Boxer Wachler Vision InstituteBoxer Wachler Vision Institute
       Live Your Life to Its Fullest.
Los Angeles LASIK Specialist
ProceduresHow to Find UsPatient Media StoriesIs It Safe?Meet Dr. Boxer wachlerCommunity

Archive for the ‘Intacs’ Category

Alternative Options for Your Hard Contacts

Friday, September 4th, 2009

Do you wear Rigid Hard Contact lenses for your vision correction? Searching for the right option to help you see without pain and discomfort? INTACS could be the answer. Other the past 10 years there has been several improvements in the way Keratoconus and other eye conditions are treated. The use of contact lens that are uncomfortable could be a thing of the past for you.

INTACS has shown positive results for a replacement for Rigid Contact lens or improving the comfort, wear time and quality of vision in Rigid Contact Lenses. INTACS are tiny inserts that are placed in the cornea to improve your vision in contacts or glasses and improve the comfort of the fit in the contact lenses.

INTACS in combination with C3-R have proven to give exceptional results for the treatment of Keratoconus. The INTACS procedure takes little time and has a quick recovery time. INTACS require no maintenance unlike hard contact lens.

Below you will find some benefits of using INTACS:

No maintenance

Short recovery time

Easy to remove & and change [if needed]

No feeling of the INTACTS in the eye

INTACS & C3-R:

The use of INTACS in combination with C3-R has had a positive effect on treatments for patients with Keratoconus. C3-R has proven to strengthen the patients cornea stopping the progression of the patients condition. While INTACS give them a comfortable, and easier to manage treatment option.

Both procedures can be preformed in as little as an hour. With little recovery time and exceptional results.

Below are some testimonials from patients who received both INTACTS & C3-R:

Meet Brian Costa:

Brian was diagnosed with Keratoconus at the age of 31. He had an INTACS procedure done in one eye 7-8 months before going to the Boxer Wachler Vision Institute. When he started experiencing halos, star bursts, and had trouble seeing at night.

He then visited the Boxer Wachler Vision Clinic where he had INTACS, CK, and C3-R done, in addition Dr. Boxer Wachler fixed his previous procedure eliminating his Halos, Star bursts, and night vision problems.

Brian says:

I was very pleased, everyone was pleasant, and very knowledgeable. Nothing but Kudos for Staff here.”

Meet Ben:

Ben is a college student who discovered he had Keratoconus 1 ½ ago. Ben had many problems with his vision and was near blind with 20/100 vision in one eye. After going to the Boxer Wachler Vision Institute Ben could read without glasses!

Ben Says:

                              I am more than ecstatic about how it went.”

Ben had both procedures done in one day and now sees at 20/20 in one eye, and 20/40 in the other without his glasses.

To find out more about these life changing procedures visit: www.keratoconusinserts.com

To watch a free webinar visit: www.boxerwachler.com

www.boxerwachler.com/facebook 

 https://twitter.com/DrBoxerWachler

Experiencing New Vision Through INTACS for Keratoconus Patients

Saturday, May 30th, 2009

INTACS are tiny inserts placed in the cornea to improve your natural corneal curves. The treatment of INTACS was to treat mild nearsightedness. However the results have shown improvement in patients with Keratoconus. The INTACS reshape the damaged irregular shape of the patient’s cornea providing them with more stability, and clearer vision.

INTACS has also been combined with C3-R® aka Corneal Collagen Cross-linking with Riboflavin to strengthen the cornea over time repair the damage Keratoconus has done to the patient’s vision. The INTACS & C3-R® can be performed many times within the same day, give the patient little if any pain and minimal recovery time.

This new Technology offers a great treatment plan for patients suffering from Keratoconus. In the past treatments only consisted of hard contact lens, and corneal transplants. Understanding that there are new and more improved treatments that can help is the first step to recovery.

Below are some Benefits of INTACS:

10 minute procedure

Procedure is preformed in the doctors office

Less invasive

Minimal recovery time

Less pain than most invasive procedures

Each year technology is improving the way we see. It is improving our procedures and giving us second chances for quality vision. The use of INTACS and C3-R® is an exceptional option for many patients with Keratoconus. It could be right for you.

