Blog - Keratoconus Specialist

True Testimonials: Meeting Ian Barnes

February 15, 2013

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Intacs

Intacs , Keratoconus , Keratoconus Inserts , Keratoconus symptoms

Ian Barnes was diagnosed with a condition called Keratoconus. This is a common progressive condition of the eye. Keratoconus causes a bulging of the cornea which distorts the patient’s vision over time. Ian suffered from a more moderate stage of Keratoconus which began to cause difficulties with his being able to study and ready for long periods. His vision especially bothered him at night causing him trouble driving.

Ian’s vision at night caused intense double vision, halos, and trouble seeing the road in front of him. The light sensitivity made it difficult for him to focus on the road. Ian began to avoid driving at night due to these problems. These are common problems for the more progressed stages of Keratoconus.

Ian’s doctors gave him a treatment plan that many had heard before Corneal Transplant. Corneal transplants are the older techniques of treatment for Keratoconus. With new technologies this painful and invasive Cornea Transplant procedure is often not needed. In Ian’s case the use of INTACS gave him a chance for better sight within an hour. INTACS are tiny inserts placed within the layers of the cornea to prove support to the weakened area. INTACS helps to reduce the bulging area of the cornea that causes vision distortion and loss.

This gave Ian an immediate improvement to his vision. However one more step was required. While the INTACS started his road to recovery, an additional procedure would help to ensure stability in his new found vision over the coming years.

The Holcomb C3-R ® (Corneal Collagen Crosslinking) is another procedure that will give improvement over the next few months. A special eye drop solution composed of Riboflavin, a natural vitamin in our bodies, along with other components is applied to the cornea. The special solution is activated by the use of a Ultra-Violet light. This process takes about 30 minutes. The Holcomb C3-R ® strengthens the fibers of the cornea strengthen the cornea to halt the progression of Keratoconus. Holcomb C3-R® works in tandem with INTACS to help maximize the flattening of the bulge and improving the overall vision of the patient.

Ian’s experience was remarkable and allowed him to see better than he had in years. Ian said “I’m speechless; these procedure will give me a new life. I am so thankful to Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler for developing these treatments.” The procedures provided improved quality of vision that was almost lost. New techniques continue to emerge in the treatment of Keratoconus. Today a diagnosis of Keratoconus is not the end of the world and new vision can be found.

Diagnosing Keratoconus early can give you and your eye care professional a more accurate treatment plan and a step in the right direction. Below are some symptoms of Keratoconus. If you have any symptoms or a family history of Keratoconus let your eye care professional know.

Symptoms:

Frequent Rubbing of the Eyes

Frequent Changes to your prescription

Blurred Vision

Halos around lights; difficult with night vision

Decreased night vision

Learn more about Ian’s story that was featured on Dr. Phil’s medical talk show, The Doctor’s http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tr2DeAQA-DI&feature=share&list=PL14E3E9271888A2F4

Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler, MD is a renowned eye surgeon specializing in Keratoconus treatments, and other procedures. If you would like to know more about this condition you can request a Free Webinar discussing these advanced treatments: www.FixesYourKeratoconus.com

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

©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.

Facing Dry Eyes as a Symptom of Keratoconus

February 1, 2013

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Keratoconus

dry eyes , Keratoconus , Keratoconus Inserts , Keratoconus Risk Factors , Keratoconus Signs , Keratoconus symptoms , Keratoconus treatments , Treatment options

Keratoconus is a progressive condition that causes loss of vision, vision disturbances, and changes in the quality of life of those who suffer from the condition. There are several symptoms of Keratoconus that cause daily issues for its patients. Learning what symptoms may flare and how to deal with them will allow you to gain some of your life back.

One symptom that flares frequently is Dry eyes. This symptom causes irritation, redness, and sometimes excessive rubbing of the eyes. In more serious cases it can cause pain for the patient and making wearing contact lenses very difficult. Dry eyes is a reduction of the production of tears by your eyes naturally.

There are several reasons one can develop dry eyes such as:

Medication changes

Conditions – Like Keratoconus, diabetes, Cataracts, etc..

