Tag: Keratoconus advice

I Have a Family History of Keratoconus What Do I Do Next?

June 15, 2013

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Keratoconus

Keratoconus , Keratoconus advice , Keratoconus Options , Keratoconus Risk Factors , Keratoconus symptoms , Keratoconus Treatment , lasik , Vision correction

There are several questions surrounding the patient with a family history when it comes to Keratoconus. In the past there was little in the way of treatment of Keratoconus. In the end many patients would need to receive corneal transplants, which were invasive, painful and required a long recover time. However over the past decade there have been many changes to the treatment for Keratoconus. Many doctors are finding that earlier detection of the condition will prevent more invasive or longer treatments from being a necessity.

Family History of Keratoconus will merely make you more at risk for development of the condition; it is not a guarantee that if you have a family member with the condition you will get it. You may require more evaluations, and a closer watch. Most eye care professionals recommend that children with family history of Keratoconus undergo their first screening at age 6. It is suggested that parents then continue annual exams to watch for any early signs of Keratoconus. However if your eye care professional knows you are a higher risk precautions can be incorporated to ensure a quicker diagnosis, and treatment plan should you need it.

In traditional treatments glasses, 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.

Today’s Keratoconus treatments have been effective in slowing the progression, in addition to stopping 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.

Holcomb C3-R® is one such treatment that is has changed the outlook for those with a family history of Keratoconus. Holcomb C3-R® has been performed on patients as young as 9 years old to strengthen the cornea and preserve vision.

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

If you notice any of these signs, please discuss with your eye care professional and consider an evaluation for Holcomb C3-R® to preserve vision and stop progression of Keratoconus.

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

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Keratoconus Patients: Looking For New Techniques to Improve Your Vision

June 1, 2013

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Keratoconus

Keratoconus , Keratoconus advice , Keratoconus Inserts , Keratoconus Options , Keratoconus Risk Factors , Keratoconus symptoms

The Visian ICL

Keratoconus is a progressive condition of the eye. It causes the cornea to change shape and become cone shape. Over time the progression decreases the quality of vision. While in the past the techniques for treatment have included corneal transplants there are many new techniques that can improve the shape of the cornea without the use of invasive treatments. One such procedures is the Visian ICL (insertable contact lens).

The Visian ICL is a tiny lens that is implanted in front of your natural lens allowing you the support to your vision that you are missing. It is made of a bio-compatiable material which is called collamer. The Visian ICL needs no maintenance and can last over the years. Also, the Visian ICL is easily removed should your prescription change.

The Visian ICL additional benefits:

Easily removed

Little recovery time

Immediate results

Little to no discomfort

No maintenance

The Visian ICL is a safe and effective way to improve your vision. It offers those who are suffering with Keratoconus an additional Keratoconus treatment option. The procedure gives you improved results almost immediately and will help those with Keratoconus and other eye conditions.

Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler, MD is a renowned eye surgeon specializing in Visian ICL and Keratoconus.

More helpful information is available at www.GetICL.com

Listen to a single mom’s gift of sight with Visian ICL to improve Keratoconus sight: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nve7GAKPncY&feature=share&list=PL14E3E9271888A2F4

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

What You Should Know About Keratoconus Treatment

May 15, 2013

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Keratoconus

Keratoconus , Keratoconus advice , Keratoconus Inserts , Keratoconus Options , Keratoconus symptoms , Keratoconus treatments

Keratoconus is a progressive condition that can severely change the patient’s quality of vision over time. As with many conditions if it is caught early it can be maintained giving the patient a well improved quality of vision improving the overall vision and reducing the symptoms. Generally the condition progresses slowly but if you have other underlined conditions it can progress at a more aggressive rate.

In the past there was only one main treatment for Keratoconus other than eye glasses, or contact lenses which was a painful and invasive corneal transplant. Over the past decade or more technology has improved the treatments for Keratoconus including treatments like INTACS, Holcomb C3-R ® (cornea collagen crosslinking), and even CK. These treatments alone or combine can improve the patients overall vision, and in some cases they have been known to stop the progress of the condition or even reverse the damage done by Keratoconus.

Holcomb C3-R ® Crosslinking System:

The Holcomb C3-R ® is a treatment which is making incredible progress in the treatments for patients with Keratoconus. Keratoconus is a progressive condition that damages the cornea or the outer lens of the eye causing it to go from a dome shape to cone shape, distorting the vision. Holcomb C3-R ® strengthens the corneal fibers allowing the cornea to stop the progressive cone shape from developing further. This helps preserve vision by stopping the devastating vision loss that comes from the progressive cone shape caused by Keratoconus.

The Holcomb C3-R ® is a method that is non-invasive and only takes about 30 minutes to perform, often done right in the doctor’s office. It requires a special light called a UV light and a special solution applied to the eye. The UV light activates the special solution which over 4-16 weeks continues to improve and strengthen of the corneal.

The Holcomb C3-R ® can be done at the same time as other procedures improving the patient’s quality of vision even more. Compatible procedures include INTACS, CK, and the Visian ICL.

Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler, MD is a renowned eye surgeon specializing in Keratoconus treatments, and other procedures.

Learn how to fix Keratoconus with advanced Keratoconus Treatment: www.FixesYourKeratoconus.com

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

How Scleral Contact Lenses Can Help Your Keratoconus

May 1, 2013

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Keratoconus

Keratoconus , Keratoconus advice , Keratoconus Risk Factors , Keratoconus symptoms , Keratoconus treatments , Scleral contact lenses

For those who have Keratoconus you may already know how difficult and uncomfortable it maybe to wear Rigid Gas permeable contact lenses. But this is often a way of life for those suffering with Keratoconus. And you may know all too well it can be a big part of your treatment of Keratoconus. But now the Scleral Contact lens can make it a bit more bearable.

