day to day activities.

Vision loss can be mild to severe in one or both eyes. Keratoconus is diagnosed in 54.5 people out of every 100,000 in the general population. However the concentration of diagnosed patients being evaluated for Lasik is much higher, because people with keratoconus often seek Lasik to correct their poor vision. Lasik surgery is not an efficient treatment for those with Keratoconus due to its underlying risks for complications and high incidences of causing a rapid progression of the condition necessitating more surgery even possibly the need for a cornea transplant.

Many vision correction surgeons use corneal topography to map the eyes before treatment. This gives them a better view of the corneas of each patient. They use the mapping of both eyes to compare the changes and differences. The patients must be mapped in both eyes because is useful to detect and stage keratoconus this way. Over 90% of patients with keratoconus are affected in both eyes and over 6% are affected in one eye only. Keratoconus often strikes patients in one eye first and spreads to the other. However by the time the patient is diagnosed often the Keratoconus have affected both eyes.

If patients are not properly diagnosed before Lasik they can develop Lasik-induced Keratoconus or Keratoectasia. There are many symptoms of Keratoconus and proper evaluation of eyes regularly is best to catch Keratoconus or other vision problems early.

Below is a list of symptoms of keratoconus:

Glare and/or light sensitivity

Frequent prescription changes

progressive nearsightedness

irregular astigmatism

High amounts of Astigmatism

inferior steeping on corneal color mapping (topography)-red spots on mapping

It is wise to check with your eye doctor if you feel you have more serious case. Additionally finding someone who is familiar with early signs of Keratoconus is also wise as some doctors may not be familiar with them. Taking care of your eyes and vision is always a wise decision. Educating yourself can help you rule out issues in the future. Always consult your eye doctor if there are changes in your vision.

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

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         ©2019 BOXER WACHLER VISION INSTITUTE OF BEVERLY HILLS. 465 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 902, Beverly Hills, CA 90210.                          Call: 310.594.5210  Or   Text: 424.245.0171  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. email: info@boxerwachler.com.

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“Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained” Seeing Through the Eyes of Kenny Atkins

The stories of those with Keratoconus are many. Each journey of the patients is important to us all. It shapes what we know and makes us who we become. Learning each story takes time but can be done one patient at a time. The story of Kenny Atkins is one of frustration, struggle, and venture as he was a big addition to new procedures in Keratoconus. Something many of us know and suffer.

Kenny Atkins was the first patient in the United States to have the Intac procedure done on a someone with Keratoconus. This decision is not one made lightly and many of us struggle with this decision after many procedures have been done. The courage of Kenny Atkins to be the first should be remembered by us all.

This post is dedicated to him-

Kenny Atkins was a Ocean Lifeguard who struggled with his vision.

“At school I found it harder to focus on textbooks. I thought it was just the chlorine from the pool. I had my eyes checked and I was diagnosed with Astigmatism in my eye.” said Kenny.

Kenny goes on to describe the complications he had while lifeguarding.

“By late afternoon I would see double images of objects far away”. The frustration he endured using traditional vision correction contact lenses and prescription sunglasses made it difficult for Kenny to continue to do his job properly.

In 1999 Kenny heard of the new procedure of Intacs for patients with Keratoconus by Dr. Boxer Wachler and despite the fact that it had not been tested on a patient with Keratoconus Kenny felt it was worth it.

After the successful procedure Kenny started showing improvement in his eye right away and only a week afterwards he had almost equal vision in both eyes.

“It has now been eight years since I had Intacs and I still do not wear corrective lenses, I am able to pick objects out of the glare on the horizon and street signs before I need to turn.”

Kenny Atkins has opened the gate way for many other sufferers of Keratoconus. He is one of great courage and a model for us all. Kenny says:

“I can now appreciate the saying- Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained”

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

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         ©2019 BOXER WACHLER VISION INSTITUTE OF BEVERLY HILLS. 465 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 902, Beverly Hills, CA 90210.                          Call: 310.594.5210  Or   Text: 424.245.0171  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. email: info@boxerwachler.com.

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Our Eyes and How Keratoconus Affects Them

The Cornea-

The cornea contains a clear dome which lies on the surface of your cornea. It is the most important part of the eye known as the focusing lens. The cornea must be smooth and well shaped to give your eye good focus. Keratoconus gives the lens a irregular shape and over time makes it difficult to focus.

Though in many people the possibility of developing Keratoconus is present from birth. The ratio is only 1/2000 born. Others can develop this over time. The progression of Keratoconus is frustrating to say the least. And many people start out with mild impaired vision. Usually needing to wear glasses or contacts. The progression of Keratoconus can be slow developing over 3 to 4 decades. Glasses often won’t be enough and many times there is one eye worse then the other.

Keratoconus Vision Loses:

The loss of vision on a keratoconus patient can happen in one of the following two ways:

Form 1: Distortion in the Cornea-

Have you ever looked through a camera with a distorted lens? I am sure you were not able to see all you wanted. Keratoconus is much the same way. The images you are getting back are distorted. The focus you have on the images are blurred and seem out of focus.

Form 2: Scarring of the Cornea-

The cornea is scarred or swollen this makes the images show up blurry and foggy in view. Have you ever looked through a windshield that was foggy in certain parts but not in others? Not a pleasant experience. This form the over all picture is blurred.

Keratoconus is a large part of vision problems in the overall vision care field. Determining if you have Keratoconus is done by a series of tests. There is help for those with keratoconus. Though there is no cure there are some things you can do to stop progression and improve your overall quality of vision.

