Tag: Keratoconus symptoms

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

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

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Encouraging Better Eye Care

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

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         ©2019 BOXER WACHLER VISION INSTITUTE OF BEVERLY HILLS. 465 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 902, Beverly Hills, CA 90210.                          Call: 310.594.5210  Or   Text: 424.245.0171  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. email: info@boxerwachler.com.

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

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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         ©2019 BOXER WACHLER VISION INSTITUTE OF BEVERLY HILLS. 465 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 902, Beverly Hills, CA 90210.                          Call: 310.594.5210  Or   Text: 424.245.0171  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. email: info@boxerwachler.com.

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Early Detection of Keratoconus: Making Your Eyes Matter

Improved technology has not only made it possible to access information on Keratoconus easily and with more freedom, but it gives us access to more information on the advanced treatments for Keratoconus. So hearing the words “Early Detection” should be something you are familiar with. The importance of getting regular screenings can be the difference between severe vision loss, and improved quality of vision. If you have a family history of Keratoconus, regular annual screenings will improve the chances of early detection if you do develop this condition.

When you get regular screenings you are ensuring that you find conditions such as Keratoconus at an early enough stage to greatly preserve your quality of vision and protect your eyes. In essence you are saying that your eyes matter to you. The progression of Keratoconus can be slowed greatly, even reversed in some cases if treatment is sought after early detection. The benefits of the new advancements in treatments for Keratoconus are growing, and though they have been out for at least 10 years many are still showing more benefits today.

Does this mean you can get the cure? No this simply means there is hope that you can have a better quality of vision despite what those websites, articles, doctors, or anyone else say. The truth is the key to a better quality of vision is early detection, monitoring, and treatment assessment. Know what it is you are truly up against before you go head on into the pack. After all it is your vision and your responsibility to ensure it lasts.

For more information on Keratoconus and its treatments visit AllAboutVision.com.

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

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Living With Keratoconus: Coping With Vision Loss

When dealing with Keratoconus we have had to often deal with some vision loss over time, however new advancements in Keratoconus have made it possible to regain vision over time. The use of various treatments and combination of some treatments can improve your vision greatly. In the mean while there are some things you can do to improve your ability to see throughout the day.

There are several treatments for Keratoconus but many struggle with handling the progression until they can get to the doctor or start their treatments. Below you will find 3 helpful tips to assist you with dealing with the loss of vision while waiting for treatments for Keratoconus.

Tips to Improve Your Vision During the Day:

Getting Rest: While this may sound a bit strange, resting your eyes a little more each day can help relieve some of the strain they are feeling. This can give you a fresh view, and may keep some of the blurred vision to a minimum.

Avoid eye strain: If you are having difficultly seeing, don’t strain your eyes to see. Simply rest and only use your vision when needed. Resting your eyes can help you gain strength for when your vision is truly needed.

Avoid driving at night: Many people struggle with increased problems concerning night vision. It is wise to avoid driving at night all together until you can improve your quality of vision through treatments for Keratoconus. Making sure you are safe is top priority. Getting to the eye doctor and planning a path to treatment is the greatest option after all the car will still be there later.

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

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Keratoconus Discovering the Causes, Symptoms, and Signs

Keratoconus is an eye disorder which is degenerative and often makes the usually round shaped cornea begin to thin and bulge. This can eventually start to take on a shape that is tending towards a conical one (cone like). The cornea is that part of the eye that covers the anterior chamber, iris as well as the pupil. It is the transparent part just at the front of the eye. When the cornea becomes shaped like a cone, it usually affects light entry to the eye as it heads to the retina which causes images to become distorted and poor quality.

There is plenty of research that has been carried out to try and ascertain what exactly causes Keratoconus but sadly, no conclusive results have emerged as yet. Medical experts contend that the condition might have its roots in several factors that work as a combination of risk factors leading to its development. Some of these risk factors include environmental factors, genetic factors as well as other factors.

It is also highlighted by experts that the condition comes about when the corneal tissue has been weakened due to an imbalance. This imbalance usually means that the cornea can very easily be negatively affected by ‘radicals’ which in the end make the cornea to change shape.

Some of the symptoms of Keratoconus include the emergence of a slightly blurred vision. This usually happens when the Keratoconus is still in its early stages. 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.

Other signs and symptoms include a poor night vision as well as having great sensitivity to any form of bright light. Someone with Keratoconus usually squints just to read something and they tend to feel itchiness on the eye leading them to frequently rub the eye. This however does not come with any form of pain. One of the most common symptoms of Keratoconus is double vision where instead of one image there is a double second image. This can make it extremely difficult to drive at night since patients are unsure which headlights are the real ones and which are the double ones.

For more information about keratoconus, vsit Wikipedia.

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

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How Will I Know if My Keratoconus is Progressing?

Keratoconus is a progressive condition that will become worse if not properly treated. So how do you know if your Keratoconus is growing worse? First understanding that Keratoconus is a serious condition and if you believe you have any signs of this progressive condition you should report them right away to your eye care professional. But if you have already been diagnosed reporting any changes in your vision should be your first step. Asking questions about your treatment and status of your condition should always be welcome by your eye care professional.

