Author: cmg-wd

There has been great strides of progress when it comes to Keratoconus and over the last decade we have found several new treatments to improve your overall quality of vision. Although Keratoconus is a progressive disease there are several treatments that can improve your vision and in some cases reverse the damage already done by the disease. There are screenings that help predict Keratoconus at an early stage.

Yearly screenings are important. They can help your eye care professional spot early signs of Keratoconus. If you have a family history of the disease you should inform the doctor right away. This will help them detect the disease in its earliest stage. There are several treatments available to assist you with your Keratoconus and improve your disease allowing you to be free of glasses and contact lenses in some cases. Below are some early warning signs of Keratoconus and New treatments for those with the disease.

Keratoconus Symptoms:

• Blurred vision

• Frequent Prescription changes

• Halos

• Difficulty with night vision

• Excessive rubbing of the eyes

• Double Vision

• Headaches

Treatments for Keratoconus:

• Glasses, contact lenses – Changing prescriptions

• IOL’s or Intra Ocular Lenses

• CK

• Holcomb C3-R ®

• INTACS for Keratoconus

So if your question is, can Keratoconus be cured? No, but it can be treated. You can improve your overall quality of vision. And the earlier it is caught the better your vision can get. Some of the treatments in some cases have reversed the damage done by Keratoconus, but in most cases you can still get your vision back. So stop paying attention to all the blogs, magazines, articles, and general doctors, and consult an expert. Dr. Boxer Wachler, MD is a renowned eye surgeon specializing in Keratoconus treatments, LASIK, I-BRITE eye whitening, and other procedures.

Patient Pioneer – Dr. Brian’s Very First Intacs^® for Keratoconus Patient 20 years ago

If you are living with keratoconus, a progressive non-inflammatory eye disorder that causes a cone-like steepening of the cornea, you know how important it is to get treatment so that you can get back to your normal routine. Keratoconus damages your vision and makes it impossible to focus without the assistance of eyeglasses or contacts. Luckily, there is a treatment option that is non-invasive and helps address the issue.

Holcomb C3-R® treatment is the first non-invasive corneal crosslinking procedure for keratoconus and works by numbing the area before applying a solution that contains riboflavin and other compounds to your cornea. Once activated by a special UVA light it helps stabilize weakened links in the cornea collagen fiber, which allows most patients to see results in one treatment.

The benefits include being able to return to work the next day thanks to faster recovery time and no need for steroid eye drops after the procedure. In comparison, CXL treatment can take up to three months to heal and patients usually miss one to two weeks of work due to discomfort and pain. With the CXL treatment you also will have to wait 3 months to resume wearing contacts and have 2-13 weeks of steroid eye drop use until the outer layer of the cornea can heal. Corneal transplant has even more of an impact on your recovery, with an invasive and painful procedure that can take up to six months or a year for you to heal and wear contacts as normal.

With Holcomb C3-R® treatment, there is virtually no risk of complication. However, some patients report mild irritation in their eyes for a few days while most do not. You may experience haziness in vision for the remainder of the day following the procedure, but you can resume wearing contacts the next day. In the end, it is an excellent option for those with keratoconus to help improve eye strength moving forward.

A diagnosis of Keratoconus can be frightening. If you have family history of Keratoconus you may have already experienced seeing someone with the disease. However today technology has allowed for several new treatments that can slow the progression of Keratoconus or even in some cases stop the it’s progression.

In the past most treatments for Keratoconus ended up with a Corneal Transplant. But within the last decade many other treatments have allowed for faster recovery times, non-invasive procedures, and even improvements over time. Now with the design of hybrid contact lenses, scleral contacts, and even the Holcomb C3-R ® patients have non-invasive options for improving their vision.

Today’s Treatment Options

The use of eye glasses: The use of eye glasses has been a treatment option for those with Keratoconus and many other condition for years. This treatment is generally used in the very early stages of Keratoconus. When patients are treated during early diagnosis with Holcomb C3-R® they have a higher probability to be able to use glasses long term. Holcomb C3-R® stabilizes the progression of Keratoconus and helps preserve a patient’s current vision.

