Keratoconus stages Archives - Keratoconus

Keratoconus – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Have you been diagnosed with a keratoconus eye condition? There are many treatment options that can relieve the symptoms you and your doctor can discuss. Typically in the early stages, glasses are worn to help improve the patient’s vision. However, as keratoconus worsens the use of glasses to correct vision isn’t enough. At that stage, it is usually recommended to use special contact lenses.

Special contact lenses help smooth out the cornea and improve vision by allowing tear fluid to fill the gaps caused by keratoconus between the cornea and the lens. If the lenses are not properly removed and replaced, they can create more damage to the cornea and further hinder vision. Once contact lenses become uncomfortable for patients, many opt for corneal implants (INTACS) surgery or insertable contact lens surgery.

Many patients prefer the insertable contact lens as they require less care and are easier to maintain. Corneal collagen crosslinking, also known as Holcomb C3-R, is a new procedure where a special solution is applied to the eye. Holcomb C3-R shows strong promise in stopping the progression of keratoconus. Many patients are apt to have this treatment to avoid the need for surgery and stop the loss of vision.

Lasting Effects of Keratoconus

Keratoconus is usually diagnosed in adolescents however, it seems to worsen the most in patients between 20 and 30 years old. A keratoconus eye condition is unpredictable and the progression of the disease can vary from patient to patient. When the disease progresses to both eyes, it is difficult for the patient to live normally. It is harder for the patient to drive or even read. Corneal implants are a good source of relief at this stage. In some severe cases, a cornea transplant is needed to restore vision. Though this condition is a serious disease, if you are seen regularly keratoconus can be managed and treated. If left untreated, it can severely impair your vision. Protect your vision, speak to a doctor immediately if you feel you may be suffering from this condition.

Finding Relief with LipiFlow®

June 2, 2015June 2, 2015 Boxer Wachler Vision Institute Keratoconus Keratoconus, Keratoconus advice, Keratoconus Complications, Keratoconus Inserts, Keratoconus Risk Factors, Keratoconus Signs, Keratoconus stages, Keratoconus symptoms, Keratoconus treatments

Dealing with Keratoconus is difficult enough, but dry eyes and Keratoconus is a double trouble. For those who have been struggling with chronic dry eyes, LipiFlow® maybe the answer. Most patients have tried the over the counter “Get the Red Out” drops or artificial tears, and while they do relieve the irritation and symptoms of Dry Eye it is usually just a temporary fix. LipiFlow® allows you to have more permanent relief from your Dry Eye condition. Most patients experience relief after the treatment within a week.

The Procedure

The LipiFlow® treatment takes less than 15 minutes and can be performed in the doctor’s office. Disposable activators are placed on the eye lids to warm and gently massage the Meibomian glands on the eyelids. This loosens and releases oils that were clogging the glands, allowing fresh, clean oils to be excreted in the tear layers and protect the eyes.

There are between 30-40 meibum glands located within the eyelids that release certain amounts of oil into the tear fluid to help lubricate the eyes and stop the tears from evaporating. Sometimes these glands get clogged causing Dry Eye. The purpose of the LipiFlow® treatment is to loosen the blockage in the glands and allow them to release the natural flow of oil again.

Determining if you are a Good Candidate for LipiFlow®

The doctor will look for a few things before determining if you’re a good candidate for the treatment. They will look at your medical history, how long you have experienced chronic Dry Eye, how severe your dry eyes have been, and how the dry eye affected your daily activities. They will also have to determine what type you have before suggesting this treatment.They will also check the number of meibum glands are affected or clogged in the eyelids. Before determining if you are a good candidate all these factors must be taken into account. Over 65% of patients with dry eyes simply lack the proper level of oils within their tear fluid.

Benefits of LipiFlow®

Those with chronic Dry Eye understand the benefits of even the slightest relief from chronic dry eyes. Those who have explored most treatments for Dry Eye who still have little relief would most likely benefit from the LipiFlow® treatment. Below are a few additional benefits to consider.

Benefits:

• Little to no pain or discomfort
• Noninvasive procedure
• Quick procedure with quick results
• Unclogs the glands for more natural flow of lipid
• Can drive self to and from appointment – no need for a driver!

Dorys didn’t know what the cause of her excessive tearing was, and it ended up being Dry Eye!
Watch Dorys explain about her story, and how she finally got relief :

Vision Safety & Staying Active With Keratoconus

May 26, 2015May 26, 2015 Boxer Wachler Vision Institute Keratoconus Keratoconus, Keratoconus advice, Keratoconus Inserts, Keratoconus Risk, Keratoconus Risk Factors, Keratoconus stages, Keratoconus symptoms

For those who are looking to get active this summer , but struggle with Keratoconus on a daily basis, there are several things you can do to protect your vision from getting worse and a few to stay active.

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that changes the shape of your cornea from spherical to cone shaped. This change causes many distortions in your vision. Below are a few tips to help you protect your vision and stay active during the summer months.

Vision Tips & Safety:

Always Wear Sunglasses or Eye Protection When Outside:

This is very important to remember not just in the summer months but all year around. The sun has very harmful rays which not only damage the eyes but can make your eye conditions worse if not protected. Research is showing that UV can increase free radicals which can lead to the cornea collagen breaking down further. It is important to wear sunglass eye wear that covers the sides as well as the front, this will ensure the most protection to your eyes.

Limit the Amount of Time Spent in Direct Sunlight:

If you work outside this may not be a feasible option, however if you don’t have to be in direct sunlight taking breaks throughout the day is a wise option. Some sunlight 20-30 minutes a day provides you the required amount of daily vitamin D, some sunlight is essential to staying healthy but remembering “everything in moderation” is always best.

