Blog - Keratoconus Specialist

People All Over Reach Out

Response to the bobsled press conference has been incredible! With the media surrounding Steven’s success with the C3-R procedure transforming his 20/500 vision to 20/20, hundreds of people suffering from similar ailments are contacting us in hopes of restoring their lost sight.

C3-R, cornea collagen crosslinking with riboflavin, is not taking center podium as the first line treatment for those diagnosed with keratoconus.  Rather than waiting around for vision to slowly worsen, patients are doing their own research and quickly making the decision to undergo this non-invasive first line of defense treatment.

Patients are reporting improved quality of vision after the C3-R treatment in their current contact lenses or glasses.  The reports of success with C3-R are exciting.  Especially the studies showing that patients are avoiding the need for cornea transplant after C3R has stabilized the 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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Bobsled Driver Steve Holcomb’s Miracle Story of Overcoming Keratoconus

Last Thursday I, Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler, was in Vancouver for the  press conference with the U.S. Bobsled team.  “Why would an eye surgeon be at a press conference?” is probably going through your mind.  I didn’t give up my day job to join the U.S. Bobsled team.  My patient Steven Holcomb and his story has become one of the most remarkable stories in this upcoming bobsled event this winter in Vancouver.

Steven is the driver of the U.S. Bobsled team’s top sled nicknamed “The Night Train”.  Two years ago, he became legally blind due to a degenerative cornea condition called Keratoconus which just about forced him to retire and give up the sport.  The team refused to let him give up.  That’s when they found me.  I had the honor of treating Steve’s condition with C3-R along with corrective lens implants.  C3-R saved Steve’s eyesight.

He then went on to win Gold in the World Bobsled Championship – a U.S. first in 50 years.

Hence the reason for being part of the press conference last week.  It was filled with TV crews and journalists.

Full details about Steve’s story can be read on EyeWorld.com

In just 10 more days, Steve and the Night Train will be going for Gold!  I’ll be there personally rooting for Steve and I’ll be posting updates on this blog and tweeting at www.twitter.com/drboxerwachler

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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Bobsled Athlete Overcomes Keratoconus and Ready for Gold Medal Quest

Bobsled driver Steven Holcomb was ont he verge of giving up his passion for the Bobsled sport due to his keratoconus. Hi team, coaches, and team doctors virtually refused to let him quit.

They found alternative treatments to a cornea transplant that would allow Steve to return to the sport. Two years ago, Steve was sent to Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler for C3-R and 3 months later Visian ICL.

Steve Holcomb’s story was captured by NBC Nightly News with Bryan Williams wich can be viewed on www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yYZct6G4dU.

What makes Steve’s story particularly moving was that he went from nearly giving up the sport to winning a World Gold Medal for the U.S. in Bobsled – which had not been done in the past 50 years.

With his Keratoocnus cured, Steven’s going to Vancouver games with his team, the “Night Train” as the favorites.

I’ll be there rooting for Steven and his team.  We hope hisotry will again be made and we will all be cherring for Steven and the team!

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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Keratoconus: Pushing Past the [K] Word

Keratoconus has revered a very heavy reputation. And in the grand skim of things Keratoconus is a very serious condition. However thanks to new technologies and Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler of the Boxer Wachler Vision Institute there is hope for patients that suffer with Keratoconus. Every year treatments are improving and showing more and more positive results.

Currently there are a couple of procedures that can improve your vision, stop regression, and some reports say they have reversed damage of Keratoconus. This is a great weight lifted from the shoulders of those suffering from Keratoconus.

Over the past decade more and more procedures are being developed in improving the quality of life for those suffering from Keratoconus. So push past the [K] word and find your treatment option today.

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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Keratoconus: Understanding Your Diagnosis & What it Means for You

While the diagnosis of Keratoconus can be unsettling for anybody you should first know the facts before thinking of going blind. Although corneal transplants are not high on our list of things to do, they were an effective way to save the sight of suffers of Keratoconus.

New Advancements in Technologies have improved results for many who face this degenerative condition each day. However before we can even look at treatment options it is important that you understand the diagnosis and what it means for you.

Diagnosing Keratoconus:

Keratoconus is a change in the shape of the cornea. Keratoconus causes the cornea to become cone shape distorting the vision of the sufferer.

In its mild forms Keratoconus is treated with corrective lenses or Hard contact lens. Diagnosis of Keratoconus is determined through corneal mapping also known as a Topography mapping.

In the early stages of Keratoconus symptoms are minimal and are usually detected through regular eye exams & patient history. Generally Keratoconus starts in one eye and later moving to both. Patient family history of Keratoconus is usually detected in a new diagnosis.

