Tag: Keratoconus

Living with Keratoconus: Facing Diabetes & Keratoconus

November 9, 2010

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Keratoconus

Diabetes , eye diseases , eye doctor , eye surgery , Health , Keratoconus , Living with , Medication , Treatments

Keratoconus is a difficult condition to live with. Losing your eye sight can be disruptive and scarey to say the least. But when you already have diabetes it can give you more difficulty, and add great emotional stress to your already complicated health issues. So how do you live with both Keratoconus & Diabetes? Quite simply put, one day at a time!

Diabetes is caused by an over abundance of sugar left in the blood stream after we eat. And while generally our bodies are supposed to naturally clear out the amounts of sugar in the bloodstream on their own there are several things that can keep this from happening properly causing diabetes. The increase amount of sugar in the blood can slowly eat away at the tissue or organs throughout the body, and since our blood travels through all of these organs and areas of the body everything can be effected.

When the sugar levels are elevated in the bloodstream the blood vessels in the eyes, and various parts of the eye can be damaged. This can cause vision problems, glaucoma, and cataracts. If you have been diagnosed with Diabetes and Keratoconus not only can you have diabetic induced vision problems from damage to the blood vessels of the eyes, but the Keratoconus can cause the irregular shape of the cornea. While it is important to get your sugar levels under tight control to prevent further damage to your vision, it is equally important to visit your eye doctor at least 2 times a year for evaluation.

Reporting all vision changes to your eye care professional immediately is also important when dealing with diabetes. If you are diagnosed with Keratoconus remember that there are several options for treatment. Remember that each patient is unique in their situation and what will work best for them. Talking to your eye care professional about what will work best for you will give you an idea of your best options for treatment of Keratoconus. Know that you are not alone and there is hope for treatment of Keratoconus.

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

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Steve Holcomb: A Vision of Inspiration for Keratoconus Sufferers

October 19, 2010

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Keratoconus True Testimonials

Bobsledder Keratoconus , Bobsledder Steven Holcomb , Dr. Boxer Wachler , Keratoconus , Keratoconus advice , Keratoconus Risk Factors , Keratoconus symptoms , Keratoconus syptoms , Keratoconus Treatment , Steven Holcomb

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

Diagnosis of Keratoconus

March 9, 2010

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Keratoconus

Keratoconus , Keratoconus advice , Keratoconus symptoms

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

Historic Gold Medal for Someone Once going Blind

February 27, 2010

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Keratoconus

Bobsledder Keratococonus , Keratoconus , Steve Holcomb , Steven Holcomb Keratoconus

Three years ago,I shook hands with Steven Holcomb who was forced to retire as the top U.S. bobsled driver due to becoming legally blind from a degenerative eye disease known as Keratoconus where the cornea (outer lens) herniates out. Today, February 27,2010 in Vancouver, Steven walked away with a Gold medal, the first for the U.S. in bobsled in 62 years (last time that happened was when Harry Truman was president!) An incredible, miracle comeback of all comebacks.

Learn more about Steve’s story in this article on EyeWorld.com

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

Feeling Alright About Improving Vision

February 23, 2010

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Keratoconus True Testimonials

Keratoconus , Olympic Bobsledder Keratoconus , Olympic Bobsledder Vision Loss , Olympic Bobsledder Vision Restored , Steve Holcomb

It has been an immensely rewarding to have been a part of the Olympic experience. I am so happy to have helped an individual with as much talent and honor as Steve. It is amazing to think that only a year ago, he was legally blind and facing an early retirement from his bobsled career. Luckily, after undergoing the C3-R procedure his vision is clearer than ever, and he’s ready to win Olympic gold!

Only two more days until Steve will take the track towards Olympic Gold on February 25th. Tonight I am packing my bags to head up to Vancouver on Wednesday.

To hear more about Steve’s story visit read an article on EyeWorld.com

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

People All Over Reach Out

February 17, 2010

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Keratoconus

KC , Keratoconus , Olympic Bobsledder Keratoconus , Steve Holcomb

Response to the bobsled press conference has been incredible! With the media surrounding Steven’s success with the C3-R procedure transforming his 20/500 vision to 20/20, hundreds of people suffering from similar ailments are contacting us in hopes of restoring their lost sight.

C3-R, cornea collagen crosslinking with riboflavin, is not taking center podium as the first line treatment for those diagnosed with keratoconus. Rather than waiting around for vision to slowly worsen, patients are doing their own research and quickly making the decision to undergo this non-invasive first line of defense treatment.

Patients are reporting improved quality of vision after the C3-R treatment in their current contact lenses or glasses. The reports of success with C3-R are exciting. Especially the studies showing that patients are avoiding the need for cornea transplant after C3R has stabilized the vision.