For more information on the INTACS procedure or C3-R® visit: http://www.keratoconusinserts.com

or http://www.boxerwachler.com

Watch a free educational webinar: http://www.FixesYourKC.com

Now you can follow us on Facebook and Twitter:

www.boxerwachler.com/facebook 

 https://twitter.com/DrBoxerWachler

True Testimonials – Kenny Atkins, 1st US Reported INTACS for Keratoconus Patient

Tuesday, February 10th, 2009

When I started college I was an Ocean Lifeguard. 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 one eye and I started wearing glasses while studying. As lifeguarding became my chosen profession, I found it hard to focus in the afternoon as the Southern California sun set lower in the sky.

 

When running out for a rescue, I would often lose my prescription sunglasses. I tried soft lenses, but sand got under them and that was uncomfortable. The lenses often slid up behind my eyes and even floated away when I swam. I often went without correction because of the irritation. By late afternoon I would see double images of objects far away, such as a boat on the horizon.

 

When laser eye surgery became available, I was excited. However, I was discouraged to learn that I had keratoconus in one eye and was not a candidate for LASIK. I came across an article and some studies by Dr. Boxer Wachler. I was optimistic after my first meeting with him in 1999. He explained a new procedure Intacs that would help correct my keratoconus and vision. Back then Intacs had not been reported on a patient with keratoconus in the United States, but he felt it was ready to be attempted. As I was a good candidate, I welcomed the opportunity.  A week after surgery, the vision in that eye improved to a great degree. I was able to see nearly equally with both eyes and it was unnecessary to wear glasses or contacts at work. After a few months I noticed that I was relying more and more on the corrected eye!

 

It has now been about 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 on the freeway well before I need to turn. The freedom I have gained and the confidence I now have in my vision has proven invaluable to me and my ability to continue in my profession.

 

The ability to see well in lifeguarding is critical, and I no longer have the worry that I might miss something that could result in someone’s pain, suffering or their life. I owe this self assuredness to Dr. Boxer Wachler and to Intacs.

 

I feel fortunate to have been at the right place at the right time in history. I can

appreciate the saying, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.” I am glad that my pioneering experience helped pave the way for the thousands of other patients who have subsequently benefited from innovative advancements for keratoconus. I am pleased to dedicate this book to the thousands of future patients who will benefit from these innovations.

 

- Kenny Atkins, first reported Intacs® for

keratoconus patient in the United States

 

 

Learn more about keratoconus treatments: www.FixesYourKC.com - watch a free educational seminar.

 

blogarama - the blog directory

Vision Correction Options

Friday, August 8th, 2008

Make Vision Correction a Breeze

Dealing with vision can be difficult and if you are a person who is required to wear glasses or contact lenses it can be down right frustrating. There are several things that we can do to correct our vision or make it a little easier on a day to day basis. Many eye surgeons are faced with frustrating decisions on a regular basis of paths of treatment for their patients. Finding the best ways to improve the patients vision as well as give them a satisfying non-invasive treatment is no piece of cake.

First you should find an eye doctor or surgeon you are comfortable with. The area of the eyes is quite sensitive to several people and it is important that the doctor you choose is understanding, and will listen to their patients.

Available Treatments:

Visian ICL-

The Visian ICL is a implanted Collamer lens that was designed by the Staar Surgical Company. They designed an implantable contact lens that forms to your specific vision needs. These Contact lenses are special because they do not need maintenance but additionally they are made of Collamer a special material that makes them life like and making them bio-compatible, which means they are safe for a lifetime. Some of the benefits of Visian ICL are they provide high quality vision (like an HD TV screen), a small entry site is used to insert the lens, they are removable in the event that your vision changes, and they are more durable than other ICL’s.

Lasik Surgery-

Lasik Surgery is a benefit to those with mild to moderate nearsightedness, some degrees of farsightedness, and varying degrees of astigmatism. It is become more and more of a trend and surgeons are moving much further along is improving this treatment. Some patients are using the new “Wave front Lasik” which provides the doctor with a guided hand in the procedure. Through use of a computer doctors can now pin-point exactly where the irregularities are patient by patient making the procedure much more efficient and can provide a better quality of vision.

INTACS-

INTACS are small insertable lenses that have no maintenance. The use of INTACS are often for those suffering from Keratoconus or mild nearsightedness. INTACS cause no permanent changes or damage to your eyes; if your vision changes or you no longer want these inserts they can be removed. So many find this treatment helpful. The importance of them being removable are nice for those who suffer with Keratoconus. As it gives them more options later down the road.

INTACS with C3-R-

Many patients are also using the technique of INTACS with C3-R which allows patients with Keratoconus to benefit more from the INTACS treatment. The C3-R treatment has been found to stop the progression of keratoconus within 3 to 4 months.