Symptoms of Keratoconus:

Double vision

Squinting to see

Frequent changes in prescriptions

Irritation

Photopobia [sensitivity to light]

Ghost images

Although Keratoconus is a serious condition there is hope for sufferers today. New technologies are providing many treatment options and positive improvement in the quality of life for all those that sufferer.

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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Progressive Keratoconus: 4 Tips to Improve Your Everyday Life

Our journey through life is often a bumpy one. Many of us have trouble coping with stress and the riggers life brings without throwing Progressive Keratoconus in the mix. However finding new ways to cope with your disease can help reduce extra problems along the way. Below are a few tips to assist you in making life a little easier:

Tip 1: Educate yourself:

Your doctor can do a lot for you but when you take the initiative to find out about your illness you can ask important questions, feel more comfortable with what they are telling you, learn whys you can help yourself.

Tip 2: Find a good doctor:

It is just as important to find a eye doctor you are comfortable with as it is to find a general physician. Make sure that the doctor you choose is comfortable with you asking questions, they are concerned about you, and that they have proper time for you. If you notice it is hard to schedule an appointment, or they take more than 24 hours getting back to you than you should find another doctor.

Tip 3: Reduce the amount of times you rub your eyes:

Progressive Keratoconus can be increased by excessive eye rubbing. To ensure you don’t create anymore damage speak with your doctor about dry eye, allergies, and other conditions that can cause itchy and irritated eyes. They may be able to prescribe drops or medications to help you combat these problems.

Tip 5: Find a good contact lens fitter:

Find a contact lens fitter that sees Keratoconus on a regular basis i.e. weekly or even better daily. It is important that they offer a full range of contact lens options, soft toric contacts, hybrid contacts, piggy back lenses, Rose-K, Dyna-Z intralimbal, and Mini-sclera are some of those options that should be available.

Most of all pamper yourself. Don’t worry about all the things that are wrong or what may happen 5 years from now find out how you can treat your condition now. There are many treatments out now that can greatly improve even reverse the damage of keratoconus. Focus on your treatment, taking care of yourself, and your education. You are your best tool.

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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3 Tips For Managing Your Keratoconus

Progressive Keratoconus [a.k.a KC] can be a difficult condition to live with. The loss of vision can be frustrating and disruptive to regular daily activities we know and love. However Keratoconus can also be difficult for families with suffering loved ones.

Keratoconus affects about 1 in every 2,000 Americans. Keratoconus however is not just a problem in the US people are suffering everywhere. World-wide the disease is estimated to effect 50-230 in every 100,000 patients.

Many patients have to cope with symptoms of keratoconus daily. Managing symptoms can be difficult. They can consist of:

  • Eye Strain- producing headaches and blurred vision
  • Poor Night Vision- producing halos, double vision, and vision loss while driving at night
  • Photophobia- [Sensitivity to light]- producing headaches, watery eyes, and dark spots

Below are 3 helpful things to think of when managing your Keratoconus:

Tip 1: Finding the Right Doctor- Determining if your doctor is the right one for you can be difficult. Making sure you check the very basic of things is important. Here are a few things to ask to see if your doctor is right for you.

What do you specialize in? –  It is important your doctor works with patients with                      keratoconus.

What is your success rate in treatment of Keratoconus?

What treatments does your office provide for patients with Keratoconus?

Tip 2. Assess your treatment options- Don’t wait for your doctor to tell you what options are available. Do your homework, evaluate your options and write down any additional questions you have for your doctor.

Tip 3: Support Groups- Support groups not only assist you with coping with the daily stress of Keratoconus, but it helps your family deal with it as well. Finding a support group can give your and your family comfort, knowledge, and friendship while you are being treated for your condition.

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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Understanding Keratoconus Symptoms

Generally when we think of Keratoconus what comes to mind? Well if you already a Keratoconus patient you may think of things like blurred vision, or nearsightedness, astigmatism, or even sensitivity to light. The truth is these are often generalized symptoms and are also associated with other conditions, making it hard to diagnose as Keratoconus. So what questions should you be asking your doctor and does your current doctor specialize in treating patients with Keratoconus?

First the symptoms of Keratoconus:

High Astigmatism
Increased Astigmatism
Blurred Vision
Distorted night vision
Sensitivity to light
Blurred Vision

Blurred Vision and sensitivity to light are also found in patients with diabetes. Patients with Diabetes also have trouble with cataracts and astigmatism. However in recent studies researchers have found that patients with diabetes are at less risk of getting Keratoconus. Why? It has been found that patients with Type 2 Diabetes often develop harder corneas, in turn causing the exact opposite of the effects of Keratoconus. However few Diabetics are checked for Keratoconus because the symptoms they are experiencing are also symptoms caused by the damage of the sugar to the eye.

