Tag: Keratoconus Inserts

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

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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

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

Understanding How to Manage Keratoconus & Altitude

August 21, 2012

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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

Tough Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Keratoconus

July 20, 2012

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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

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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

True Testimonials – Kenny Atkins, 1st US Reported INTACS for Keratoconus Patient

February 10, 2009

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Intacs Keratoconus True Testimonials

cornea , eye diseases , eye doctor , Intacs , Keratoconus , Keratoconus Inserts , Keratoconus syptoms , Keratoconus Treatment , Keratoconus treatments , ophthalmic , patient experiences

When I started college I was an Ocean Lifeguard. At school, I found it harder to focus on textbooks. I thought it was just the chlorine from the pool. I had my eyes checked and I was diagnosed with astigmatism in one eye and I started wearing glasses while studying. As lifeguarding became my chosen profession, I found it hard to focus in the afternoon as the Southern California sun set lower in the sky.

When running out for a rescue, I would often lose my prescription sunglasses. I tried soft lenses, but sand got under them and that was uncomfortable. The lenses often slid up behind my eyes and even floated away when I swam. I often went without correction because of the irritation. By late afternoon I would see double images of objects far away, such as a boat on the horizon.

When laser eye surgery became available, I was excited. However, I was discouraged to learn that I had keratoconus in one eye and was not a candidate for LASIK. I came across an article and some studies by Dr. Boxer Wachler. I was optimistic after my first meeting with him in 1999. He explained a new procedure Intacs that would help correct my keratoconus and vision. Back then Intacs had not been reported on a patient with keratoconus in the United States, but he felt it was ready to be attempted. As I was a good candidate, I welcomed the opportunity. A week after surgery, the vision in that eye improved to a great degree. I was able to see nearly equally with both eyes and it was unnecessary to wear glasses or contacts at work. After a few months I noticed that I was relying more and more on the corrected eye!

It has now been about eight years since I had Intacs and I still do not wear corrective lenses. I am able to pick objects out of the glare on the horizon and street signs on the freeway well before I need to turn. The freedom I have gained and the confidence I now have in my vision has proven invaluable to me and my ability to continue in my profession.

The ability to see well in lifeguarding is critical, and I no longer have the worry that I might miss something that could result in someone’s pain, suffering or their life. I owe this self assuredness to Dr. Boxer Wachler and to Intacs.

I feel fortunate to have been at the right place at the right time in history. I can appreciate the saying, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.” I am glad that my pioneering experience helped pave the way for the thousands of other patients who have subsequently benefited from innovative advancements for keratoconus. I am pleased to dedicate this book to the thousands of future patients who will benefit from these innovations.

– Kenny Atkins, first reported Intacs® for

keratoconus patient in the United States

Learn more about keratoconus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keratoconus

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

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