Though these are just a few of the great benefits available to those looking into vision correction you can see there is a wide variety. Choosing which method is best for you is up to you and your doctor.

Why You Should Choose INTACS

Saturday, June 21st, 2008

Suffering from Keratoconus can be a difficult thing. Many people worry greatly about the progression of Keratoconus and although there is no definitive cure for Keratoconus there are treatments that can greatly improve your vision. Helping you have a much better quality of life. Laser surgery is not an options for individuals with Keratoconus, but Intacs may be a possibility. There are many benefits of using Intacs.

Below are a few reasons:

  • Intacs are removable, which make it easier to adjust if you have visual changes later in life.
  • No tissue is removed from your cornea when Intacs are used.
  • If you decide to change the method you are using from Intacs to another the option is still open.
  • Intacs are maintenance free. you can just enjoy your improved quality of vision instead.

When you have laser surgery they are changing the shape of your cornea by removing tissue with the laser. With Keratoconus this can cause problems, even making things progress and worsen quicker. With Intacs you can treat your disease with little complications.

The results of Intacs are much more exciting. The goal of INTACS is to help normalize the irregular cornea curvature, which has lead to decrease quality of vision. Over 90% of people with Intacs have an improved quality of vision with glasses or contact lenses. Additionally more than 50% of patients have better than 20/20 vision after the procedure with their glasses or contact lenses, which is a miracle for many who have had loss of vision over the years from this disease. Finally this can be a great choice for those with Keratoconus and mild nearsightedness. At times these people experience such a dramatic improvement they rarely need glasses or contacts.

Quite often we dream of good vision and for those of us who have been suffering with vision problems all our lives there is hope. The chance to finally have something that doesn’t require lots of maintenance or excessive checkups is a true blessing. Intacs can give it too you!

INTACS Corneal Implants-Benefits and Safety

Monday, May 19th, 2008

Problems with vision have become a increasing problem in the U.S and abroad. Though with advanced technologies it is getting easier and easier to fix. Many people who have been diagnosed with Keratoconus or simply want to improve their nearsightedness are now finding it beneficial to get Intacs corneal implants. There are many who have opted to get Intacs instead of undergoing surgery.

Below are some of the great benefits to using Intacs:

Intacs are removable giving you no changes or permanent alteration to your eyes.

Intacs give you the option to change methods later in life.

You have a lot less maintenance with Intacs then the average contact.

It doesn’t permanently change the shape of your cornea like laser eye surgery.

The use of Intacs are truly beneficial to your vision and overall well being. Intacs provide you with options in the future. The laser surgery can cause problems later in your vision because the shape of the cornea is altered and since it is altered it can not be reversed if you decide to change your mind later. Or if you vision changes as it usually does. The importance of leaving these options open may not be visible to you now but later you may have a change of heart and eye surgery can’t be undone.

Safety Information on Intacs:

The use of the intact implants have been approved by the FDA. There has been much research conducted on the use of Intacs. The research has stretched over many years and is still proving to be more effective. Intacs are not a cure all for all problems of vision, and some may not benefit from them at all. Intacs are a good choice for people who have the disease keratoconus to help stabilize the cornea.

The Process-

Intacs are made very thin and can be placed under the cornea which will give you a better experience. Since the Intacs are placed below the nerves it is not irritating to you or your eye. It is a simple procedure done as an out patient. Once they are placed under the cornea the doctor will reshape the cornea. They do not have to touch the cornea itself and reshaping sharpens your vision and gives you a clearer picture.

The Results-

This great technology gives you the option to change as your vision changes. It doesn’t permanently alter your cornea or overall eye and can be taken out if you wish to have it removed later. The percentage of patients that get Intacs for nearsighted and have 20/20 vision is around 90%. Not all people get those kind of results. However almost all nearsighted patients have enough improvement to no longer need their glasses for seeing at a distance. The option of Intacs is a great one for those suffering with degenerative diseases like Keratoconus to help stabilize their vision. The patients that experience the most freedom from contacts and glasses with INTACS are those patients who have healthy normal eyes, just a mild or moderate amount of nearsightedness.

Keratoconus: Learning About Intac Corneal Implants

Wednesday, April 9th, 2008

If you suffer from keratoconus or simply want to find a way to improve your vision without having to undergo laser surgery, you might be interested in using Intacs corneal implants.  There are many benefits associated with Intacs, whether you have Keratoconus or not, which has resulted in a growing number of people deciding to use these implants rather than undergo laser eye surgery.