Reduction in the blinking of the eyes (for instance in writers)

Certain procedures

Treatments:

1 Eye Drops

Typically treatments for dry eyes consist of over the counter eye drops, such as Artificial Tears. Yes, get the red out products can help reduce the amount of irritation in your eye, but there is medication in this eye drop that is not good for prolonged use. Artificial tears work the best as they rehydrate the eye provide the moisture in places that your eye has lost them. These are not permanent fixes for treatments, finding the initial cause of your dry eye and fixing that problem will help your symptoms out the most.

2 Supplements

Flaxseed Oil or Fish Oil supplements taken daily can help decrease dry eyes. Consult your doctor about taking these supplements before you try them.

Tips To Help Relieve Your Dry Eye:

Increase the amount of breaks you take when starring at the computer screen.

Avoid excessive eye rubbing

Get regular eye examinations

Wear protective lenses when going out

Use Artificial Tears

Consider taking Flaxseed Oil or Fish Oil supplements

Remember dry eye is generally a symptom, and symptoms are best relieved by finding the underline cause. Let your eye care professional know all your symptoms each time you visit. If dry eye is a big disturbance ask them what you can do to reduce the symptom. Improving the overall quality of life for the patient is the doctors main objective for treatment, so communication is key to a great treatment plan.

For more information regarding dry eyes visit: www.dryeyepain.com

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

Experiencing Disturbances in Night Vision With Keratoconus

January 15, 2013

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Keratoconus

Keratocons , Keratoconus Inserts , Keratoconus Management , Keratoconus Risk Factors , Keratoconus symptoms , Keratoconus treatment options

If your experiencing disturbances in your vision during the day since your diagnosis of Keratoconus, we can only imagine how your night vision is doing. Unfortunately loss of night vision is a symptom of Keratoconus, having it and dealing with it however are two very different things.

Since 1999 there has been new advances in assistance those with Keratoconus. In the past, patients merely waited for the Keratoconus to get too bad for contacts or glasses. A painful and invasive procedure called a Corneal Transplant, was the only option until INTACS for Keratoconus was developed in 1999 and Holcomb C3-R ® (cornea collagen crosslinking) was developed in 2003.

Modern medicine and several innovative procedures have helped those who suffer from Keratoconus improve their chances of not having a corneal transplant to help deal with their worsening symptoms.

Below are some tips to assist you with your night vision:

Drive in well lite areas at all times: As your vision goes it will be harder to see, you may not know that your vision is getting worse right away so driving in well lite areas (good street lights) regularly will help if you are struggling.

Drive with a buddy: If you are not very certain on how your vision has been effected at night, take a buddy with you. Someone you trust can help you and work with you in deciding if you should be on the road at night, or tell you what problems you maybe experiencing while driving.

Ask you doctor: as your Keratoconus progresses asking your doctor if it is safe for you to be on the road should be a typical exam question. This will help you determine where you are in your condition and if you need assistance with your night driving.

Finding out the degree of vision loss when you have Keratoconus is important. Asking your doctor these important questions will help you determine whether its safe for you to drive could save your life and the lives of others. The frustration of coping with Keratoconus is hard on all who suffer, your not alone. Finding a Keratoconus support group can help you cope with your loss of vision, and improve the overall quality of your life.

For more information on Keratoconus support groups visit:www.AmKC.org or www.keratoconus-group.org.uk

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

The Management of Keratoconus With Other Medical Conditions

January 1, 2013

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Keratoconus

Diabetes , Hypertension , Keratoconus , Keratoconus advice , Keratoconus Inserts , Keratoconus Risk Factors , Keratoconus treatment options , Keratoconus treatments

The management of Keratoconus can be a struggle. But facing Keratoconus with other conditions like: Diabetes, Cataracts, Hypertension, or even arthritis can be even more of a challenge. Having a treatment plan can help assist you in the day to day management of multiple conditions. While managing your Keratoconus you should already know about developing an effective treatment plan and how having a support team can help you face daily challenges.

Even the support of your family or your team of doctors can allow you to problem solve when it comes to management. Below are some things you can do to help manage your conditions.

Diabetes & Keratoconus:

Diabetes effects the blood sugar levels, and as we all know the blood runs through the entire body including the eyes. While we don’t often think of the eyes becoming damaged from out of control blood sugar levels, it can happen quickly and even cause blindness within 6 months to a year. So how do you manage these medical conditions?

