Tag: Keratoconus treatments

How Scleral Contact Lenses Can Help Your Keratoconus

May 1, 2013

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Keratoconus

Keratoconus , Keratoconus advice , Keratoconus Risk Factors , Keratoconus symptoms , Keratoconus treatments , Scleral contact lenses

For those who have Keratoconus you may already know how difficult and uncomfortable it maybe to wear Rigid Gas permeable contact lenses. But this is often a way of life for those suffering with Keratoconus. And you may know all too well it can be a big part of your treatment of Keratoconus. But now the Scleral Contact lens can make it a bit more bearable.

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that creates an irregular shape in the cornea of the eye. As it progresses the irregularity progresses and creates a cone shape causing distortions in vision. The Scleral Contact lens sits on the white of the eye or the Scleral and helps reduce some of that irregularity. In addition, since it doesn’t rest on the cornea patients notice improved comfort and increased wear time.

Benefits?

Scleral lenses rest on the edge of the sclera or the white area of the eye. Unlike most Gas permeable contact lenses providing more comfort for the patient since they don’t touch the cornea.

The Scleral lens helps those with hard to fit eyes including those with Keratoconus. The lenses fill around the edges with fluid and moisten the eyes of those with dry eye giving them more comfort than normal rigid gas permeable lenses.

They are also larger than most lenses providing the support the eye needs, and not provoking the movement of the lens during blinks.

Scleral contact lenses come in many types. They provide comfort among many other benefits for those suffering with Keratoconus. Take the time to review your options before deciding your overall treatment. Over the last decade there have been many new and advanced technologies. The options are out there, just be sure to look!

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

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Protecting Your Eyes: Keratoconus, Early Detection, and Keratoconus Treatments

April 1, 2013

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Keratoconus

Crosslinking , Keratoconus , Keratoconus advice , Keratoconus diagnosis , Keratoconus Inserts , Keratoconus Risk Factors , Keratoconus symptoms , Keratoconus treatments

For those who have mastered the World Wide Web getting new information on Keratoconus treatment is relatively easy. Knowledge is one of the best ways to help save your eyes for the often devastating news of a Keratoconus diagnosis. As we are sure you’ve heard many say that early detection is key in Keratoconus treatment, understanding that Keratoconus is a progressive condition which gets worse over time is the number one reason to seek early treatment. The longer you go without treatment the more detrimental the condition can become.

When you get regular screenings you are ensuring that you find conditions such as Keratoconus at an early enough stage to greatly improve 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. 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. Below are some of the new advanced treatments of Keratoconus. Take a look for yourself.

Symptoms:

Blurred vision not improved by glasses or contacts

Frequent eye rubbing

Frequent changing of prescriptions
Increasing astigmatism

Glare or halos around lights making it difficult to drive at night

Increased sensitivity to light

Double vision

Keratoconus Treatments:

Glasses or contact lenses – Changing prescriptions frequently may be needed

Holcomb C3-R ® – strengthens the cornea and slows/stops progression of Keratoconus

INTACS for Keratoconus – helps decrease the bulging cornea and improve vision
CK (Conductive Keratoplasty for astigmatism correction)
Intra Ocular Lenses – Visian ICL (insertable contact lens – permanent – no maintenance)

It is up to you to educate yourself. Ensuring that you find the questions you need to take care of yourself can improve not only the quality of your vision but also the quality of your life!

Dr. Boxer Wachler, MD is a renowned eye surgeon specializing in Keratoconus treatments. His is considered one the Keratoconus specialist.

Watch an education and informative video about Keratoconus treatments: www.FixesYourKeratoconus.com

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

How Does Keratoconus Affect Your Daily Life?

March 15, 2013

cmg-wd

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

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

Can You Benefit From Using INTACS for Keratoconus?

March 1, 2013

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Intacs Keratoconus

Intacs , Keratoconus , Keratoconus Inserts , Keratoconus Management , Keratoconus symptoms , Keratoconus treatments

INTACS have been used for Keratoconus since 1999 with many benefits. Keratoconus is a progressive condition that causes the cornea of the eye to change shape distorting the overall vision of the patient. While there is no guarantee that the treatment alone with restore your vision, it has been effective in improving the quality of vision for many patients.

INTACS can be used in combination with other procedures including the Holcomb C3-R ® (Corneal Collagen Crosslinking) and CK. These procedures can be done in a day and for those who have to travel it can generally be done with a 3 day stay in Beverly Hills. The benefits of these procedures include little to no pain, and a quick recovery. For those trying INTACS for Keratoconus below are some additional benefits.