The Benefits of Using Intacs

If you suffer vision problems, using Intacs is a great way to improve your vision.  In addition to the improved vision you will enjoy, Intacs also provide benefits such as:

  1. They are removable and no permanent changes are made to your eyes
  2. The natural shape of your cornea is not changed
  3. You can use other methods for vision correction in the future if you desire
  4. Unlike standard contacts, they are maintenance free

When it comes to laser eye surgery, the shape of your cornea actually has to be changed. This means that you may experience greater vision problems in the future if it turns out that you suffer from keratoconus or any other eye disease that affects the size or shape of your cornea.  In addition, laser surgery is permanent and cannot be undone.  Intacs, on the other hand, can be removed if you desire and changed as your vision needs change.

Safely Improving Your Vision

Intacs implants have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.  In addition, they have been approved for pilots to use and have been repeatedly proven effective over the course of 11 years worth of clinical research.  Although Intacs are not effective for all people with poor vision, approximately 70% of the population can effectively improve its vision with Intacs.  In fact, they are a viable solution for people suffering from the degenerative eye disease of keratoconus.

Implanting Intacs

The process of implanting Intacs is actually easier than you might think.  Since the implants are extremely thin, the eye doctor is able to insert them beneath the outer edge of the surface of your eye, an area that is referred to as the cornea.  The process is so simple that it is an outpatient procedure.

Unlike standard removable contacts, you don’t feel Intacs after they have been inserted in your eye.  Once they are inserted, they gently reshape our cornea’s curvature so it becomes properly shaped without actually removing any corneal tissue.  By reshaping the cornea, light rays are able to properly pass through your cornea so they can be properly focused upon.  These results in sharper and clearer vision.

Enjoying Great Results

The results of Intac corneal implants are quite impressive.  More than 97% of people that get the implants are able to pass the vision tests necessary to get their driver’s licenses without needing to wear glasses.  Amazing, more than 50% of patients are also able to achieve vision that is better than 20/20 after having the surgery.

Since Intacs do not permanently change your eye and can be changed as your needs change, it is a great option for those that are nearsighted as well as for those suffering from the degenerative eye disease keratoconus.

Getting Prepared for Receiving Intacs Corneal Implants

Monday, April 7th, 2008

Although receiving Intacs corneal implants is a simple, outpatient process, it is still important to know how to properly prepare for the procedure and what to expect afterward.  With this overview, you should find that there are no surprises when you get this beneficial procedure completed.

Preparing for the Procedure

Before you can receive Intacs corneal implants, you will first need to undergo an extensive eye examination.  During this examination, the eye doctor will be determining whether or not your eyes are healthy and if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.  In order to make this determination, the eye doctor will perform ophthalmic tests and will take a general medical history.  In all, this process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour to complete.

Undergoing the Procedure

Once you and your eye doctor have determined that Intacs implants are right for you, you will set an appointment for the procedure and your eye doctor will explain the procedure to you.

In short, the eye doctor will add anesthetic drops to your eyes in order to numb them. He or she may then utilize special equipment in order to keep your eye open throughout the procedure or he or she may simply have an assistant hold your eye.  Either way, it is important that you do not blink and that the eye remains open throughout the entire procedure.

After your eye has been numbed, the eye doctor will make a small incision in the surface of your cornea. With the incision made, he or she can then prepare the eye for the Intacs implants.

The eye doctor will also take certain steps in order to stabilize your eye and to make sure it is properly aligned.  With the help of a special centering guide that is placed on the eye surface for one or two minutes, the eye doctor can be certain the proper location has been determined.  Then, he or she makes to micro-sized tunnels in the cornea and places the implants in the tunnels. Since the cornea actually has several different layers to it, the eye doctor has to separate the layers in order to find the right spot for the implant.

With the Intacs in place, the eye doctor closes the small openings that were made.  Immediately after the procedure is completed, you will probably notice the difference in your vision.

After the Procedure

Although the implanting Intacs is simple, it is best to rest for awhile after having the surgery completed.  It is also best to have someone drive you home afterwards.  In some cases, it will take a few days before you will notice a difference in your vision.  It also won’t take long for your eyes to heal and most people don’t feel any pain at all throughout the entire process.  In addition, patients do not feel the ring segments from the Intacs because they are actually placed beneath the nerve endings of the cornea.

While the exact results from Intacs will differ from one patient to the next, many experience better than “perfect” vision after the procedure is completed.