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

Bobsled Driver Steve Holcomb’s Miracle Story of Overcoming Keratoconus

February 16, 2010

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Keratoconus

Bobsledder Keratoconus , Bobsledder Steven Holcomb , KC , Keratoconus , loss of vision , Steve Holcomb , vision loss

Last Thursday I, Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler, was in Vancouver for the press conference with the U.S. Bobsled team. “Why would an eye surgeon be at a press conference?” is probably going through your mind. I didn’t give up my day job to join the U.S. Bobsled team. My patient Steven Holcomb and his story has become one of the most remarkable stories in this upcoming bobsled event this winter in Vancouver.

Steven is the driver of the U.S. Bobsled team’s top sled nicknamed “The Night Train”. Two years ago, he became legally blind due to a degenerative cornea condition called Keratoconus which just about forced him to retire and give up the sport. The team refused to let him give up. That’s when they found me. I had the honor of treating Steve’s condition with C3-R along with corrective lens implants. C3-R saved Steve’s eyesight.

He then went on to win Gold in the World Bobsled Championship – a U.S. first in 50 years.

Hence the reason for being part of the press conference last week. It was filled with TV crews and journalists.

Full details about Steve’s story can be read on EyeWorld.com

In just 10 more days, Steve and the Night Train will be going for Gold! I’ll be there personally rooting for Steve and I’ll be posting updates on this blog and tweeting at www.twitter.com/drboxerwachler

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

Bobsled Athlete Overcomes Keratoconus and Ready for Gold Medal Quest

February 3, 2010

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Keratoconus

Bobsledder Keratoconus , Bobsledder Steven Holcomb , KC , Keratoconus , loss of vision , vision loss

Bobsled driver Steven Holcomb was ont he verge of giving up his passion for the Bobsled sport due to his keratoconus. Hi team, coaches, and team doctors virtually refused to let him quit.

They found alternative treatments to a cornea transplant that would allow Steve to return to the sport. Two years ago, Steve was sent to Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler for C3-R and 3 months later Visian ICL.

Steve Holcomb’s story was captured by NBC Nightly News with Bryan Williams wich can be viewed on www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yYZct6G4dU.

What makes Steve’s story particularly moving was that he went from nearly giving up the sport to winning a World Gold Medal for the U.S. in Bobsled – which had not been done in the past 50 years.

With his Keratoocnus cured, Steven’s going to Vancouver games with his team, the “Night Train” as the favorites.

I’ll be there rooting for Steven and his team. We hope hisotry will again be made and we will all be cherring for Steven and the team!

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

Keratoconus: Pushing Past the [K] Word

October 6, 2009

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Keratoconus

Keratoconus , Keratoconus advice , Keratoconus Risk Factors , Keratoconus symptoms

Keratoconus has revered a very heavy reputation. And in the grand skim of things Keratoconus is a very serious condition. However thanks to new technologies and Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler of the Boxer Wachler Vision Institute there is hope for patients that suffer with Keratoconus. Every year treatments are improving and showing more and more positive results.

Currently there are a couple of procedures that can improve your vision, stop regression, and some reports say they have reversed damage of Keratoconus. This is a great weight lifted from the shoulders of those suffering from Keratoconus.

Over the past decade more and more procedures are being developed in improving the quality of life for those suffering from Keratoconus. So push past the [K] word and find your treatment option today.

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

Keratoconus: Understanding Your Diagnosis & What it Means for You

September 23, 2009

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Keratoconus

Keratoconus , Keratoconus advice , Keratoconus Risk Factors , Keratoconus symptoms

While the diagnosis of Keratoconus can be unsettling for anybody you should first know the facts before thinking of going blind. Although corneal transplants are not high on our list of things to do, they were an effective way to save the sight of suffers of Keratoconus.

New Advancements in Technologies have improved results for many who face this degenerative condition each day. However before we can even look at treatment options it is important that you understand the diagnosis and what it means for you.

Diagnosing Keratoconus:

Keratoconus is a change in the shape of the cornea. Keratoconus causes the cornea to become cone shape distorting the vision of the sufferer.

In its mild forms Keratoconus is treated with corrective lenses or Hard contact lens. Diagnosis of Keratoconus is determined through corneal mapping also known as a Topography mapping.

In the early stages of Keratoconus symptoms are minimal and are usually detected through regular eye exams & patient history. Generally Keratoconus starts in one eye and later moving to both. Patient family history of Keratoconus is usually detected in a new diagnosis.

Symptoms of Keratoconus:

Double vision

Squinting to see

Frequent changes in prescriptions

Irritation

Photopobia [sensitivity to light]

Ghost images

Although Keratoconus is a serious condition there is hope for sufferers today. New technologies are providing many treatment options and positive improvement in the quality of life for all those that sufferer.

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

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