Log your blood sugar readings regularly. This will help you keep an eye on your levels, give you better control,and reduce the amount of complications caused by uncontrolled blood sugar levels.
Exercising daily can help keep your blood sugar levels down. Also joining in racket and team sports can help with tracking, eye response, eye muscle control, and other things to improve your Keratoconus.
Getting regular exams. Get regular eye exams, as well as diabetic tests like, A1C, and Kidney function tests. This can prevent unexpected complications for both your Diabetes and Keratoconus.

Hypertension & Keratoconus Management:

Hypertension or high blood pressure is caused by an increase in the amount of pressure your blood puts on your vessels and arteries as it flows throughout your body. Since your blood flows through all areas of the body hypertension can effect your eyes as well. In routine examinations the eye care professionals can see if any damage is caused to the vessels within your eyes and often diagnose hypertension in its early stages. If hypertension continues to go untreated it can cause additional problems with your eyes and quality of vision.

Below are some tips to help you control your hypertension:

Decreasing the amount of salt your body intakes.

Drinking more water daily

Implementing a small exercise regimen into your daily routine

Reducing your diet from a 2500 -2000 calorie diet to 1500

Getting Regular exams from your primary physician

For more information on how you can manage Keratoconus visit www.AMKC.org

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

Daily Life: Dealing With Headaches as a Symptom of Keratoconus

December 15, 2012

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Keratoconus

Keratoconus , Keratoconus advice , Keratoconus Inserts , Keratoconus Risk Factors , Keratoconus symptoms , Keratoconus treatment options , Keratoconus treatments

There are many symptoms of Keratoconus. Managing the symptoms can be just as hard as dealing with the complications of the disease itself. One of the harder and more progressive symptoms of Keratoconus is headaches. While proper management of headaches can help you over the course of time, finding a way to cope with them can be even more challenging.

There are many reasons you may be having increased headaches including:

Sensitivity to Light
Eye Strain- as your vision decreases
Dry eyes
Decreased Night Vision

The increase of headaches can affect your daily activities. This can hinder you in the present as well as the future as the condition progresses. Finding an effective way to improve your symptoms can help you in the long run.

Coping With Headaches:

Many of us experience headaches regularly. For those who have a tendency to get migraines, or sinus headaches dealing with the pain is one of the first things we think about, however preventative measures are more effective.

Below are some preventative strategies that may help you manage your headaches as your Keratoconus progresses.

The use of UV protected eye wear:

Wearing sunglasses in the summer seems normal, but the effectiveness of wearing UV sunglasses throughout the year is great. They not only protect your eyes from further damage from the sun but also shields your light sensitive eyes as your Keratoconus progresses. They also keep you from straining in the light throughout the day.

Eye drops & Other Over the Counter Remedies:

Some relief can be found in artificial tears, and over the counter eye drops, however these are merely temporary relief and unless used daily they don’t offer you effective preventative remedies. Many people get headaches from straining of the eyes, or dry eyes and getting to the core of the cause of your headaches can give you more benefit that merely covering it up.

Relaxation & Meditation as a Preventative Measure:

Stress is a big trigger for many types of headaches. Many people with progressive conditions such as Keratoconus have a hard time coping with things changing in their lives and feel the stress. Learning to use some relaxation techniques such as palming can help you cope with your daily challenges in turn preventing future headaches one day at a time.

Palming:

Palming can assist you in relaxation throughout the day, relieving stress and preventing your headaches. Palming is a relaxation tool used at various intervals throughout the day. When you are in a quite private location, simply lay flat on the floor and place the palms of your hands across your eyes. Do this for intervals of 10-15 minutes throughout the day.

Eye Strain:

One of the most common of headaches is eye strain, often a result of changing prescription. This is the frustration facing those with Keratoconus, constant changing prescription. The most improtant remedy is Homcomb C3-R ® (cornea collage crosslinking). The Holcomb C3-R ® procedure helps stabilize the cornea and stop the ever changing glasses prescription.

