Tag: Keratoconus Risk Factors

Is Your Vision Becoming Worse at Night?

Discover your treatment options
Decreased night vision is a common symptom, without treatment is can be a great hindrance. While you should always have your eyes checked when there is change in your vision, sometimes patients may over look vision changes and chalk it up to the aging process. It is important to not overlook vision changes, especially if your vision is worsening at night.

While you are more susceptible to eye problems as you get older, age is may not be the reason for your vision changes. In fact, those who go untreated can have more severe loss of vision and treatment options may be limited because of a delay in treatment. Early detection of eye conditions can help prevent vision loss.

Below are other signs to report to your eye care professional:

• Frequent prescription changes
• Blurred vision
• Double vision
• Increased sensitivity to Light
• Frequent headaches
• Eye Pain
• Straining/Squinting

There are in fact several conditions that can cause decreased night vision. However the most common cause is a progressive condition called Keratoconus. Keratoconus is a misshapen cornea which causes a distortion in the view of the patient. Over time the cornea bulges into a cone shape instead of a sphere due to the thinning and weakening of the cornea over time.

A Few signs and Symptoms of Keratoconus:
• Frequent prescription changes
• Frequent eye rubbing
• Eye pain
• Blurred/Double Vision
• Straining/Squinting
• Decreased night vision

Keratoconus can be a shocking diagnosis but with early detection and proper treatment you can have your vision preserved. There are several treatment options which have show very positive results in the treatment of Keratoconus including the Holcomb C3-R ®, INTACS, and CK to name a few.
Watch revolutionary Keratoconus night blindness treatment by Dr. Brian featured on The Doctors:

How Can Keratoconus Affect Your Pitch This Baseball Season?

Baseball season is back in full swing and for those who suffer from Keratoconus this season maybe a struggle for some who have already been diagnosed and some who might not even know they are suffering.

In the past, the diagnosis of Keratoconus had been a difficult one for eye doctors to diagnose. However, in recent years with modern equipment and increased training, more doctors are able to diagnose the condition sooner. The sooner a patient is diagnosed the better the prognosis for Keratoconus treatment and improving vision.

Below you will find some signs & symptoms of Keratoconus:

• Frequent changes in prescriptions
• Frequent eye rubbing
• Frequent squinting
• Blurred/Double Vision
• Poor night vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Halos/glares around lights

Blurred vision can be a problem if you are playing baseball. Your pitch depends on your ability to aim at the plate. Blurred vision can distort your view of the plate and cause you to struggle seeing when aiming for your target. Keratoconus can hinder your depth perception causing you to throw the ball to short or too far over the base when pitching.

In addition, if you are up to bat, blurred vision can cause you to misjudge when to swing your bat.
Your sight is a great treasure and reporting any changes, no matter how minor, to your eye care professional will help you in finding available treatment options.

Watch Tommy Pham of the Cardinals baseball team discuss his experience with Keratoconus treatments:

Keratoconus: True Testimonials – Meeting Brianna

Keratoconus is a progressive condition in which the sphere shape of the cornea becomes cone shape overtime. The change of shape in the cornea causes your vision to become distorted. Keratoconus didn’t have a lot of treatment options even just a decade ago. But with the increase of technology, several new treatment options for Keratoconus have become available. Two of these Keratoconus treatment options include: Holcomb C3-R ® and Intacs. These treatments offer incredible improvements in vision care for those suffering with Keratoconus.

Intacs provide an improvement to the shape of the cornea instantly changing the way the patient is seeing. But with the combination of the Holcomb C3-R ® procedure the corneal fibers are also strengthened which can slow or in many cases stop the progression of the Keratoconus. These treatments have been performed since 1999 and are providing excellent long-term results.

Meet Brianna:

Brianna was diagnosed with Keratoconus at the age of 10. Over the next 3 years her vision deteriorated causing her to lose her ability to participate in regular activities such as Volleyball, Horseback riding, and cheer-leading, which she loved so much.

She became afraid of losing her vision. She was afraid to ride her bike because she was worried about getting hit by a car. She was confused and didn’t understand why this loss in vision was happening to her. Three years after Brianna was diagnosed with Keratoconus she could only see a few feet in front of her and was quickly losing her ability to function normally. Worried she would become completely blind her grandmother looked into her treatment options for Keratoconus.

Quickly they arranged to have Brianna travel to Boxer Wachler Vision Institute in Beverly Hills, CA. Within two days her vision was restored. Brianna is just one of the many stories for which these procedures have saved vision. These procedures have had a surprising impact on the treatment of Keratoconus.

Intacs & the Holcomb C3-R ® procedures are an impressive treatment for those suffering from Keratoconus.

