Tag: Keratoconus Risk Factors

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

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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

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

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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

cmg-wd

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

cmg-wd

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

Do You Have Family Members With Keratoconus?

August 14, 2012

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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

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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

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

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