Pay Attention to your eyes:

This seems like a common sense thing, but we often over look our vision until something goes considerable wrong. If you are noticing that you are squinting more or your contacts are becoming more uncomfortable, make an appointment to see your eye care provider sooner rather than later. If you find your desire to participate in activities is declining due to uncertainty with your vision, make an appointment to see your eye doctor.

It is important to educate ourselves and listen to our bodies when it comes to our health. Often we see the signs but we simply wave it off as being tired, dehydrated, or simply getting old when in fact it can be something much more serious. Don’t overlook signs or symptoms that might suggest your Keratoconus is progressing.

Below are a few signs you should never write off when it comes to your vision care:

• Increased blurred vision
• Frequent squinting
• Sudden eye pain
• Increasing discomfort while wearing contacts
• Increased and Frequent eye rubbing
• Sensitivity to Light
• Decreased night vision

If you see any changes in your vision, you should report it to your eye care professional right away to determine whether you need to be seen.

Watch Dr. Brian’s Summer Eye Health Tips Featured on the News to get yourself ready for an eye safe summer:

Top 3 Reasons to Combined Your Keratoconus Treatments

October 15, 2013October 8, 2019 Boxer Wachler Vision Institute Keratoconus Keratoconsus Inserts, Keratoconus, Keratoconus Inserts, Keratoconus Risk Factors, Keratoconus stages, Keratoconus treatments

Keratoconus is a progressive condition that often leaves the patient feeling uncertain and worried about their treatment options. Over the past 10 years more and more treatment options have become available for those with Keratoconus. Many of the new treatments for Keratoconus have been successful when used by themselves. However some of the treatments are quite beneficial when used in combination with each other.

Below are some of the treatments that can be used in combination with other treatments and how they help improve your Keratoconus.

The Holcomb C3-R ® :

The Holcomb C3-R ® is a treatment used to stabilize Keratoconus. The procedure is also called the Cornea Collegan Crosslinking with Riboflavin. This procedure requires the use of UV lights and a vitamin called Riboflavin which strengthens the fibers of the cornea and slows and in many cases halts progression. In addition, by flattening the cornea patients report less distorted vision.

The Holcomb C3-R ® is a great treatment to use in combination with other treatments for Keratoconus. Often many patients combine both INACS and The Holcomb C3-R ® for better results.

INTACS:

INTACS are tiny lenses that are placed in the layers of the cornea to provide support to the eye without causing complications. The INTACS need no maintenance once they are placed in the cornea and can remain a lifetime. The procedure is quick – about 7 minutes per eye.

INTACS work well in combination with other treatments such as the Holcomb C3-R ®. The Holcomb C3-R ® helps to lock in the flattening from the INTACS. Additionally most patients who get this combination can often reduce their use of glasses or contact lenses greatly. INTACS can be easily removed if needed when you have a change in prescription or for any other reason.

If you are looking for great treatments to help your Keratoconus there are many options out there. The treatments above can help you improve your Keratoconus and reduce your need for glasses and contacts giving you back your natural quality of vision.

Watch an informative Free Web Based Seminar: www.FixesYourKeratoconus.com

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

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How Does Keratoconus Affect Your Daily Life?

March 15, 2013October 8, 2019 Boxer Wachler Vision Institute Keratoconus Keratoconus, Keratoconus Inserts, Keratoconus Risk Factors, Keratoconus stages, Keratoconus symptoms, Keratoconus treatments

Keratoconus is a debilitating condition that effects not only you but those around you. Those who have had family member who have been diagnosed with this condition understand what it is like to watch someone who is suffering from it. But how does it affect your daily life when you are the one with the condition?

Symptoms of Keratoconus include frequent eye prescriptions changes, eye pain, dry eyes, and blurred vision. In addition you may suffer from changed night vision over its progression. At first the thought of these symptoms don’t seem too troubling but how does it affect your daily activities?

In the early stages:

Early stages of Keratoconus symptoms are mild and some of the most common symptoms are frequent eye prescription changes. This can be a light hindrance to your daily life by the increasing frequency in which you are visiting your eye care professional. Typically you have mild or no real symptoms at this stage.

Progression of Keratoconus:

Over time more symptoms develop with signs including increased blurred vision, more frequent need to rub the eyes, dry eyes or irritation, and eye pain. These symptoms can affect your ability to drive your vehicle, the inability to see clearer, and reduction of your daily activities.

How do you prepare for these changes?

Report changes to your eye care professionals as soon as they appear.

Avoid rubbing your eyes at any time

Use over the counter Artificial Tears to fight against dry eyes

Avoid driving during night time hours

Talk with your eye care professional about effective preventative measures

While Keratoconus is a condition that may not be avoided, early detection and regular exams can improve your treatment options. Understanding the condition can also improve your ability to cope with the symptoms and stages of the condition as it progresses. This condition affects not just the patient but those who are around them as well such as family and friends. Talking about it and your treatment plan can help improve the emotional health of everyone during the course of its treatment.

Seeking treatment early to stabilize your vision will help reduce the likelihood of experiencing significant vision loss and impact on your daily life. Holcomb C3-R® developed by Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler in 2003 has been proven to stabilize and stop vision loss from this condition. The non-invasive treatment has been successful in patients as young as 9 years old. Early detection and treatment can help patients maintain good quality vision in soft contacts or glasses and avoid vision loss. As the condition progresses patients will need to undergo more treatments to improve their vision.

Watch the inspiration story of a 13 yr old girl who had these advance treatment to improve her life and return to the daily activities that she enjoys: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZFC8NOp_hI&feature=share&list=PL14E3E9271888A2F4