“INTACS at a Glance”

Keratoconus has been a debilitating condition causing many patients to have significant vision loss or to become blind over the progressive years. However a new treatment was approved by the FDA in 2004 and with Dr. Boxer Wachler’s help this treatment has been made available to patients suffering greatly with vision loss since 1998.

INTACS are thin, clear inserts used to help reduce the distortion of the cornea from Keratoconus. The inserts generally are implanted in the doctors office during a 10 minute out patient procedure. The INTACS require no maintenance and can not be felt by the wearer. There is no tissue removed during the procedure and no real recovery process to follow.

Benefits of INTACS:

There are several Benefits of INTACS below are just a few-

Can delay progression of Keratoconus

Procedure is only 10 minutes long

Alternative option from Corneal Transplant

Can significantly improve your quality of vision in contacts or glasses

Can improve the comfort of contact lenses

INTACS were approved by the Food and Drug Administration on July 26^th 2004. Though this procedure is a relatively new approval it has already been very affective to many patients with Keratoconus. For more information on this device; its benefits, and FDA information visit:

Keratoconus Inserts

http://www.keratoconusinserts.com/intacs.htm

FDA

http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/mda/docs/h040002.html

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Our journey through life is often a bumpy one. Many of us have trouble coping with stress and the riggers life brings without throwing Progressive Keratoconus in the mix. However finding new ways to cope with your disease can help reduce extra problems along the way. Below are a few tips to assist you in making life a little easier:

Tip 1: Educate yourself:

Your doctor can do a lot for you but when you take the initiative to find out about your illness you can ask important questions, feel more comfortable with what they are telling you, learn whys you can help yourself.

Tip 2: Find a good doctor:

It is just as important to find a eye doctor you are comfortable with as it is to find a general physician. Make sure that the doctor you choose is comfortable with you asking questions, they are concerned about you, and that they have proper time for you. If you notice it is hard to schedule an appointment, or they take more than 24 hours getting back to you than you should find another doctor.

Tip 3: Reduce the amount of times you rub your eyes:

Progressive Keratoconus can be increased by excessive eye rubbing. To ensure you don’t create anymore damage speak with your doctor about dry eye, allergies, and other conditions that can cause itchy and irritated eyes. They may be able to prescribe drops or medications to help you combat these problems.

Tip 4: Explore C3-R to stop the Process:

C3-R is a revolutionary new procedure that stops the progression of Keratoconus. It is a one time 30 minute procedure performed in a eye doctors office. This will help preserve your current eyesight and in some cases improve the quality of vision in your contacts or glasses.

Tip 5: Find a good contact lens fitter:

Find a contact lens fitter that sees Keratoconus on a regular basis i.e. weekly or even better daily. It is important that they offer a full range of contact lens options, soft toric contacts, hybrid contacts, piggy back lenses, Rose-K, Dyna-Z intralimbal, and Mini-sclera are some of those options that should be available.

Most of all pamper yourself. Don’t worry about all the things that are wrong or what may happen 5 years from now find out how you can treat your condition now. There are many treatments out now that can greatly improve even reverse the damage of keratoconus. Focus on your treatment, taking care of yourself, and your education. You are your best tool.

To learn more on Keratoconus Visit: http://www.keratoconusinsert.com

To watch our free webinar on Keratoconus visit: http://www.FixesYourKeratoconus.com

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Being diagnosed with Keratoconus can be devastating. It often shocks the patients. The truth is there are many treatment options available for patients with Keratoconus today. You don’t have to let the disease rule you. Keratoconus patients have experienced several results when it comes to the treatment of Keratoconus such as: Stopping the progression of keratoconus, to reversing the damage caused by Keratoconus in some patients. There are many treatments of Keratoconus.

Below are a few treatments you can talk over with your doctor:

INTACS:

Intacs are used to reshape the natural curves of the cornea to correct nearsightedness. The intacs are small segments placed between the tissue layers of the cornea. There has been much success with the use of INTACS. There are many benefits to the use of INTACS like:

• It is only a 10 minute procedure

• You can remove them or exchange them over time

• Can delay the progression of Keratoconus

C3-R:

C3-R also know as Corneal Collagen Cross-linking with Riboflavin is another option for Keratoconus patients. This procedure is used to strengthen the cornea. C3R has been very effective in patients with Keratoconus. Over the course of 2-3 months it continues to strengthen the cornea and stops the progression of keratoconus. In some patients it has reversed the damage caused by keratoconus. The procedure takes about 30 minuted and involves the placement of drops in the affected eye. The doctor than places a UV light on the eye to activate the drops. There is no pain or post maintenance required after the procedure.