You can learn more about Keratocons treatments here: http://www.AMKCA.org

Other information about eye strain can be found here http://www.medicinenet.com/eye_strain/article.htm

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

Coping With a Diagnosis of Keratoconus and Finding Treatment

December 1, 2012

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Keratoconus

Keratocnus insert , Keratoconus , Keratoconus advice , Keratoconus Risk Factors , Keratoconus symptoms , Keratoconus treatments

Do you have a family member who is currently or has suffered with Keratoconus? Have you seen the progression of this condition and traditional treatment options for it? If you have said yes to these questions you probably have your own ideas on how its treatment will go. But did you know that treatment options for Keratoconus have changed considerably within the last decade? Did you know that Corneal Transplants, one of the most common treatments for the condition are rarely used anymore? Now treatments like glasses, contact lenses, INACS (cornea inserts), the Holcomb C3-R ® (cornea collage crosslinking) and many other options are available.

Today’s Treatment Options

Over the past decade many new treatments have been developed for Keratoconus patients. These new treatments have improved outcomes, help slow the progression, and in some cases reverse some of the damage of the condition.

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. Other options are sought once the condition progresses.

Gas Permeable Lenses:

Another traditional treatment for Keratoconus is GP or Gas Permeable lenses. These are often hard contact lenses that require little maintenance. At this stage soft contacts can often be used as well in the treatment of Keratoconus. This type of contact lens is used when other treatments are no longer working. They can provide you with better quality of vision in your treatment plan. Talk it over with your eye care professional to find out what stage you are at in your treatment. Some brands of soft contact lenses that are particularly good for Keratoconus patients are KeraSoft Lenses, and NovaKone. In addition to the soft contact lenses, hard or Hybrid lenses like ClearKone ®, or Rose K are also used to improve the clarity of the patients’ visual experience.

The Holcomb C3-R ® or Corneal Cross-linking With Riboflavin: This is a relatively new treatment often used to improve the vision of those suffering with Keratoconus by using a more natural approach. The eyes are exposed to UV lights and a Vitamin rich solution called Riboflavin that heals, and strengthens the eyes from inside. The vitamins strengthen the fibers within the cornea over time and improve the overall vision of the patient. This treatment can also potentially reverse some of the damage done to the cornea over time. It is both effective and requires little recovery time.

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

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

Can Focus Exercises as Treatment Options Improve Your Keratoconus?

November 15, 2012

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Keratoconus

Keratoconus , Keratoconus advice , Keratoconus Inserts , Keratoconus Risk Factors , Keratoconus Signs , Keratoconus symptoms

When you have Keratoconus strengthening the eyes is an important step in maximizing visual function. Focus exercising can aid in improving the quality of vision. Many doctors agree that training your eyes is an important step in treating the condition, and according to the American Optometric Association you can benefit greatly from exercising your eyes when diagnosed with Keratoconus.

So can focus exercises improve your vision when you have Keratoconus? Yes. Many have found it can strengthen your eyes improving your quality of vision.

Focus Exercising:

For aid in strengthening the eyes and improving eye control the use of swaying can help. This is a simple exercise that can be done in minutes daily and added to your regular routine. It will help you not only gain current control of the muscles of the eyes but help with future control.

Swaying

Keep your feet shoulder width apart

Choose an object in the distance

Sway from side to side focusing on the object as you pass by

Focus Activities to Help Gain Eye Control:

Recently the American Optometric Association said that Racket and Team sports is a form of focus exercise and participating in these types of sports help strengthen your eyes and improve overall visual acuity.

Most people feel that sports are the last thing they should do if they are having vision problems. However for those with Keratoconus the use of Racket & Team sports can help you with eye tracking, reaction time, depth perception, visual memory, and even peripheral vision skills. These sports can not only work on control of your eye muscles, but they can help strengthen them as well.

For more information on how focus exercise can help your Keratoconus visit: www.aoa.org

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

How a Family History Affects Your KC

November 1, 2012

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Keratoconus

Keratoconus , Keratoconus Inserts , Keratoconus Risk Factors , Keratoconus Signs , Keratoconus symptoms , Keratoconus treatments

If you have had Keratoconus in your family your probably wondering if it will affect you. As with any condition the family history will increase your risk of getting the
condition, however it is not a guarantee. Nor is it a guarantee that you will have the same progression or experience as those in your family as it affects each patient differently.

