Tag: Keratoconus advice

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

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Can I Manage My Keratoconus and Go Horseback Riding?

August 28, 2012

cmg-wd

Keratoconus

Boxer Wachler , Boxer Wachler Vision Instiute , Horseback Riding , Keratoconus , Keratoconus advice , Keratoconus Management , Keratoconus Signs , Keratoconus treatments , risk factors

If you are newly diagnosed with Keratoconus and love horseback riding this maybe a discouraging discovery for you. However being diagnosed with Keratoconus is not the end of the world. You may think because it is a progressive condition you will have to give up the things you love like Horseback riding. This is not true. Keratoconus can cause a lot of complications in your daily life but it doesn’t mean its the end of it.

There are several treatment options that are available for you especially if you have been diagnosed early. There are several stages of Keratoconus and treatments to help you at each stage. In fact there are contact lenses that can be prescribed that can help you through many stages of your Keratoconus comfortably. SynergEyes Hybrid Contact lenses are a cross between the soft lenses you love and the RGP lenses you don’t. They can improve your vision on the track without causing added discomfort, dry eyes, or irritability you may other wise have with RGP lenses.

Their thin sleek fit provides a tighter fit on the track letting in less wind, and dust as the RGP’s may do when you are riding. The wind can cause dry eye and more dirt and dust to irritate you will your horseback riding. SynergEyes Hybrid Lenses also provide you with more treatment coverage. These lenses can be adjusted to fit you throughout the different stages of your condition. Read some of the benefits of SynergEyes Hybrid Lenses:

Improved Visual clarity

Improved Comfort

Reduces the need for many treatments

Lasts longer than most contact lenses

Can be used in most all stages of Keratoconus (except for complex cases)

Important Facts About SynergEyes Hybrid Lenses:

Soft skirt keeps the rigid part centered

Allows layer of tears to form to correct some blurred vision

Improved visual clarity

Comfort for all day use

Useable at most stages of Keratoconus

Less irritability

Several custom designs to choose from

For more information on Keratoconus visit www.NKCF.org

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

Understanding How to Manage Keratoconus & Altitude

August 21, 2012

cmg-wd

Keratoconus

Boxer Wachler , Boxer Wachler Vision Instiute , Keratconus risk factors , Keratoconus , Keratoconus advice , Keratoconus Inserts , Keratoconus symptoms , Keratoconus treatments

What is Keratoconus?

For those of you who don’t know Keratoconus is a progressive condition created by the change in the shape of the cornea over time. As the cornea continues to change to a cone shape, the images your eyes see become more distorted. Over time it can cause a severe loss of vision. Keratoconus can be passed through families, physical, and/or environmental factors as well.

Treatment Options for Keratoconus:

There are several treatment options for Keratoconus. Finding the right treatment option depends on the stage of your condition, the progression of your condition (sometimes it progresses faster in one eye than it does in other).

Keratoconus treatment options include:

Glasses or contacts in early stages to improve vision and correct the prescription

Non-invasive Holcomb C3-R (cornea crosslinking) treatment to stabilize eyes

INTACS to help reshape the cornea and improve cornea transplant

Cornea transplant when too advanced for other treatments

Keratoconus & Altitude:

For those who enjoy the outdoors we often get worried when we hear that our eyes are damaged. This brings up many questions like “How will this affect me when I am climbing?” or “Will I still be able to climb?”

Is Altitude Safe With Keratoconus?

Yes, as long as you take precautions. If you are at a severe stage of Keratoconus it is not wise to travel in high altitudes. At times vision can blur in high altitudes and when you already have reduced vision due to advanced Keratoconus, this is not an additional risk you want to take. But if your Keratoconus has been treated and is stable, you can travel in high altitudes with less risk and concern. Making sure you have the proper guide and they are aware of your condition or you have other with you that can assist should you need it. Additionally making sure that you pay attention to what your eyes are doing as it can tell you best how far to go.

Will it Affect Me While I Climb?

Often times those who have Keratoconus can experience dry eyes, and Altitude sickness in elevations above 16,000 ft. Dry eyes can be treated easy enough but while climbing it can affect your vision. Take along artificial tears. If you experience decline in vision or drying, try instilling a drop of artificial tears, this often will improve the situation. Making sure that you have treatments to stabilize your Keratoconus before going out may help you get back safely too by have security in stable vision.