CK- For Astigmatism:

Conductive Keratoplasty- Or CK is a painless 5 minute procedure that can be done in the doctors office. This procedure has been shown to improve the vision of Keratoconus patients and reduce astigmatism.

Cornea Transplant:

Typically a corneal transplant is the last resort. It involves removal of the cornea and replacing it with a donor cornea. This type of procedure is permanent and generally used if all other options have been evaluated and there is no other option.

To learn more on Alternative Treatment options for Keratoconus visit: www.keratoconusinserts.com

To see a free webinar on Keratoconus visit: www.FixesYourKeratoconus.com

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Treatments for progressive Keratoconus patients have been quite a difficult choice to handle. Grasping the idea of having an illness that will continue to progress as you grow older is enough to bring anyone down. However new treatments in Keratoconus bring hope to suffers. The new treatments have shown excellent results in slowing, stopping, and in some cases reversing the damage this disease have caused altogether.

So what does this mean for Keratoconus patients? This means they many not have to endure uncomfortable contact lens like RGP Lens or face invasive procedures like Corneal Transplant. The experts at the Boxer Wachler Vision Institute have already treated hundreds of patients with the new techniques such as the use of INTACS and procedures such as C3R®.

Keratoconus patients are showing positive results, excellent vision improvement, and improved their sight in as little as 2 weeks. I bet now your wondering what these procedures are? Am I right?

INTACS- Are small plastic semi-circle inserts that are placed in the cornea. They require no maintenance and they are so light you won’t even know they are there. Intacs help to reshape the cornea, which can improve the quality of vision and comfort in contact lens and glasses. Some patients find that this provides so much improvement that they are able to do some activities without the need for contacts or lens.  Additionally the C3R  procedure can be combined with the Intacs procedure to maximize the results.

C3R – Is a procedure that strengthens your cornea by placing special solution of drops composed of Riboflavin on the affected eye and applying UV light on the area for 30 minutes to activate the solution. There is no pain and in most cases this is a one time procedure.  Over the course of 3 months the solution continues to work gradually increasing and strengthening your cornea. There have been people to report significant improvement in as little as 24 hours.

The choices for Keratoconus treatments are growing, no one should be left in the dark.

Watch a Free Educational Webinar: www.FixesYourKC.com

Subscribe to a weekly Audio Podcast: Keratoconus Weekly

Progressive Keratoconus [a.k.a KC] can be a difficult condition to live with. The loss of vision can be frustrating and disruptive to regular daily activities we know and love. However Keratoconus can also be difficult for families with suffering loved ones.

Keratoconus affects about 1 in every 2,000 Americans. Keratoconus however is not just a problem in the US people are suffering everywhere. World-wide the disease is estimated to effect 50-230 in every 100,000 patients.

Many patients have to cope with symptoms of keratoconus daily. Managing symptoms can be difficult. They can consist of:

• Eye Strain- producing headaches and blurred vision

• Poor Night Vision- producing halos, double vision, and vision loss while driving at night

• Photophobia- [Sensitivity to light]- producing headaches, watery eyes, and dark spots

Below are 3 helpful things to think of when managing your Keratoconus:

Tip 1: Finding the Right Doctor- Determining if your doctor is the right one for you can be difficult. Making sure you check the very basic of things is important. Here are a few things to ask to see if your doctor is right for you.

What do you specialize in? -  It is important your doctor works with patients with                      keratoconus.

What is your success rate in treatment of Keratoconus?

What treatments does your office provide for patients with Keratoconus?

Tip 2. Assess your treatment options- Don’t wait for your doctor to tell you what options are available. Do your homework, evaluate your options and write down any additional questions you have for your doctor.

Some treatments are:

• Glasses for early keratoconus which can correct astigmatism

• Semi Soft & RGP’s [Rigid Gas Permeable] Contact Lens for people with mild to moderate keratoconus.

• Collagen Crosslinking [or C3R®] used to strengthen the cornea fibers for better vision results.

Tip 3: Support Groups- Support groups not only assist you with coping with the daily stress of Keratoconus, but it helps your family deal with it as well. Finding a support group can give your and your family comfort, knowledge, and friendship while you are being treated for your condition.

To Learn more on Keratoconus Treatment options or view a Free Webinar visit: www.FixesYourKC.com

When many of us think of Keratoconus we remember past treatments and feel the heartache this degenerative disease has had on our lives. For years the inevitable result of Keratoconus has been Corneal Transplant. This has caused great concern for the thousands that suffer with this disease each year. The Boxer Wachler Vision Institute is changing the lives of many with unbelievable treatments that have a profound improvement in the eyes of many.