The procedure is outpatient

Less invasive then having a corneal transplant

Provides you with an Improved Quality of Vision

Most Commonly takes less than 10 minutes per eye

Removable if the prescription changes, or removal is needed for other reasons

While there is still no cause for Keratoconus many can benefit from the advancements made over the past 10-15 years. Can you benefit from INTACS for Keratoconus? In most case the answer is: Yes! While you may need some additional treatments to get the most out of your treatment INTACS can help you on your way. The treatments for Keratoconus in the past have been invasive, painful, and have a longer recover time. However today these new treatments improve the recovery time and reduce your discomfort as well. Do your research and judge for yourself.

Watch the inspirational stories featured in the media, bringing attention to these vision improving and life changing treatments: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AD9AMnDKhdg&feature=share&list=PL14E3E9271888A2F4

Take the time to look into this great procedure by visiting www.AmKC.org

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

Facing Dry Eyes as a Symptom of Keratoconus

February 1, 2013

cmg-wd

Keratoconus

dry eyes , Keratoconus , Keratoconus Inserts , Keratoconus Risk Factors , Keratoconus Signs , Keratoconus symptoms , Keratoconus treatments , Treatment options

Keratoconus is a progressive condition that causes loss of vision, vision disturbances, and changes in the quality of life of those who suffer from the condition. There are several symptoms of Keratoconus that cause daily issues for its patients. Learning what symptoms may flare and how to deal with them will allow you to gain some of your life back.

One symptom that flares frequently is Dry eyes. This symptom causes irritation, redness, and sometimes excessive rubbing of the eyes. In more serious cases it can cause pain for the patient and making wearing contact lenses very difficult. Dry eyes is a reduction of the production of tears by your eyes naturally.

There are several reasons one can develop dry eyes such as:

Medication changes

Conditions – Like Keratoconus, diabetes, Cataracts, etc..

Reduction in the blinking of the eyes (for instance in writers)

Certain procedures

Treatments:

1 Eye Drops

Typically treatments for dry eyes consist of over the counter eye drops, such as Artificial Tears. Yes, get the red out products can help reduce the amount of irritation in your eye, but there is medication in this eye drop that is not good for prolonged use. Artificial tears work the best as they rehydrate the eye provide the moisture in places that your eye has lost them. These are not permanent fixes for treatments, finding the initial cause of your dry eye and fixing that problem will help your symptoms out the most.

2 Supplements

Flaxseed Oil or Fish Oil supplements taken daily can help decrease dry eyes. Consult your doctor about taking these supplements before you try them.

Tips To Help Relieve Your Dry Eye:

Increase the amount of breaks you take when starring at the computer screen.

Avoid excessive eye rubbing

Get regular eye examinations

Wear protective lenses when going out

Use Artificial Tears

Consider taking Flaxseed Oil or Fish Oil supplements

Remember dry eye is generally a symptom, and symptoms are best relieved by finding the underline cause. Let your eye care professional know all your symptoms each time you visit. If dry eye is a big disturbance ask them what you can do to reduce the symptom. Improving the overall quality of life for the patient is the doctors main objective for treatment, so communication is key to a great treatment plan.

For more information regarding dry eyes visit: www.dryeyepain.com

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

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

Coping With a Diagnosis of Keratoconus and Finding Treatment

December 1, 2012

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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

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

Top 3 Benefits of Using Contact Lenses as a Treatment for Keratoconus

October 1, 2012

cmg-wd

Keratoconus

contact lenses , Hybrid Contact Lenses , Keratoconus treatments , RGP , Rose K Lenses

Keratoconus is a progressive condition that disrupts the daily lives of those who suffer. Making sure that we have the best treatments, and are comfortable in our daily activities is a continuous job. But a worth while one. There are several treatments developed for those who have Keratoconus. Some include surgery, glass or contact lenses and other procedures.

But for those who don’t like surgery, or have other reasons for avoiding it contact lenses should definitely be an option. Whether they are RGP or soft lenses the option for improved clarity, comfort, and stability are all benefits of contact lenses.

Below are the Top 3 Benefits of Using Contact Lenses for the Treatment of Keratoconus:

Mobility – Contact lenses allow the patient to continue with their day to day without any time away.

Clarity – The use of RGP contact lenses can increase the clarity of your overall vision. This can give you a better more reliable visual experience.

Little Maintenance – For many with Keratoconus the less hectic and busy your schedule is the more you can enjoy yourself. Contacts provide little maintenance to keep your vision clear. For those with Keratoconus a treatment that can be used through most stages of the condition is a great option. SynergEye ® Hybrid and Rose K Contact Lenses can be used through many stages of Keratoconus making it a great option for treatment of Keratoconus.

While these 3 benefits are nowhere near all, it will give you a good reason or two to check it out. Ask you eye care professional why contact lenses would be right for you.

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

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