Getting a diagnosis of Keratoconus can be scary, especially if you have had a family member with the condition. However there are many new treatment options that can improve your quality of vision, slow, or even in some cases stop the progression of the condition. Understand you can have a full and exciting life with Keratoconus.

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

Do You Have Family Members With Keratoconus?

August 14, 2012

cmg-wd

Keratoconus

Boxer Wachler , Boxer Wachler Vision Institute , Keratoconus , Keratoconus advice , Keratoconus Risk Factors , Keratoconus Signs , Keratoconus symptoms , Keratoconus Treatment

Keratoconus is a progressive condition and can be a debilitating if left untreated. Watching your family members go through it can make you feel helpless and useless in some experiences. You probably have many questions on the condition after watching your family members go through their treatments. In past years their were limited treatments for Keratoconus and eventual cornea transplants were needed for the patient to keep their quality of vision. This type of treatment had a long recovery period and often caused the patient pain.

Today’s treatments have improved a lot since then and quite honestly there is little to no pain with many of them. Patients have much shorter recovery times, and have a much better quality of vision without replacing their corneas. Still many people have questions when they find out a family member is going through a condition like Keratoconus. The condition can often cause a reduced activity level and sometimes have complications in their normal lives. A few questions maybe “Will I get Keratoconus?” or “Will they go blind?”.

While these are all reasonable questions, and having a family member with Keratoconus is one of the highest risk factors of Keratoconus it doesn’t guarantee that you will get it. It only tells you to watch yourself and your eye health a little more. Getting annual eye exams can help with early detection. Taking care of your eyes can help lessen your chances of developing these conditions later on down the road.

Below are some tips to reduce your chances of developing Keratoconus:

Avoid rubbing your eyes

Get annual eye exams

See an eye care professional that specializes in Keratoconus

Protect your eyes regularly

Reduce stress in your life

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

There are probably many more questions you want to ask. Finding an eye care professional that specializes in Keratoconus is always best. Looking for one that deals with Keratoconus patients daily would be best.

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

Tough Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Keratoconus

July 20, 2012

cmg-wd

Keratoconus

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

There are many questions that run through our heads before we go to the doctors. It is no different when we go to the eye care professional about our Keratoconus. Being prepared for the doctor is very important. Many of us gather our medications, write lists of symptoms, and even write up a list of what want to talk about. And for those of us who have been to the doctor more frequently, we write a summary of our medical history so we don’t have to repeat ourselves again. But is all that really what we need?

Typically we walk away with additional questions on our minds, ones we forgot to ask, ones that we couldn’t get in, and even ones that came up during our visit. So why do we go in with questions and still come out with even more questions? How do we ask the tough questions?

Understanding the Tough Questions:

Many times the tough questions are simply the questions we are not sure whether to ask. We often don’t want to look “Dumb” or “Stupid” by asking them. But the truth is no question you have is “Dumb” or “Stupid” and the only way you will know the answer is to ask the question.

This is why it is so important to have a comfortable feeling in the doctors office. Making sure you are being treated with respect and courtesy from the moment you step in is imperative to how you will respond during your visit.

Below Are a Few Questions we are often afraid to ask our doctors about Keratoconus:

Can Keratoconus Affect a person’s Balance?

Do most people have the condition in both eyes?

How do I know if my Keratoconus is getting worse?

Do people with Keratoconus feel more tired?

Is it normal for KC to have pain when I blink?

How frequent is the pain?

Will I have eye pain with Keratoconus?

What are the symptoms of Keratoconus?

What stage is my Keratoconus in?

While these are just a few questions you might have after getting a diagnosis of Keratoconus, you can understand that no question is too small when you are dealing with your own eyes. Remembering to ask all that is on your mind while in the doctors office is important. You shouldn’t feel that you can not ask “Any” question. Be sure to do your research and find a eye care professional you are comfortable with. This will help you in communication with your eye care provider.