Regular visits to your eye care professional should keep you up to date on its status, and adjustments in your medication and treatment plans should help you feel more at ease about the slowing or improvement of your condition. If you experience a worsening of the symptoms listed below and you are already seeing an eye care professional for treatment, you should report it right away to your eye care professional.

Blurred vision

Frequent Prescription changes

Sensitivity to light

Poor night vision

Headaches

Straining of the eyes

Sudden Cloudiness in your vision

Though there are many good eye doctors not all are using all the available options. Additionally make sure you are comfortable with your eye care professionals and be sure to let them know of any visual changes. It just might preserve your vision!

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

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Living With Keratoconus: Dealing With Blurred Vision

Blurred vision is a very common symptom of Keratoconus. Often learning to deal with the symptoms can be more of a challenge than accepting the condition itself. However there are ways to manage the symptoms on a day to day basis. Blurred vision can be frustrating to handle especially if it is a new symptom for you.

There are several treatments for Keratoconus but many struggle with handling the progression until they can get to the doctor or start their treatments. Below you will find 3 helpful tips to assist you with dealing with the blurred vision of Keratoconus.

3 Tips to Relieve Blurred Vision:

Getting Rest: While this may sound a bit strange, resting your eyes a little more each day can help relieve some of the strain they are feeling. This can give you a fresh view, and may keep some of the blurred vision to a minimum.

Avoid eye Strain: If you are having difficultly seeing, don’t strain your eyes to see. Simply rest and only use your vision when needed. Resting your eyes can help you gain strength for when your vision is truly needed.

Avoid starring at Computer Screens & TV’s: While this also sounds impossible, it is a great way to avoid more discomfort with your eyes. Starring for hours at a computer screen or television set can also put strain on your eyes. Avoid sitting for hours in front of a computer or television screen.

More helpful information is available on Wikipedia.

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

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         ©2019 BOXER WACHLER VISION INSTITUTE OF BEVERLY HILLS. 465 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 902, Beverly Hills, CA 90210.                          Call: 310.594.5210  Or   Text: 424.245.0171  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. email: info@boxerwachler.com.

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Steve Holcomb: A Vision of Inspiration for Keratoconus Sufferers

Bobsled driver, Steve Holcomb, had a recent fight with Keratoconus – his story is one that is still radiating throughout the world. His story is one that sheds hope and light on patients with Keratoconus, as well as those not yet diagnosed. Steve Holcomb’s dreams of gaining a Gold Medal were almost brought to a screeching halt due to his severe and progressing condition, Keratoconus.

Keratoconus is a progressive condition that gradually takes away the sight of the patient. But unfortunately Steve learned this fact the hard way. His love for the bob sled was almost stopped by this frustrating and painful condition.

His care for his team mates prompted him to make the hardest decision he ever had to make, the decision to retire from the sport he loved so much. His team mates were saddened by this decisions and refused to give up on him.

In one last effort to restore his sight, Steve’s team doctor researched treatments for keratoconus and decided to send him to Dr. Brian S. Boxer Wachler. Steve learned about a new treatment that maybe able to restore his vision. With a bit of hope and in the hands of Dr. Brian, Steve received the C3-R ® or Collagen Cross-linking with Riboflavin a non-invasive procedure that strengthens and stabilizes the cornea.

The procedure only takes about 30 minutes and is done in the doctors office. The procedure involves placing drops of Riboflavin on the cornea and using a UV light to activate the medication. The drops help strengthen and stabilize the effects of Keratoconus.

About 3 months following Dr. Boxer-Wachler implanted the Visian ICL which corrected his Myopia. The success of the procedures prompted Steve to come out of retirement and go forward to win a Gold Medal for the US which hadn’t been done for 62 years! True teamwork and the help of the Boxer Wachler Vision Institute aided in an event that will forever be in the history of America for years to come.

The C3-R ® procedure is now named for Steven titled “Holcomb C3-R ®” another first for the history of medicine for a procedure to be named after a Gold Medalist.  True inspiration for all who suffer from this debilitating condition.

More helpful information is at AllAboutVision.com

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

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Diagnosis of Keratoconus

Identifying moderate or advanced keratoconus is fairly easy. However, diagnosing keratoconus in its early stages is more difficult, requiring a thorough case history, a search for visual and refractive clues and the use of diagnostic equipment. Often, keratoconus patients have had several spectacle prescriptions in a short period, and none has provided satisfactory vision correction.

Keratoconus can result in extremely complex and variable topographical maps, most typically showing areas of inferior steepening. The cone can assume various shapes and sizes, and the apex can be at various locations in relation to the central cornea.

Classification

Keratoconus can be classified by cone shape, central keratometric reading, or progression. The simplest classification systems are based on keratometric reading or shape:

Based on severity of curvature

· Mild <48 D in both meridians

· Moderate 45-53 D in both meridians

· Advanced >53 D in both meridians

· Severe >55 D in both meridians

Based on shape of cone

· Small diameter (5 mm.); round shape; easiest to fit with contact lenses

· Large oval diameter (>5 mm.); often displaced inferiorly; more difficult to fit with lenses

· Largest diameter (>6 mm.); 75% of cornea affected; most difficult to fit with lenses

For more information visit Wikipedia.

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

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