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that creates an irregular shape in the cornea of the eye. As it progresses the irregularity progresses and creates a cone shape causing distortions in vision. The Scleral Contact lens sits on the white of the eye or the Scleral and helps reduce some of that irregularity. In addition, since it doesn’t rest on the cornea patients notice improved comfort and increased wear time.

Benefits?

Scleral lenses rest on the edge of the sclera or the white area of the eye. Unlike most Gas permeable contact lenses providing more comfort for the patient since they don’t touch the cornea.

The Scleral lens helps those with hard to fit eyes including those with Keratoconus. The lenses fill around the edges with fluid and moisten the eyes of those with dry eye giving them more comfort than normal rigid gas permeable lenses.

They are also larger than most lenses providing the support the eye needs, and not provoking the movement of the lens during blinks.

Scleral contact lenses come in many types. They provide comfort among many other benefits for those suffering with Keratoconus. Take the time to review your options before deciding your overall treatment. Over the last decade there have been many new and advanced technologies. The options are out there, just be sure to look!

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

Can LASIK Improve Your Quality of Vision if You Have Keratoconus?

April 15, 2013

cmg-wd

Keratoconus

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

For those who have Keratoconus there are many treatments to help improve their symptoms and quality of vision. Over time the cornea deteriorates and it becomes harder to see despite your use of contacts or glasses.

LASIK treatment is often an option that individuals seek to improve vision. However, if you have Keratoconus LASIK can accelerate the disease and lead to a cornea transplant. Therefore, what does one do to improve their vision when LASIK is not an option?

The good news is there has been great advancement in the treatment of Keratoconus and improving vision. Treatments such as Holcomb C3-R® (cornea collagen crosslinking) can stabilize the vision and allow you to improve your vision with treatments such as Visian ICL (permanent, no maintenance, insert-able contact lens) and PRK (surface laser treatment).

Visian ICL is a permanent contact lens that is inserted inside the eye just behind the iris (color) portion of the eye. Once in place your vision can be greatly improved. The benefit is that these lenses do not need to be removed or clean – it is a maintenance free vision correction option.

PRK is a surface laser treatment that gently re-shapes the cornea to improve vision. This procedure is ideal for patients with mild Keratoconus.

The use of glasses and contacts are often not enough for treatment and other techniques are needed to gain improved quality of vision. Patients who are uncomfortable with glasses and contacts can benefit from Visian ICL or PRK treatments.

In order to take advantage of these vision correction options when you have Keratoconus, the first step is to have your vision stabilized with the Holcomb C3-R® (cornea collagen crosslinking) procedure. This is a one-time treatment that stabilizes the vision and stops the progressive vision changes.

Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler, MD is a renowned eye surgeon specializing in Keratoconus treatments, and other procedures.

Learn more about Keratoconus treatments from other patients: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAL-XlfapEU&feature=share&list=PLSX2cKGbtvMzDbNrXs0xBYgSJ1HSyZV6d

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

Protecting Your Eyes: Keratoconus, Early Detection, and Keratoconus Treatments

April 1, 2013

cmg-wd

Keratoconus

Crosslinking , Keratoconus , Keratoconus advice , Keratoconus diagnosis , Keratoconus Inserts , Keratoconus Risk Factors , Keratoconus symptoms , Keratoconus treatments

For those who have mastered the World Wide Web getting new information on Keratoconus treatment is relatively easy. Knowledge is one of the best ways to help save your eyes for the often devastating news of a Keratoconus diagnosis. As we are sure you’ve heard many say that early detection is key in Keratoconus treatment, understanding that Keratoconus is a progressive condition which gets worse over time is the number one reason to seek early treatment. The longer you go without treatment the more detrimental the condition can become.

When you get regular screenings you are ensuring that you find conditions such as Keratoconus at an early enough stage to greatly improve your quality of vision and protect your eyes. In essence you are saying that your eyes matter to you. The progression of Keratoconus can be slowed greatly, even reversed in some cases. The benefits of the new advancements in treatments for Keratoconus are growing, and though they have been out for at least 10 years many are still showing more benefits today. Below are some of the new advanced treatments of Keratoconus. Take a look for yourself.

Symptoms:

Blurred vision not improved by glasses or contacts

Frequent eye rubbing

Frequent changing of prescriptions
Increasing astigmatism

Glare or halos around lights making it difficult to drive at night

Increased sensitivity to light

Double vision

Keratoconus Treatments:

Glasses or contact lenses – Changing prescriptions frequently may be needed

Holcomb C3-R ® – strengthens the cornea and slows/stops progression of Keratoconus

INTACS for Keratoconus – helps decrease the bulging cornea and improve vision
CK (Conductive Keratoplasty for astigmatism correction)
Intra Ocular Lenses – Visian ICL (insertable contact lens – permanent – no maintenance)

It is up to you to educate yourself. Ensuring that you find the questions you need to take care of yourself can improve not only the quality of your vision but also the quality of your life!

Dr. Boxer Wachler, MD is a renowned eye surgeon specializing in Keratoconus treatments. His is considered one the Keratoconus specialist.

Watch an education and informative video about Keratoconus treatments: www.FixesYourKeratoconus.com

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

cmg-wd

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

cmg-wd

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

cmg-wd

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

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