You can watch Brianna’s story here:

A New Frontier for Keratoconus Treatment

The Holcomb C3-R ® is a procedure that uses a solution made of natural vitamins placed directly on the cornea to improve and strengthen the fibers of the cornea. This treatment helps to stabilize the cornea and slow/halt the progressive nature of this vision deteriorating condition. Full results of the treatment takes between 4 -16 weeks.

In combination with other treatments the Holcomb C3-R ® has the ability to dramatically improve a patient’s vision and improve their lives. In the past, many had to turn to corneal transplants as a treatment for Keratoconus. That procedure was risky, invasive, painful and had a long recovery time.

Now with improvements in technology, treatment options have become non-invasive or at the most minimally invasive. These advanced Keratoconus procedures have shorter than ever recovery time, usually a period of hours or days. Some combinations of treatments can be done the same day with no increases in recovery time.

The Procedure:

During the Holcomb C3-R ® procedure your eyes are numbed with eye drops and a proprietary solution developed by Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler in 2003 is applied to the cornea. Then the patient sits under a carefully calibrated UV light for 30 minutes, this activates the solution. The propriety eye drop solution is made with a natural vitamin called Riboflavin along with other ingredients which encourage the collagen within the cornea to build new crosslinks. These crosslinks is what strengthens the cornea. In some cases, this procedure has the added benefit of providing slight flatting of the cornea shape.

The procedure take about 30 minutes and is performed.

INTACS:

Intacs is often used in combination with the Holcomb C3-R ® to treat all stages of Keratoconus. While the Holcomb C3-R ® slightly changes the shape of the cornea, Intacs are used to help mold the cornea shape more. It uses tiny crescent shape lens inserts to help improve the cornea of the patient. When used in combination with the Holcomb C3-R ® it can improve the patient’s vision.

The Intacs procedure takes around 10 minutes and most patients report that the procedure was easier than a trip to the dentist. Vision of the patient improves almost instantly. Giving them the ability to have a better quality of vision with contacts or glasses.

Symptoms of Keratoconus:

It generally takes a while to be diagnosed with Keratoconus but if you have a family history of this condition or any of the below symptoms you should notify your eye care professional for further testing.

 Frequent changes in prescription
 Frequent eye rubbing
 Double vision
 Eye pain
 Halos or glares around the lights
 Light sensitivity

Dr. Brian discusses the testing used to diagnosed Keratoconus

Finding the Right Keratoconus Treatment

Keratoconus is a progressive condition that causes the patient to lose their vision slowly over time. Keratoconus causes the sphere shaped cornea to turn cone shaped. This causes the images that a patient sees to become distorted and glasses or contacts often will not help improve vision over time.

In the past many patients have had to wait for their vision to be nearly lost and then a cornea transplant was recommended to replace the damaged one. Until 1999, this was the main treatment for Keratoconus, which was invasive and had a long recovery time. Today Keratoconus treatments are available to slow, stop, and in some cases reverse the damage from Keratoconus.

Today’s Modern Keratoconus Treatments:

Over the past two decade many ophthalmologists have worked hard to find new ways to treat Keratoconus. Several treatments have excellent results in treating this condition. A few are listed below.

The Holcomb C3-R ®:

The Holcomb C3-R ® or Corneal Collagen Crosslinking with Riboflavin is a non-invasive treatment designed to strengthen the corneal fibers to help restore the shop of their cornea. Dr. Brian S. Boxer Wachler developed this treatment in 2003 and has revolutionized Keratoconus management.

The Holcomb C3-R ® is performed in the comfort of Dr. Brian’s office and is comfortable to undergo with recovery in as little as a few hours. Additionally the Holcomb C3-R ® can be performed in combination with other advanced treatments to further enhance and improve vision, procedures such as Intacs.

Intacs:

Intacs are tiny crescent shaped lens inserts that are placed in the layers of the cornea lens to reshape the cornea. It provides the patient with almost instant improved quality of vision and when performed with the Holcomb C3-R ® can benefit patients with moderate to severe Keratoconus.

Intacs can be done within 10 minutes and performed the same day as the Holcomb C3-R ® to reduce the need for repeat procedures dates and extended recovery times.

CK- Conductive Keratoplasty:

CK also known as Conductive Keatoplasty can be combined with both Intacs and the Holcomb C3-R ® to help reshape the cornea. Often used to reduce high levels of astigmatism, it can be effective in the treatment of Keratoconus for further enhancement of vision.

CK uses a radiofrequency probe, which gently helps reshape the cornea. This procedure can also be performed in combination with other treatments in the office. CK has little recovery time and little to no pain.

Advancements in Keratoconus treatments give patient’s peace of mind and relief to know there is another option instead of the dreaded and painful cornea transplant.

