Keratoconus Treatment - Keratoconus Specialist

KERATOCONUS TREATMENTS OFFERED

Boxer Wachler Vision Institute has the experience and FDA-APPROVED equipment necessary to provide superior treatment, consultation and quality care for the Keratoconus treatments. Dr. Brian is regarded as one of the top leaders in the field of Keratoconus treatment. His role as the “doctor’s doctor” has been earned through his broad expertise.

HOLCOMB C3-R® CROSS-LINKING

Holcomb C3-R® (Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking Riboflavin). Can strengthen the weak corneal structure and prevent cornea transplants.

INTACS®

Intacs® are micro-thin inserts which aid in improving the shape of the cornea and improve quality of vision in patients struggling with Keratoconus.

Visian ICL

Visian ICL™ is an implantable contact lens that aids in improving moderate to severe myopia (nearsightedness).

Fortified (CK)

Fortified Conductive Keratoplasty (CK)™. Is a noninvasive procedure which utilizes radiofrequency energy to improve astigmatism.

PRK™After Cornea Transplant

(PRK)™ treatment after a Cornea Transplant is a specialized laser technique that can dramatically improve your vision after a cornea transplant.

(Epi-On) Crosslinking Without Epithelium Removal

In epi-on crosslinking approach, the treatment is similar to standard CXL; however, we do not remove the surface epithelial cells (which are analogous to the tiles on.

Our Team & State of the art Facility

The Boxer Wachler Vision Institute was designed with the comfort of the patient in mind. Patients often refer to the Institute being “as relaxing as a spa!” State-of-the-art equipment is showcased in the central diagnostic station, which is not only the physical but also the fundamental nucleus of the practice. The “humidity-controlled” surgical facilities help optimize our patients’ results. Our Institute creates a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere.

Dr. Brian

(Ophthalmologist) Dr. Brian is regarded as one of the top leaders in the field of vision correction. He PIONEERED use of Intacs and Holcomb C3-R Cross-Linking.

Dr. Brian

Jen Hodges

Our (Keratoconus Patient Liaison) Jen Hodges, makes scheduling simple and easy with recommendations for patients to help alleviate any fears that you may have.

Jen Hodges

Renee Carlson

Our (Practice Administrator) Renee Carlson, handle’s the day to day operations of the practice, supervision of the staff and also assists in practice management.

Renee Carlson

Keratoconus Treatment Specialist, Dr. Brian Boxer-Wachler

Have you been diagnosed with a keratoconus eye condition? There are many treatment options that can relieve the symptoms you and your doctor can discuss. Typically in the early stages, glasses are worn to help improve the patient’s vision. However, as keratoconus worsens the use of glasses to correct vision isn’t enough. At that stage, it is usually recommended to use special contact lenses.

Special contact lenses help smooth out the cornea and improve vision by allowing tear fluid to fill the gaps caused by keratoconus between the cornea and the lens. If the lenses are not properly removed and replaced, they can create more damage to the cornea and further hinder vision. Once contact lenses become uncomfortable for patients, many opt for corneal implants (INTACS) surgery or insertable contact lens surgery.

Many patients prefer the insertable contact lens as they require less care and are easier to maintain. Corneal collagen crosslinking, also known as Holcomb C3-R, is a new procedure where a special solution is applied to the eye. Holcomb C3-R shows strong promise in stopping the progression of keratoconus. Many patients are apt to have this treatment to avoid the need for surgery and stop the loss of vision. Dr Brian takes a holistic approach to Keratoconus treatments from non-invasive strengthening with Holcomb C3-R to reshaping with Intacs and vitamin support of the cornea.

Lasting Effects of Keratoconus

Keratoconus is usually diagnosed in adolescents however, it seems to worsen the most in patients between 20 and 30 years old. A keratoconus eye condition is unpredictable and the progression of the disease can vary from patient to patient. When the disease progresses to both eyes, it is difficult for the patient to live normally. It is harder for the patient to drive or even read. Corneal implants are a good source of relief at this stage. In some severe cases, a cornea transplant is needed to restore vision. Though this condition is a serious disease, if you are seen regularly keratoconus can be managed and treated. If left untreated, it can severely impair your vision. Protect your vision, speak to a doctor immediately if you feel you may be suffering from this condition.

10 Fast Facts about Keratoconus

The cause of Keratoconus is now known – it’s from weak collagen due to low anti-oxidant enzymes in the cornea. Eye rubbing, trauma to the eye, genetics and disorders like Marfan syndrome and Down syndrome have all been found to elevate one’s risk for Keratoconus.

Keratoconus affects about one out of every 400 people worldwide.

For most patients, Keratoconus starts to appear in their teenage years or early to mid-20s. It can progress for decades or longer with the timeline differing from patient to patient. Keratoconus has “a mind of its own” as people in their 50s and 60s can get it.

Symptoms of Keratoconus include blurry vision, double or shadowed vision, sensitivity to light, halos forming around light and decreased night vision. In later stages of Keratoconus, the round cornea gradually thins and bulges into a conical shape.

At first soft contact lenses are usually sufficient at correcting vision once Keratoconus develops. As it gets worse, patients are usually better helped by hard (rigid gas permeable) lenses or scleral lenses that rest on the sclera rather than the cornea. Intacs and CK can improve vision with or without contact lenses and glasses depending on the stage of Keratoconus in each eye.

Prompt treatment of Keratoconus is essential because, in most cases, vision lost to Keratoconus does not return — but requires treatments to improve vision. An early diagnosis and quick treatment remain the best ways to protect vision loss due to Keratoconus.

Corneal cross-linking uses riboflavin (vitamin B2) called Holcomb C3-R (invented in 2003) non-invasively strengthens the health of the cornea. After putting the riboflavin into the eye in drop form, Dr. Brian shines a special ultraviolet light onto the eye to improve the results with a 99.3% success rate.

In the past, Keratoconus patients had to continually update their vision prescriptions to counter the distortion caused by their progressively bulging cornea. Fortunately, Keratoconus treatment has improved tremendously: today’s patients can often halt the progression of Keratoconus.

Keratoconus does not lead to 100% blindness. Although patients often become concerned that they are going blind as they notice their vision get progressively worse, some amount of sight remains. In some cases, a corneal transplant can help to improve vision, but often with our treatments patients can avoid that.

While there are many eye doctors in the United States, not many treat Keratoconus, and even fewer are specialists on this condition. Dr. Brian has written three books on Keratoconus, gave a TEDx talk on it, and is routinely consulted and awarded for his expertise on Keratoconus treatment. Fellow eye doctors seek treatment from Dr. Brian because his reputation is that stellar.

Keratoconus Treatment: High-Energy Epi-On Cross-linking

13 year Old Keratoconus Patient Stabilized by Intacs & Holcomb C3-R Cross-Linking