For more information on Keratoconus visit: www.nkcf.org

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

Exploring Exercise and Keratoconus

July 6, 2012

cmg-wd

Keratoconus

Exercise , Keratoconus , Keratoconus advice , Keratoconus Inserts , Keratoconus Risk Factors , Keratoconus symptoms , Keratoconus treatments

There are many reasons we have to exercise including weight loss, physical therapy, even just staying healthy. But according to the American Optometric Association another reason to exercise is Keratoconus. Many doctors believe that exercising and training the eyes can slow the process of Keratoconus and strengthen the eyes.

Below are a few exercises you can do to help your eyes:

Focusing your eyes:

Swaying is an exercise that helps you regain control over the muscles of your eyes. In Keratoconus we struggle with symptoms like double vision, and loss of eye control. Swaying teaches you how to control where your eyes go, and strengthens your muscles around your eyes.

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

Strengthening Your Eyes:

Recently the American Optometric Association said that Racket and Team sports help your strengthen your eyes by improving your overall visual acuity. Team sports and Racket sports work on

Eye Tracking

Visual Memory

Reaction Time

Depth Perception

Peripheral Vision Skills

Overall exercise has many uses. Improving some of your vision and delaying the process of Keratoconus can be done with a few simple exercises over the course of time. Improving your vision and strengthening your eyes can also improve your vision for your ladder years by improving visual memory, depth perception, and peripheral vision skills.

So the next time your in the eye doctors office be sure to ask them what you can do to improve your quality of vision at home or in the field. And the next time you think about your exercise routine find a way to add your eye exercises in and improve your vision quality for now and in your near future.

For more information on Keratoconus and exercise visit: www.aoa.org

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

Keratoconus Daily: Signs & Symptoms of Keratoconus

June 8, 2012

cmg-wd

Keratoconus

Keratoconus , Keratoconus advice , Keratoconus Risk Factors , Keratoconus symptoms

Keratoconus is a progressive condition of the eye. As the disease progresses it changes the shape of the cornea causing the image projected to be distorted. This causes the overall vision to be damaged. As it continues the patients sight continues to grow worse. However over the last decade many treatments have been designed to help slow, or even stop the progression of this disease. The symptoms of Keratoconus in its early stages are somewhat similar to those of other defects of the eye. However, with time, the situation worsens and the vision becomes more blurred.

Some of the symptoms of Keratoconus include:

Slightly blurred vision

Frequent eye rubbing

Frequent Change in Prescription

Increased watering of the eyes

Poor night vision

Seeing Halos

Seeing Double

Eye Pain

Light Sensitivity

Someone with Keratoconus usually squints just to read something and they tend to feel itchiness on the eye. This however does not come with any form of pain. One of the most common symptoms Keratoconus is monocular polyopia where one seems to see two visions instead of the actual one.

Watch how treatments improve a young girl’s life: http://youtube.com/watch?v=KZFC8NOp_hI

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

What Are Some Key Signs and Symptoms to Help Detect Keratoconus?

December 30, 2011

cmg-wd

Keratoconus

Keratoconus , Keratoconus advice , Keratoconus Options , Keratoconus Risks , Keratoconus Signs , Keratoconus symptoms

The world is fighting a hard battle but the war is far from over, Keratoconus (KC) is at the front line battling back. Keratoconus (KC) is one of several different disorders that attack the eyes of many worldwide everyday. Signs of Keratoconus (KC) usually present themselves in the early to late teenage years however there have been recent reports of patients developing as late as in their 60’s. One key sign that a person has or is developing Keratoconus (KC) is increasing astigmatism and extreme sensitivity to light.

The deteriorating vision caused by Keratoconus makes everyday activities extremely hard. Many ask what causes Keratoconus (KC)? One cause may be excessive eye rubbing which occurs at an alarming rate, daily.

Signs of Keratoconus (KC) can include eye irritation. Most people think they have allergies or hay fever symptoms flaring up. Other signs include extreme eye strain and difficulty to read and see objects both near and far. Many people say “Squinting” helps the eyes focus images for a short time and distance. The vision problems are signs listed are a few early waring signs your vision is deteriorating.

The finding that follows Keratoconus (KC) slowly will develop and worsen if not diagnosed and treated by a competent trained physician. It is also found that patients have moderate to severe nearsightedness with moderate to severe astigmatism in one or both eyes. This finding makes driving difficult because it involves measuring distance between cars and stoplights almost impossible without high powered glasses or contacts.