Blurred Vision and Pain in the eyes can also be caused by dry eye. Doctors find that patients who do excessive reading or writing blink less causing the eye to dry out more. The effects of dry eye while the condition can be well treated and is not life threatening can cause some damage to the cornea, creating double vision, distorted images, and can cause a lot of comfort.

The most important thing is to be sure to rule out risk factors for Keratoconus, find the right doctor, and ask questions. Below is a guide to assist you:

Risk Factors:

Family History
Trauma or injury to eyes
Constant rubbing of the eye
Inherited Diseases: Down Syndrome, Some Renial diseases

Questions to Ask the Doctor:

If you have a family history of Keratoconus you might ask:

What area do you specialize in?
How much experience do you have diagnosing and treating patients with Keratoconus?
What tests and treatments do you have available?

If you notice symptoms of Keratoconus you might ask:

Can you explain the results of my tests?
If your sight is getting worse you might ask- Do you know why my vision is getting worse?
What can I do to help improve my vision or will It continue to get worse?

Make sure to log your symptoms and how long they last. If you have a family history of eye disease or you are not sure if you have a family history of eye disease make sure the doctor is aware of this. Above all don’t be afraid to ask questions no matter how small they seem. If the doctor doesn’t have time to answer your questions so you understand him- find one that will. Your Vision care should be your concern.

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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Former Keratoconus Patient Steve Holcomb Enters Bobsled World Championships

This year in January Steven Holcomb had undergone a vision correction treatment that restored is vision. With his uncanny talent in bobsledding few knew of the troubles Steve suffered out there on the track. However his sight had become such a problem the extraordinarily talented athlete thought of throwing in the towel and retiring. In one last effort to help himself a few organizations pitched in an assisted the athlete in getting the experimental procedures done. His response to the procedures?

Quote from USA Today:

I could instantly see clearly. It’s an amazing feeling”

– Says a pleased Steve Holcomb

Now with the 2010 games coming up the athlete is back and stronger than ever. Holcomb entered the Bobsled World Championships on Friday in New York. His vision is almost perfect a far cry from his vision early last year at 20/1000 which for those of you that don’t know is quite poor -noted by doctors as profoundly poor in fact.

In further quotes Steve Holcomb states:

“Its life in high-definition”

His team was not aware of how bad Holcomb’s vision was until recently but says that he worked more off instinct than vision anyway. And Steve is more confident and amped about his vision than ever, no longer worrying about the constant hassle of his contacts and view life in a whole new way…as for the 2010 games will just have to wait and see!

Read the USA Today Article: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/vancouver/sliding/2010-01-27-holcomb-vision_N.htm

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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What Caused Your Keratoconus?

Genetics

The frequency of keratoconus in first degree relatives having the disease is much higher than the general population. Keratoconus can also be associated with other systemic syndromes such as Down’s syndrome.

The good news is that keratoconus is often not passed to children. If you have or may have children in the future, it’s only a 6% likelihood that any of your children will inherit keratoconus.

It makes sense to have your children have a baseline corneal topography between ages of 8-10 years old and have a topography every year. The subsequent topography maps can be compared to the first one to catch keratoconus early if it will be occurring. Early keratoconus can easily be “nipped in the bud” with a C3-R® treatment before it gets worse.

Quote:

“It seems that both environment and genetics play a role in Keratoconus”

-Says Dr. Brian S. Boxer Wachler, MD.

Free Radicals

All corneas, like any tissues in the body, create harmful byproducts (free radicals) of cell metabolism (metabolism is a fancy word for the activities of the cell required for it to live and do it’s thing). These byproducts are similar to a car’s exhaust that results from the car being driven. Normal corneas, like any other body tissue, have a defense system in place to neutralize the free radicals so they don’t damage the collagen.

The collagen is the equivalent of steel beams that support a building. Damage to those beams causes the building to tilt, just like damage to the collagen causes the cornea to bulge. Think of those free radicals as attacking your collagen fibers in the cornea, trying to thin it and weaken it.

The problem with keratoconus is that anti-free radical system in the cornea (called anti-oxidants) are not properly working, so the free radicals are allowed to overwhelm and wreak havoc on the collagen fibers. They bombard the cornea like mortar fire blasting into a brick wall. The free radicals damage the cornea, thin it, and ultimately allow it to bulge and steepen out. This is how your vision got worse from keratoconus.

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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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