Meet Beverly Markiewicz- who suffered from Keratoconus and too feared the inevitable. She searched for over a year hoping to find help for her degenerative disease and the chance to save her vision. She ran across treatments like Intacs, CK, and C3R®- Very Skeptical about the effectiveness of the treatments she decided to undergo them all in one day.

Quote:
“I was greeted by a wonderful, very professional staff”

Beverly had all three procedures done in the same day, little pain, and virtually non-invasive the procedures showed incredible results in as little as the following day.

Quote:
“ I am almost seeing 20/20” Says an excited Beverly.

Meet Thomas Johnson-  He has had Keratoconus for 15-16 years. He was also facing a Corneal Transplant. He was not certain about this choice. Not many are considering the risks, and depth of the procedure. However Mr. Johnson also learned of Intacs, C3R®, and CK. He decided to undergo these procedures instead of the corneal transplant- his results were amazing. After just 24 hours Mr. Johnson was seeing 20/25. His thoughts on the procedure:

Quote:
“Run, don’t walk to see Dr. Boxer Wachler”

Remember treatment is available for you, but you don’t have to take my word for it. Just listen to the hundreds of satisfied patients of the Boxer Wachler Vision Institute.

To find out more on Keratoconus and its treatment options or to see an educational webinar visit: www.FixesYourKC.com

Generally when we think of Keratoconus what comes to mind? Well if you already a Keratoconus patient you may think of things like blurred vision, or nearsightedness, astigmatism, or even sensitivity to light. The truth is these are often generalized symptoms and are also associated with other conditions, making it hard to diagnose as Keratoconus. So what questions should you be asking your doctor and does your current doctor specialize in treating patients with Keratoconus?

First the symptoms of Keratoconus:

High Astigmatism
Increased Astigmatism
Blurred Vision
Distorted night vision
Sensitivity to light
Blurred Vision

Blurred Vision and sensitivity to light are also found in patients with diabetes. Patients with Diabetes also have trouble with cataracts and astigmatism. However in recent studies researchers have found that patients with diabetes are at less risk of getting Keratoconus. Why? It has been found that patients with Type 2 Diabetes often develop harder corneas, in turn causing the exact opposite of the effects of Keratoconus. However few Diabetics are checked for Keratoconus because the symptoms they are experiencing are also symptoms caused by the damage of the sugar to the eye.

Blurred Vision and Pain in the eyes can also be caused by dry eye. Doctors find that patients who do excessive reading or writing blink less causing the eye to dry out more. The effects of dry eye while the condition can be well treated and is not life threatening can cause some damage to the cornea, creating double vision, distorted images, and can cause a lot of comfort.

The most important thing is to be sure to rule out risk factors for Keratoconus, find the right doctor, and ask questions. Below is a guide to assist you:

Risk Factors:

Family History
Trauma or injury to eyes
Constant rubbing of the eye
Inherited Diseases: Down Syndrome, Some Renial diseases

Questions to Ask the Doctor:

If you have a family history of Keratoconus you might ask:

What area do you specialize in?
How much experience do you have diagnosing and treating patients with Keratoconus?
What tests and treatments do you have available?

If you notice symptoms of Keratoconus you might ask:

Can you explain the results of my tests?
If your sight is getting worse you might ask- Do you know why my vision is getting worse?
What can I do to help improve my vision or will It continue to get worse?

Make sure to log your symptoms and how long they last. If you have a family history of eye disease or you are not sure if you have a family history of eye disease make sure the doctor is aware of this. Above all don’t be afraid to ask questions no matter how small they seem. If the doctor doesn’t have time to answer your questions so you understand him- find one that will. Your Vision care should be your concern.

To watch an educational webinar on Keratoconus Treatments visit: www.FixesYourKC.com

As Many of us know Keratoconus affects the lives of several thousand patients each year. Keratoconus affects the lives of the patients suffering and the family of each patient. Insurance companies recognize cornea transplant as a treatment for Keratoconus. Many surgeons have realized that treatments such as INTACS and C3R provide little to no risk for complications and fast recovery. While insurance companies have started to pay for INTACS, they continue to deny C3R, which holds little if any complication.

While many attempts have been made in the past to create better treatment many are now looking at the possibility of a cure for Progressive Keratoconus and Corneal Ectasia. According to the National Keratoconus Foundation [NKCF] two FDA studies were started in January of 2008 to study the effectiveness of Corneal Collagen Crosslinking on patients with Progressive Keratoconus and Corneal Ectasia. These studies were to begin with 160 patients with Progressive Keratoconus and 160 patients with Corneal Ectaisia. The patients would be studied for 3-6 months and than be followed for an additional 12 months there after. A formal study is the first step to gaining insurance approval for payment.