Many patients with Keratoconus are frustrated by the difficulty of seeing in everyday activities such as driving.

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

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         ©2019 BOXER WACHLER VISION INSTITUTE OF BEVERLY HILLS. 465 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 902, Beverly Hills, CA 90210.                          Call: 310.594.5210  Or   Text: 424.245.0171  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. email: info@boxerwachler.com.

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True Testimonials: Meeting Steve Zier

Steve Zier was diagnosed with mild Keratoconus. In many states doctors feel it is difficult to work on patients with Keratoconus some don’t try, others do with complications. In Steve’s case it was difficult to locate a doctor that would attempt it due to his condition.

“None of the other surgeons would touch me with a 10 foot pole” He said sounding a bit frustrated.

Searching the Internet as so many of us do Steve happened upon Dr. Boxer Wachler and decided to give him a try.

Steve was pleased with the incredible service that the Boxer Wachler Vision Institute had to offer.

“The service was great from the receptionist to the doctors” he said.

Steve Zier had a PRK treatment and C3-R directly afterwards. His total procedure time was less than one hour. Steve reports that he was a little sore afterwards but didn’t need any pain relievers. Additionally his vision was a bit blurry but cleared up within a week. Now he it is four weeks later and he is amazed at the results. Steve had 20/200 vision in the right eye- after treatment 20/20

Results:

Right eye- Before procedure 20/200

Right eye- After Procedure 20/20

Left eye-Before Procedure 20/60

Left eye- After Procedure 20/40

Steve says he only needs a soft contact in one eye now to help him see. His Keratoconus is currently stable and his new quality of vision is great “It was worth every penny!” he says.

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

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         ©2019 BOXER WACHLER VISION INSTITUTE OF BEVERLY HILLS. 465 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 902, Beverly Hills, CA 90210.                          Call: 310.594.5210  Or   Text: 424.245.0171  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. email: info@boxerwachler.com.

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Living with Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a serous and frustrating disease. Many are fearful when diagnosed and worry about the loss of sight associated with keratoconus. The truth is there are many procedures and treatments in modern medicine that can help control the progression of this disease. We often see the discouragement on the faces of those suffering; finding a doctor who can communicate easily with you as well as specializes in keratoconus can help you better adjust.

Though many people await a cure there are several ways you can be helped now. Aside from the medical problems of keratoconus, we often face difficulty personally as well as in our family lives. Many find it hard to do some activities. As the disease progresses and becomes more evident it is harder and harder to continue in our social circles. The search for answers becomes clearer and seemingly harder to find. The truth is a specialized doctor is best for these situations. A doctor specializing in Keratoconus can give you more definite and truthful answers.

There are several resources that you can find to assist you with support and information. Contacting a local ophthalmologist will give you more information. It will also provide options for treatment you can choose from. Below are a few links to support groups available to assist patients, family, and friends with people diagnosed with keratoconus:

www.kcsupport.org

KC Support- Gives assistance to patients with keratoconus

www.AmKCa.org

American Keratoconus Association – Provides assistance, information, and events for those suffering from keratoconus.

www.kcglobal.org

The Global Keratoconus Foundation- Provides support for families, friends, and patients with Keratoconus.

New studies are proving that C3-R has benefits for those who suffer from Keratoconus. The procedure C3-R will help build and strengthen the cornea of the eye. It will help not only strengthen but it has also stopped the progression of Keratoconus in many patients.

The diagnosis of Keratoconus doesn’t mean you life is over. It doesn’t even mean your alone. There are several places you can get help and treatments to help slow and even stop the progression of this disease. Though there is not a cure yet…there definitely is hope!

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

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         ©2019 BOXER WACHLER VISION INSTITUTE OF BEVERLY HILLS. 465 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 902, Beverly Hills, CA 90210.                          Call: 310.594.5210  Or   Text: 424.245.0171  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. email: info@boxerwachler.com.

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True Testimonials: Meeting Margret

Our blog is designed not only to give you medical advice- and information on treating eye conditions but give you testimonials to what we are saying. The truth of the matter is that not only is it important for the surgeon to have knowledge of the treatments available but have first hand experience as well.
Though we have not walked a mile in your shoes there are certainly many who have. Meet Margret Puchjoe- Recently a patient at Boxer Wachler Vision Institute Margret has a real story to tell. Margret was treated with Lasik in 2002 on the East coast and experienced many complications. The surgeons treating her could not give her an accurate diagnosis and disturbingly enough would not answer her many questions.

She then followed up with 2 corrective procedures in the left eye and 1 in the right eye in a 6 month time span. After which her vision improved for some 4 years. Recently she has experienced some disturbing complications. She has had distorted vision- the inability to read comfortably or focus on an image. After exhausting all her possibilities on the East coast Margret found Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler.

*Quote-

Margret says: “ They got me in right away, I saw Dr. boxer Wachler on a Monday and he gave me options.”Margret has currently undergone C3R. Or Corneal Collagen Crosslinking with Riboflavin. This procedure involves the application of drops on the epithelium, The drops are then activated by exposure to UV lights for about 30 minutes. The procedure is virtually painless and can slow down or stop the progression of Keratoconus.

Margret is very pleased with her services and has hope for a great recovery. Although it will take a few months for the full effectiveness of the procedure to kick in she has a positive new light she didn’t have before. We will keep you updated on her progression.

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

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         ©2019 BOXER WACHLER VISION INSTITUTE OF BEVERLY HILLS. 465 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 902, Beverly Hills, CA 90210.                          Call: 310.594.5210  Or   Text: 424.245.0171  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. email: info@boxerwachler.com.

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