Tag: Keratoconus

“Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained” Seeing Through the Eyes of Kenny Atkins

September 12, 2008

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Keratoconus

The stories of those with Keratoconus are many. Each journey of the patients is important to us all. It shapes what we know and makes us who we become. Learning each story takes time but can be done one patient at a time. The story of Kenny Atkins is one of frustration, struggle, and venture as he was a big addition to new procedures in Keratoconus. Something many of us know and suffer.

Kenny Atkins was the first patient in the United States to have the Intac procedure done on a someone with Keratoconus. This decision is not one made lightly and many of us struggle with this decision after many procedures have been done. The courage of Kenny Atkins to be the first should be remembered by us all.

This post is dedicated to him-

Kenny Atkins was a Ocean Lifeguard who struggled with his vision.

“At school I found it harder to focus on textbooks. I thought it was just the chlorine from the pool. I had my eyes checked and I was diagnosed with Astigmatism in my eye.” said Kenny.

Kenny goes on to describe the complications he had while lifeguarding.

“By late afternoon I would see double images of objects far away”. The frustration he endured using traditional vision correction contact lenses and prescription sunglasses made it difficult for Kenny to continue to do his job properly.

In 1999 Kenny heard of the new procedure of Intacs for patients with Keratoconus by Dr. Boxer Wachler and despite the fact that it had not been tested on a patient with Keratoconus Kenny felt it was worth it.

After the successful procedure Kenny started showing improvement in his eye right away and only a week afterwards he had almost equal vision in both eyes.

“It has now been eight years since I had Intacs and I still do not wear corrective lenses, I am able to pick objects out of the glare on the horizon and street signs before I need to turn.”

Kenny Atkins has opened the gate way for many other sufferers of Keratoconus. He is one of great courage and a model for us all. Kenny says:

“I can now appreciate the saying- Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained”

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

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Our Eyes and How Keratoconus Affects Them

July 12, 2008

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Keratoconus

The Cornea-

The cornea contains a clear dome which lies on the surface of your cornea. It is the most important part of the eye known as the focusing lens. The cornea must be smooth and well shaped to give your eye good focus. Keratoconus gives the lens a irregular shape and over time makes it difficult to focus.

Though in many people the possibility of developing Keratoconus is present from birth. The ratio is only 1/2000 born. Others can develop this over time. The progression of Keratoconus is frustrating to say the least. And many people start out with mild impaired vision. Usually needing to wear glasses or contacts. The progression of Keratoconus can be slow developing over 3 to 4 decades. Glasses often won’t be enough and many times there is one eye worse then the other.

Keratoconus Vision Loses:

The loss of vision on a keratoconus patient can happen in one of the following two ways:

Form 1: Distortion in the Cornea-

Have you ever looked through a camera with a distorted lens? I am sure you were not able to see all you wanted. Keratoconus is much the same way. The images you are getting back are distorted. The focus you have on the images are blurred and seem out of focus.

Form 2: Scarring of the Cornea-

The cornea is scarred or swollen this makes the images show up blurry and foggy in view. Have you ever looked through a windshield that was foggy in certain parts but not in others? Not a pleasant experience. This form the over all picture is blurred.

Keratoconus is a large part of vision problems in the overall vision care field. Determining if you have Keratoconus is done by a series of tests. There is help for those with keratoconus. Though there is no cure there are some things you can do to stop progression and improve your overall quality of vision.

Many patients with Keratoconus are frustrated by the difficulty of seeing in everyday activities such as driving.

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

True Testimonials: Meeting Steve Zier

July 11, 2008

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Keratoconus True Testimonials

Keratoconus , Keratoconus advice , patient experiences

Steve Zier was diagnosed with mild Keratoconus. In many states doctors feel it is difficult to work on patients with Keratoconus some don’t try, others do with complications. In Steve’s case it was difficult to locate a doctor that would attempt it due to his condition.

“None of the other surgeons would touch me with a 10 foot pole” He said sounding a bit frustrated.

Searching the Internet as so many of us do Steve happened upon Dr. Boxer Wachler and decided to give him a try.