Quote:

“We are extremely excited to begin clinical trials on Cross Linking. It maybe a way to cure a disease that has no current  treatment and accounts for 15% of transplants preformed in the United States. “

Says:  Principal Investor-

While the study is winding down, and we should see the difference in the report. Many can already tell you of the benefits of Corneal Collagen Cross with Riboflavin. The results have been positive the little to no side effects or complications. Most who have use the treatment reported noticeable changes in at least 48 hours and the most substantial change within the last 2 weeks.

Progressive Keratoconus thins the corneal walls causing irregular changes in the shape of the cornea and distorts your vision. The C3R treatment stregthens the fibers of the Cornea walls restoring the natural shape. The treatment is non-invasive unlike the Cornea Transplant that were the primary treatment for Progressive Keratoconus. The treatment can be preformed in the doctors’ office within 30 minutes-the procedure is comfortable and even better no reduction in activity is necessary.

Progressive Keratoconus patients now have new hope. Many doctors are looking at this for a possible “cure” for these debilitating diseases. Early detection is the key to reduced complications. Below are a few symptoms of Progressive Keratoconus. If you have any of these symptoms consult your physician early.

Progressive Keratoconus Symptoms:

High Astigmatism

Increased Astigmatism

Headaches [Due to eye strain]

Disturbed night vision

Sensitivity to Light

Blurred Vision

To Watch a free educational video on treatments for Keratoconus visit: www.FixesYourKC.com

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This year in January Steve Holcomb had undergone a vision correction treatment that restored is vision. With his uncanny talent in bobsledding few knew of the troubles Steve suffered out there on the track. However his sight had become such a problem the extraordinarily talented athlete thought of throwing in the towel and retiring. In one last effort to help himself a few organizations pitched in an assisted the athlete in getting the experimental procedures done. His response to the procedures?

Quote from USA Today:

“I could instantly see clearly. It’s an amazing feeling”

- Says a pleased Steve Holcomb

Now with the 2010 Olympic Games coming up the athlete is back and stronger than ever. Holcomb entered the Bobsled World Championships on Friday in New York. His vision is almost perfect a far cry from his vision early last year at 20/1000 which for those of you that don’t know is quite poor -noted by doctors as profoundly poor in fact.

In further quotes Steve Holcomb states:

“Its life in high-definition”

His team was not aware of how bad Holcomb’s vision was until recently but says that he worked more off instinct than vision anyway. And Steve is more confident and amped about his vision than ever, no longer worrying about the constant hassle of his contacts and view life in a whole new way…as for the 2010 Olympics will just have to wait and see!

Read the USA Today Article:  http://www.boxerwachler.com/usatoday/index.htm

Watch a Free educational video on treatments for Keratoconus by visiting: www.FixesYourKC.com

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Genetics

The frequency of keratoconus in first degree relatives having the disease is much higher than the general population. Keratoconus can also be associated with other systemic syndromes such as Down’s syndrome.

The good news is that keratoconus is often not passed to children. If you have or may have children in the future, it’s only a 6% likelihood that any of your children will inherit keratoconus.

It makes sense to have your children have a baseline corneal topography between ages of 8-10 years old and have a topography every year. The subsequent topography maps can be compared to the first one to catch keratoconus early if it will be occurring. Early keratoconus can easily be “nipped in the bud” with a C3-R® treatment before it gets worse.

Quote:

“It seems that both environment and genetics play a role in Keratoconus”

-Says Dr. Brian S. Boxer Wachler, MD.

Free Radicals

All corneas, like any tissues in the body, create harmful byproducts (free radicals) of cell metabolism (metabolism is a fancy word for the activities of the cell required for it to live and do it’s thing). These byproducts are similar to a car’s exhaust that results from the car being driven. Normal corneas, like any other body tissue, have a defense system in place to neutralize the free radicals so they don’t damage the collagen.

The collagen is the equivalent of steel beams that support a building. Damage to those beams causes the building to tilt, just like damage to the collagen causes the cornea to bulge. Think of those free radicals as attacking your collagen fibers in the cornea, trying to thin it and weaken it.

The problem with keratoconus is that anti-free radical system in the cornea (called anti-oxidants) are not properly working, so the free radicals are allowed to overwhelm and wreak havoc on the collagen fibers. They bombard the cornea like mortar fire blasting into a brick wall. The free radicals damage the cornea, thin it, and ultimately allow it to bulge and steepen out. This is how your vision got worse from keratoconus.

Watch a FREE educational webinar about treatments for keratoconus: www.FixesYourKC.com

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