A common symptoms in individuals with Keratoconus (KC) is the eyes give a “Ghosting” or “Halo” effect in vision. Both cast a faint double image from majority of things viewed. This symptoms can also give the patient chronic headaches that require constant medical attention due to remorseful pain index. Some describe migraine like pain from small amounts of reading and sunlight.

Headlights also produce an unholy amount of pain hindering one from night driving without eye protection which provides a hindering feel. Costly eye exams and prescription eyeglasses or contact lens changes arise at an alarming rate which may be anywhere from every two to six months.

Patients have reported changes in lens strength ranging from light to dramatic alterations in as little as six months. Early detection and treatment will give present and future people the ability to maintain and work past Keratoconus (KC) so one day this disease won’t be a constant burden on mankind.

Dr. Phil’s Show, The Doctor’s, educated about Keratoconnus: http://wwww.youtube.com/watch?v=1UJPr0694gA

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

Encouraging Better Eye Care

December 12, 2011

cmg-wd

Keratoconus

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

Taking care of your eyes is more than just an annual exam. Making sure that you take care of your vision between exams is just as important if not more than the exam itself. Many of us feel that if we go to our annual eye exam everything is alright. But the truth of the matter is quite often we can spot problems with our vision much faster than in our trip to the eye doctor.

Each and everyone of us knows how our body works. We can pick up on the slightest variances before anyone else. Making sure that we know the common signs of eye complications is important. Below you will see some of the signs to look for and when to get them checked out.

Common Signs:

Blurred Vision

Eye Pain

Decreased night vision

Increased Squinting

Spots (Black squiggly dots often referred to as floaters)

Halos

Frequent Headaches

Frequent need to rub your eyes

Frequent changes in prescriptions

Annual eye exams are important and eye care professionals can pick up on other conditions besides those of the eyes like: Hypertension, and even diabetes. That is why it is so important to visit your eye care professional regularly. Asking questions during your visits and finding out what to look for can also help you with early detection of conditions like Keratoconus, cataracts, glaucoma, hypertension, and yes even Diabetes.

If you don’t feel comfortable with your current eye care professional, or they are not answering your questions in a way you can understand them it is ok to find a new one. Making sure you can communicate is one of the most important things you can do for your eye health.

To learn more about eye care issues visit AllAboutVision.com.

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

3 Tips to Remember in Finding Your Next Doctor: Keratoconus Patients

November 24, 2011

cmg-wd

Keratoconus

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

Researching treatments of Keratoconus is no different than researching any other condition. First you must fully understand the condition before you can go any further. There are several places that will give you the perfect technical terminology for Keratoconus. But the truth is you probably don’t want to hear all that. Looking for an explanation you can understand is very important. Just as important as finding a doctor who will explain to you in terms you can understand.

Tip 1: Be sure that your physician is a doctor for the patients first: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If they give you an answer you cannot understand – Ask Again! It is your health on the line. It is important that you know what to expect and what is going on with your body, not whether you upset your doctor.

Finding reliable information is a big step to researching your condition. You must feel comfortable with the level of experience & education your source has. Don’t be afraid to ask, or research them. This will ensure you are getting the best quality and the newest information available.

Tip 2: Be sure to ask for all your treatment options: No matter how old or new they maybe it is [once again] your health on the line. Be sure you have explored every option and are comfortable before pursuing any treatment option.

Visit more than one office. If you are trying to determine where to go for treatment, don’t just accept what you read or what other say. Explore a few offices. Walk in, how do you feel there? Is the staff pleasant? How do they feel about you being there, are they open? Do they answer your questions without hesitation? Researching your treatment center should not be just about what you read, it should be about how your feel- and your comfort where you are being treated.

Tip 3: Be sure to ask about the staff’s Experience: Asking how long they have been there is a good conversation starter. Don’t just pick your treatment center based on your friends referral. Take your time and be sure its a clinic for you. Take an active part in your vision care.

Dr.Phil’s Show. The Doctor’s educates about Keratoconus: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UJPr0694gA

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

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