Watch Kristen discuss her happiness with Holcomb C3-R ®, Intacs, and CK – 3 years after treatment

Understanding New Advancements for Keratoconus Treatments

Keratoconus treatments have been around for decades and over the years many patients have experienced different treatment options for managing this condition. Keratoconus is a progressive condition that is caused by an abnormal shaped cornea. Over time the vision becomes more distorted and Keratoconus left untreated can result in a severe loss of vision.

Within the last decade there have been several new treatments available for those who suffer from this progressive condition. At one time the primary treatment was a cornea transplant. This type of treatment often had a long and painful recovery time. Now there are many treatment options that involve little to no pain, and have recovery times of days to weeks instead of months.

Advancements in Keratoconus Treatment:

There are several methods of treatment options to improve the quality of life and vision for those with Keratoconus with the advancements in technology. Below you will find various treatment options, and how they help those with Keratoconus. Currently less than 5% of all patients with Keratoconus ever need a corneal transplant.

Contact & Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses

The Use of Contact lenses for Keratoconus Treatment:

If the patient is diagnosed at an early stage contact lenses or glasses can help correct their vision and is often used as a first treatment. However, contacts do not stop the progressive nature of this condition and patient frequent exams multiple times a year to manage changes in prescriptions.

As Keratoconus progresses the contact lens needs to be adjusted to improve the clarity of the condition. The patient then often needs to get special lenses called RGP Lenses or Rigid Gas-Permeable Lens, which can often become uncomfortable to wear for any length of time. Over time patients begin to notice that their vision even with contacts is no longer clear.

The Holcomb C3-R ®:

Other treatments for patients with Keratoconus include the Holcomb C3-R ® (Corneal Collagen Cross linking with Riboflavin). The procedure is revolution, in that it stops the progression of Keratoconus. When patients seek this early, this will often allow patients to maintain good vision and comfort in contact lenses and avoid additional procedures.

This procedure simply uses natural vitamin coupled with Ultra violet light to active the vitamin. Over a period of 4-16 weeks additional fibers are created in the cornea, which stabilizes the cornea and in some cases reverse some damage due to the Keratoconus.

There are many other treatments to improve the clarity or overall vision of patients suffering with Keratoconus. Other procedures include Intacs and CK procedures. When these procedures are combined with Holcomb C3-R® vision is further enhanced and improved.

Looking into these options before making a decision is best. Asking questions of your eye care professional before making a decision is even better.

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

Watch one man’s journey from vision loss to traveling to the Olympics in Russia after his Keratoconus Treatments

For more information regarding Keratoconus Treatments visit www.KeratoconusInserts.com/fix

Keratoconus Options: Treatment Success

For those who have had family members or close friends that were diagnosed with Keratoconus, treatment options probably didn’t sound very promising at that time. With new advancements in the treatment of Keratoconus, success is a common place. In fact over 90% of all patients with Keratoconus are now receiving successful treatments for their Keratoconus, and may have improved overall vision, WITHOUT the need to undergo a painful corneal transplant!

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that changes the shape of your cornea from circular to cone shaped over time. These distortions cause your vision to decrease and lower the quality of your vision, as well as your ability to complete your daily life activities. In past years there were only a few treatments available. A diagnosis of Keratoconus meant that you would eventually require a corneal transplant. Now only 5% of patients with Keratoconus eventually need a corneal transplant, and these cases are often due to additional circumstances beyond the Keratoconus diagnosis.

Below are a couple of the New Treatments for Keratoconus:

Holcomb C3-R® Crosslinking System

This treatment was developed over a decade ago and has made remarkable strides in successful Keratoconus treatment. This is a totally non-invasive treatment that only takes about 30 minutes to perform. It strengthens the cornea, reducing visual distortions, fluctuations, and can even occasionally improve overall vision.

INTACS

INTACS is another great treatment for those with Keratoconus that uses tiny segments which are placed in the cornea and reduce the steepness to create a more normal shape. This treatment requires little maintenance and the segments are intended to be left in the eye for a lifetime. The INTACS can be done in combination with the Holcomb C3-R ® to provide better results and is great for those with Keratoconus.

These amazing new treatments have restored hope in the lives of thousands of patients over the past decade. Knowing that there are several new treatment options out there to help you regain your vision should add new hope to your treatment’s success.

Listen to Tom’s story of avoiding a cornea transplant. Tom says “run, don’t walk to see Dr. Brian”

Improvements for Keratoconus Treatments & What You Should Know

The disease Keratoconus is a progressive condition that causes the patients quality of vision to decrease gradually over time. In the past there was only one main treatment for Keratoconus other than eye glasses or contact lenses, which was corneal transplants. Over the past decade or longer, technology has improved the treatments for Keratoconus including treatments like INTACS®, Holcomb C3-R®, and even CK.

These treatments alone or combined can improve the patients overall vision, and in almost all cases they have been known to stop the progression of 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 lens of the eye causing it to go from a dome shape to cone shape distorting the vision. The Holcomb C3-R® strengthens the corneal fibers allowing the cornea to return to its original shape over time and stopping the progression of the disease.