Contact Lenses:

Another traditional treatment for more advanced Keratoconus are RGP (Rigid Gas Permeable lenses) or Scleral Contact Lens. One type of RGP lens is the Rose-K lens, which can offer crisp and sharp vision for those with Keratoconus. There are some brands of soft contact lenses that are designed for patients with Keratoconus, these include KeraSoft Lenses and NovaKone Lenses. In addition to the soft contact lens there is a combination lens or Hybrid lenses like ClearKone ®, which have a hard center and a soft skirt. Discuss with your Keratoconus contact lens fitter the best option to improve the clarity of your vision and improve your day-to-day visual experience.

The Holcomb C3-R ® or Corneal Cross-linking With Riboflavin: This revolutionary treatment developed in 2003 by Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler is used to preserve the vision of those suffering with Keratoconus by using a more natural approach. A Vitamin rich solution is administered to the eyes and then activated with a special UV light. This procedure helps to strengthen the cornea and stop the progression vision loss from Keratoconus. This procedure helps to preserve a patient’s current vision. When combined with other procedures, such as INTACS, overall vision can be improved.

Ian discusses how revolutionary Keratoconus treatments have improved his life and vision, watch his story here: http://youtu.be/Tr2DeAQA-DI

To learn more about new treatments for Keratoconus you can visit www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/keratoconus.htm

People with allergies know that it can sometimes be difficult to even step outside of your front door. Dry conditions and irritants in the environment can lead you itchy and burning eyes that make you want to find relief as quickly as possible. Dry eye is not limited to just people with allergies, however. The condition can be a result of a number of different factors, which is why it is important to recognize the symptoms and causes so you can talk with your doctor about getting the treatment you need.

Dry eye occurs when the eye does not produce tears properly or when the tears are not the correct consistency and evaporate too quickly. Aqueous tear-deficient dry eye and evaporative dry eye are the two types of the condition that affect about 12 million Americans. It can occur in women who are pregnant or as a side effect of some medications such as antihistamines, nasal decongestants and certain blood pressure medication. The most common cause of Dry Eye Syndrome is a condition known as Blepharitis, which is present in nine out of 10 cases.

Symptoms of dry eye include irritation, dryness and redness and vision disturbance. You may find that your eyes tear up more than usual and are sensitive to light. Instances of excessive tears may be followed by long dry spells, and dryness can lead to patchy loss of cells in your cornea. If you use soft contact lenses and experience dry eye, talk with your eye doctor about using a different type of lens and getting a solution that can clean out your glands causing the problem.

When it comes to Keratoconus there are many questions about family history. The truth is you should always let your physician or eye care professional know when there is a history of medical conditions in the family. This can help them better assess your conditions. In fact many conditions are diagnosed with the help of family histories.

In past years there was little in the way of treatments when it came to Keratoconus. Many patients had to receive corneal transplants to relieve the Keratoconus. But now there are several new treatments which are very effective in slowing progression, reversing damage, and strengthening the cornea. This gives Keratoconus patients a much better prognosis in there Keratoconus treatment.

For those with a family history of Keratoconus having a family history only makes you at higher risk of getting the condition it’s not a guarantee. There are several steps to diagnosing Keratoconus but it can help the doctor determine your risk.

Below are some tips to help you find out more about Keratoconus:

Research- Research is a big part of being pro-active in your own health. Finding the right doctor, educating yourself on the conditions, and arming yourself with information will help you ensure that you get the right health care.

Finding the Right Doctor-It is important that you are comfortable with the doctor your choose whether it is an eye doctor, or general health care provider building trust and being able to ask them questions will help them and you in your treatment plans.

Be honest with them- No matter how small you think the change is be sure to tell them everything. Leaving things out can hinder your own treatment or diagnosis. Telling them when you have changes or even logging your symptoms will help them greatly in determining what it going on with your body.