Steve was pleased with the incredible service that the Boxer Wachler Vision Institute had to offer.

“The service was great from the receptionist to the doctors” he said.

Steve Zier had a PRK treatment and C3-R directly afterwards. His total procedure time was less than one hour. Steve reports that he was a little sore afterwards but didn’t need any pain relievers. Additionally his vision was a bit blurry but cleared up within a week. Now he it is four weeks later and he is amazed at the results. Steve had 20/200 vision in the right eye- after treatment 20/20

Results:

Right eye- Before procedure 20/200

Right eye- After Procedure 20/20

Left eye-Before Procedure 20/60

Left eye- After Procedure 20/40

Steve says he only needs a soft contact in one eye now to help him see. His Keratoconus is currently stable and his new quality of vision is great “It was worth every penny!” he says.

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

Living with Keratoconus

June 27, 2008

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Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a serous and frustrating disease. Many are fearful when diagnosed and worry about the loss of sight associated with keratoconus. The truth is there are many procedures and treatments in modern medicine that can help control the progression of this disease. We often see the discouragement on the faces of those suffering; finding a doctor who can communicate easily with you as well as specializes in keratoconus can help you better adjust.

Though many people await a cure there are several ways you can be helped now. Aside from the medical problems of keratoconus, we often face difficulty personally as well as in our family lives. Many find it hard to do some activities. As the disease progresses and becomes more evident it is harder and harder to continue in our social circles. The search for answers becomes clearer and seemingly harder to find. The truth is a specialized doctor is best for these situations. A doctor specializing in Keratoconus can give you more definite and truthful answers.

There are several resources that you can find to assist you with support and information. Contacting a local ophthalmologist will give you more information. It will also provide options for treatment you can choose from. Below are a few links to support groups available to assist patients, family, and friends with people diagnosed with keratoconus:

www.kcsupport.org

KC Support- Gives assistance to patients with keratoconus

www.AmKCa.org

American Keratoconus Association – Provides assistance, information, and events for those suffering from keratoconus.

www.kcglobal.org

The Global Keratoconus Foundation- Provides support for families, friends, and patients with Keratoconus.

New studies are proving that C3-R has benefits for those who suffer from Keratoconus. The procedure C3-R will help build and strengthen the cornea of the eye. It will help not only strengthen but it has also stopped the progression of Keratoconus in many patients.

The diagnosis of Keratoconus doesn’t mean you life is over. It doesn’t even mean your alone. There are several places you can get help and treatments to help slow and even stop the progression of this disease. Though there is not a cure yet…there definitely is hope!

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

True Testimonials: Meeting Margret

June 19, 2008

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Keratoconus True Testimonials

Keratoconus

Our blog is designed not only to give you medical advice- and information on treating eye conditions but give you testimonials to what we are saying. The truth of the matter is that not only is it important for the surgeon to have knowledge of the treatments available but have first hand experience as well.

Though we have not walked a mile in your shoes there are certainly many who have. Meet Margret Puchjoe- Recently a patient at Boxer Wachler Vision Institute Margret has a real story to tell. Margret was treated with Lasik in 2002 on the East coast and experienced many complications. The surgeons treating her could not give her an accurate diagnosis and disturbingly enough would not answer her many questions.

She then followed up with 2 corrective procedures in the left eye and 1 in the right eye in a 6 month time span. After which her vision improved for some 4 years. Recently she has experienced some disturbing complications. She has had distorted vision- the inability to read comfortably or focus on an image. After exhausting all her possibilities on the East coast Margret found Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler.

*Quote-

Margret says: “ They got me in right away, I saw Dr. boxer Wachler on a Monday and he gave me options.”Margret has currently undergone C3R. Or Corneal Collagen Crosslinking with Riboflavin. This procedure involves the application of drops on the epithelium, The drops are then activated by exposure to UV lights for about 30 minutes. The procedure is virtually painless and can slow down or stop the progression of Keratoconus.

Margret is very pleased with her services and has hope for a great recovery. Although it will take a few months for the full effectiveness of the procedure to kick in she has a positive new light she didn’t have before. We will keep you updated on her progression.

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

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