INTACS® are also a great treatment to help those with Keratoconus. There are many that also have the ability to combine both the Holcomb C3-R® with INTACS® to provide them with a better quality of vision and in some cases remove the need for glasses or contacts. INTACS® are tiny inserts that are placed within the cornea to help shape and provide support to your vision.

INTACS® Benefits:

Less-invasive procedure
Takes less than an hour
An outpatient procedure
Can be used in combination with other procedures
Less maintenance, can be easily removed if necessary

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

Here numerous stories of patients whose lives were changed by having their Keratoconus fixed by Dr. Brian: http://tiny.cc/m7h0ix

Dealing with Keratoconus & Treatment Options

A diagnosis of Keratoconus can be frightening. If you have family history of Keratoconus you may have already experienced seeing someone with the disease. However today technology has allowed for several new treatments that can slow the progression of Keratoconus or even in some cases stop the it’s progression.

In the past most treatments for Keratoconus ended up with a Corneal Transplant. But within the last decade many other treatments have allowed for faster recovery times, non-invasive procedures, and even improvements over time. Now with the design of hybrid contact lenses, scleral contacts, and even the Holcomb C3-R ® patients have non-invasive options for improving their vision.

Today’s Treatment Options

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. When patients are treated during early diagnosis with Holcomb C3-R® they have a higher probability to be able to use glasses long term. Holcomb C3-R® stabilizes the progression of Keratoconus and helps preserve a patient’s current vision.

Contact Lenses:

Another traditional treatment for more advanced Keratoconus are RGP (Rigid Gas Permeable lenses) or Scleral Contact Lens. One type of RGP lens is the Rose-K lens, which can offer crisp and sharp vision for those with Keratoconus. There are some brands of soft contact lenses that are designed for patients with Keratoconus, these include KeraSoft Lenses and NovaKone Lenses. In addition to the soft contact lens there is a combination lens or Hybrid lenses like ClearKone ®, which have a hard center and a soft skirt. Discuss with your Keratoconus contact lens fitter the best option to improve the clarity of your vision and improve your day-to-day visual experience.

The Holcomb C3-R ® or Corneal Cross-linking With Riboflavin: This revolutionary treatment developed in 2003 by Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler is used to preserve the vision of those suffering with Keratoconus by using a more natural approach. A Vitamin rich solution is administered to the eyes and then activated with a special UV light. This procedure helps to strengthen the cornea and stop the progression vision loss from Keratoconus. This procedure helps to preserve a patient’s current vision. When combined with other procedures, such as INTACS, overall vision can be improved.

Ian discusses how revolutionary Keratoconus treatments have improved his life and vision, watch his story here: http://youtu.be/Tr2DeAQA-DI

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

Evaluating a Family History of Keratoconus: Tips & Signs

When it comes to Keratoconus there are many questions about family history. The truth is you should always let your physician or eye care professional know when there is a history of medical conditions in the family. This can help them better assess your conditions. In fact many conditions are diagnosed with the help of family histories.

In past years there was little in the way of treatments when it came to Keratoconus. Many patients had to receive corneal transplants to relieve the Keratoconus. But now there are several new treatments which are very effective in slowing progression, reversing damage, and strengthening the cornea. This gives Keratoconus patients a much better prognosis in there Keratoconus treatment.

For those with a family history of Keratoconus having a family history only makes you at higher risk of getting the condition it’s not a guarantee. There are several steps to diagnosing Keratoconus but it can help the doctor determine your risk.

Below are some tips to help you find out more about Keratoconus:

Research- Research is a big part of being pro-active in your own health. Finding the right doctor, educating yourself on the conditions, and arming yourself with information will help you ensure that you get the right health care.

Finding the Right Doctor-It is important that you are comfortable with the doctor your choose whether it is an eye doctor, or general health care provider building trust and being able to ask them questions will help them and you in your treatment plans.

Be honest with them- No matter how small you think the change is be sure to tell them everything. Leaving things out can hinder your own treatment or diagnosis. Telling them when you have changes or even logging your symptoms will help them greatly in determining what it going on with your body.

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

In traditional treatments glasses, contact lenses like RGP (Rigid Gas Permeable lenses) were used before the eventual corneal transplant. Now with today’s technology we are now rarely using the corneal transplants and treatments are more effective than ever before. Treatments like the Holcomb C3-R® procedure stop this progressive debilitating eye disease. When combined with Holcomb C3-R is combined with INTACS in addition to being effective in slowing/stopping the progression 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.

Watch how Brianna’s life was changed by these advanced Keratoconus treatments: http://youtu.be/KZFC8NOp_hI

For more information on risk factors of Keratoconus visit www.nkcf.org/about-Keratoconus