Below are Signs of Keratoconus:

• Frequent Eye Rubbing

• Frequent Changes in prescriptions

• Blurred or double vision

• Halos or glares around lights

• Sensitivity to light

• Poor night vision

• Dry eyes
• Squinting or Straining Your Eyes

In traditional treatments glasses, contact lenses like RGP (Rigid Gas Permeable lenses) were used before the eventual corneal transplant. Now with today’s technology we are now rarely using the corneal transplants and treatments are more effective than ever before. Treatments like the Holcomb C3-R® procedure stop this progressive debilitating eye disease. When combined with Holcomb C3-R is combined with INTACS in addition to being effective in slowing/stopping the progression and/or reversing the progression of Keratoconus.

The overall outlook of Keratoconus treatment is a great one and with continued research and improvements to Keratoconus treatments we have less pain, and more improvement in your quality of vision.

Watch how Brianna’s life was changed by these advanced Keratoconus treatments: http://youtu.be/KZFC8NOp_hI

For more information on risk factors of Keratoconus visit www.nkcf.org/about-Keratoconus

While Keratoconus is an often debilitating condition there is hope in having a successful career in Auto Racing regardless of having Keratoconus. There are several new treatments that are not only improving patients Keratoconus but also bringing back the eyesight of many patients.

The Holcomb C3-R ® is a treatment that uses natural vitamin solution in the eye, and in combination with special UV lights the solution is activated. The solution will strengthen the fibers of the cornea which will improve the distortion in the eye over time.

Australian Race car driver Mark Skarife has had Keratoconus for over 10 years. His current treatments allow him to switch from contact lenses to glasses for his Keratoconus. However with the Holcomb C3-R ® Mark may have the ability to drive without any additional aids such as glasses or contact lenses. In an article in “All About Eyes” Mark stated “Contact lenses do not fog up like glasses tend to do”.

The truth is no matter what treatment you try it is up to you and your eye care professional to decide what works best for you. Can you have a career in Auto Racing and have Keratoconus, Yes. The trick is with any condition you have to monitor your condition, report and new symptoms, and understand how it can affect you in your future.

There are several treatments that can benefit you and your chosen career including Holcomb C3-R ® which can strengthen your vision naturally. INTACS which are inserted lenses that help support your natural lens.

Below are some symptoms of Keratoconus:

For those who are not familiar with Keratoconus, it is a progressive eye condition that causes thinning of your cornea changing it to a cone shape. The progression of the condition varies from person to person but the symptoms are generally the same.

• Blurred vision

• Frequent Changes in Prescription

• Frequent rubbing of the eyes

• Dry eyes

• Increased blinking of the eyes

There have been a great deal of advancements in the improvement of vision for those suffering from Keratoconus. Checking out the latest in treatments could save you a great deal of time and symptoms. Treatments like Holcomb C3-R ®, INTACS, and CK can help you regain your life a little faster. For more information on how to treat your Keratoconus visit www.AmKC.org

Learn how Olympic Bobsled Driver’s Life was changed by Keratoconus Treatments: http://youtu.be/P8CWqVTnIp0

There are five main senses, all of which work together to allow the body to “sense” the surrounding world. All of these senses send information to the brain. In turn, the brain interprets the information as needed. Although all of these senses are important, eyesight stands out as the most important.

What Makes Sight Possible?

There are many factors that work together to make sight possible. Although different muscles and nerves are needed to send images, the main organs dedicated to this sense are the brain and the eye itself. Without one of these vital parts, the world around us would be dark.

The eye is considered one of the most complex parts of the body. This is due to all of the different parts of the organ, numbering in the billions. This organ is held in place by the surrounding muscles, which also serve to move the eye as needed. Images are seen by the eye and projected towards the retina. The retina then converts the images into electrical impulses that can travel through the optic nerve to the brain.

Many are struggling with vision problems. However with today’s technology you can improve your quality of vision with a few simple procedures that could take less than an hour each. Why continue to struggle with your vision when you can see again?