In the past treatments have not been as effective and sometimes caused the patient to have long recovery periods and experience pain. However with the new treatments that have been developed over the last decade have made treatments for Keratoconus less painful and provides a quicker recovery time.

In traditional treatments glasses and contact lenses like RGP (Rigid Gas Permeable lenses) were used before the eventual corneal transplant. With today’s technology we are now rarely using the corneal transplants and treatments are more effective than ever before. In some cases the treatments have been effective in slowing the progression, in addition to stopping and/or reversing the progression of Keratoconus. The overall outlook of the 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.

Having a family history of Keratoconus doesn’t guarantee you will get it but should warn you to be more careful when it comes to your vision care. Getting regular visits to your eye care professional and being aware of the signs of Keratoconus will help you catch it early if you do develop the condition. Also avoiding the urge to rub your eyes, and getting annual exams are important tips to healthy eye care.

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

For more information on risk factors of Keratoconus visit www.AMKCA.org

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

Why Should You Use Contact Lenses for KC?

October 15, 2012

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Keratoconus

Keratoconus , Keratoconus advice , Keratoconus Inserts , Keratoconus Risk Factors , Keratoconus symptoms , Keratoconus Treatment

For those of us who suffer daily with Keratoconus we understand the value of having various treatment options. There are several treatment options for those with
Keratoconus and finding the one that most beneficial for us should be our top priority. Since Keratoconus is a progressive condition the earlier you treat it the more effective the treatments will be.

However some of us are not happy with an option involving surgery and for those with mild or moderate Keratoconus contact lenses can be a healthy option for several years. Additional treatment options involve glasses and surgery for those who suffer with more advanced stages of Keratoconus. Many can benefit from the treatment of contact lenses whether they are RGP or soft lenses. Below you will find some reasons why you should try contact lenses for the treatment of Keratoconus.

Below are some of the Benefits of Using Contact Lenses for the Treatment of Keratoconus:

Time Management-

Contact lenses will allow the patient to continue their daily day to day activities. Contacts give them the mobility they are looking for
in their routine and allow them to have less maintenance.

Upgrade: High Definition-

Think of the RGP lenses as an upgrade to your vision. The RGP lenses will allow you to view your surroundings in high definition and are
easily maintained. If you are looking for a reliable and stable way to manage your visual experience the use of RGP lenses for your
Keratoconus treatment is a great one.

Multiple stage use:

The SynergEye ® Hybrid and Rose K Contact Lenses can be used to treat Keratoconus in many stages of the condition. This can provide
some stability in the life of the patient, and offer great treatment with little changes to the eye. For those who want less doctor visits
and less treatments for their Keratoconus this maybe a great choice for you.

To Learn more about Keratoconus treatment options visit: www.contactlenes.org/

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

Top 3 Benefits of Using Contact Lenses as a Treatment for Keratoconus

October 1, 2012

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Keratoconus

contact lenses , Hybrid Contact Lenses , Keratoconus treatments , RGP , Rose K Lenses

Keratoconus is a progressive condition that disrupts the daily lives of those who suffer. Making sure that we have the best treatments, and are comfortable in our daily activities is a continuous job. But a worth while one. There are several treatments developed for those who have Keratoconus. Some include surgery, glass or contact lenses and other procedures.

But for those who don’t like surgery, or have other reasons for avoiding it contact lenses should definitely be an option. Whether they are RGP or soft lenses the option for improved clarity, comfort, and stability are all benefits of contact lenses.

Below are the Top 3 Benefits of Using Contact Lenses for the Treatment of Keratoconus:

Mobility – Contact lenses allow the patient to continue with their day to day without any time away.

Clarity – The use of RGP contact lenses can increase the clarity of your overall vision. This can give you a better more reliable visual experience.

Little Maintenance – For many with Keratoconus the less hectic and busy your schedule is the more you can enjoy yourself. Contacts provide little maintenance to keep your vision clear. For those with Keratoconus a treatment that can be used through most stages of the condition is a great option. SynergEye ® Hybrid and Rose K Contact Lenses can be used through many stages of Keratoconus making it a great option for treatment of Keratoconus.

While these 3 benefits are nowhere near all, it will give you a good reason or two to check it out. Ask you eye care professional why contact lenses would be right for you.

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

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