Many patients struggling with Keratoconus each day have learned that there are better treatments available now, instead of 10 years ago. Making the right choice to improve your vision could be as simple as getting the facts. There is a lot of new information regarding treatment alternatives for those who are suffering with Keratoconus. It doesn’t have to impede your daily activities any longer.

Below are 3 benefits of using new treatment alternatives for Keratoconus.

Less Recovery Time: In the past the recovery time for procedures involving Keratoconus patients was between 4-6 weeks. In fact the patients often required Corneal Transplants which has dropped over 90% who will never require a transplant due to alternative treatments. Keratoconus alternative treatments today require less than a week of recovery time. And most can return to work within 48 hours.

Less Pain: Many of the new Keratoconus Alternative treatments allow for less pain during the procedure and after. In fact many of the procedures take less than 30 minutes to complete and have a great response from patients.

More Activity: Since the new alternative treatments for Keratoconus have been available many patients have been able to participate in more activities than they thought possible. With an improved quality of vision, they have had an improved quality of life. So could you!

Experience Less recovery time, Less pain, and more activity!

If you are looking for a better way to live your life, and experience a better quality of vision you should check out the alternative treatments to Keratoconus. Many people are reclaiming their lives so can you!

Watch how Brett’s life was improved by Keratoconus: http://youtu.be/iSVt3Dz3Pwc

Common Cornea Disorders

There are some common eye disorders that are caused by the abnormal shape of the eye. One such condition is ectasia, a disorder that causes the cornea to bulge outward. LASIK surgery causes this by weakening the cornea. Other, naturally caused disorders include keratoconus and astigmatism. Keratoconus is caused when the cornea thins, causing it to bulge outward in a cone shape. Astigmatism, on the other hand, is a result of the cornea or lens curving in a different direction.

Common Optic Nerve Disorder

Another eye condition that afflicts many different people is glaucoma. This condition is different from other common conditions in that it is caused by elevated eye pressure. This pressure can result in damage to the optic nerve, which in turn can lead to vision loss.

Signs of an Eye Disorder

Although each eye condition is different and might manifest itself in a different way, there are some common signs that point to an eye disorder. If you notice any type of vision loss or blurring, make an appointment with an optometrist for an eye exam. Other common symptoms associated with these conditions could be eye pain, sensitivity and even headaches and nausea.

For those who are suffering from Keratoconus you can break records, and make new strides in your life regardless of your diagnosis. Take a look at Steven Holcomb. He is a professional bobsledder that suffered from an extreme case of Keratoconus. So much so that he almost gave up the one thing he loved in fear that he would hurt his teammates.

His story is one that will be remembered always. His Keratoconus had gotten so severe that he couldn’t see more than a foot in front of him. His sport is bobsledding which requires him to be in the front of the sled guiding it down an extremely dangerous track at horrendous speeds.

But his condition was getting worse and worse. They were preparing for the the biggest world event in bobsledding and wanted to win gold that year. The team found out about his condition and found the Boxer Wachler Institute. After the team gathered the money they paid for his treatments ( C3-R ® to stabilize his vision and Visian ICL to improve his vision without contacts- )both were very successful. Later that year the 4-man US Men’s bobsled team with Steven as the driver won a Gold Medal in 2010.

This is an extremely memorable story about a man who didn’t give up. There are several new treatments that can give you the quality of vision you deserve regardless of your diagnosis. Take the time to review the symptoms and get an annual eye exam it could change your life so you can change the lives of others!

Symptoms:

Blurred vision
Double vision
Frequent changes in prescription
Frequent Rubbing of the eye
Itching
Redness
Halos/glares
Seeing Shadows
Change in vision at night

Early detection is the best way to get ahead of Keratoconus. If you have changes in vision, or you have a history of Keratoconus in the family contact your eye care professional for frequent and annual eye exams.

Watch Steven’s story about overcoming Keratoconus to win a Gold Medal:  Steven Holcomb Overcoming Keratoconus