We all have problems dealing with loss of vision and when we hear big words like “Keratoconus” we definitely struggle with questions. Looking for a way to get rid of it. We often struggle with questions like “What happens now?” “How will this effect my life” “Will I go blind?”

While those are all understandable questions first it is important that you understand what “Keratoconus” is and how it is treated. Keratoconus is a non-inflammatory eye condition which is often progressive. Keratoconus is a thinning of the cornea which causes many disturbances in the eyes creating vision changes.

Keratoconus affects each patient differently. About 2 out of every 100,000 patients suffer from Keratoconus. Treatment of Keratoconus depends on the stage the condition is in as well as the patient. Also it can affect one or both eyes. Your Eye doctor will help determine your stage and help you go over your treatment process. Many times Keratoconus can be treated with glasses and contacts.

Treatment Options for Keratoconus-

Keratoconus is treated many ways and just because you have been diagnosed doesn’t mean drastic measure need to be taken. Since it is progressive you should explore all options. This will keep you educated and you can ask any questions you have about them to your doctor.

RGP-

Rigid Gas Permeable lenses- or (RGP) are sometime used in the early to mild stages of Keratoconus. Quite often with Keratoconus soft contact lenses are not enough. The doctor can prescribe some hard prescription lenses to help you with your vision. However as the disease progresses you will need to change them or look into more options.

C3-R-

This is a 30 minute procedure performed in the doctors office. The procedure involves applying a special solution to the eye that is activated by a light. This procedure stops the disease from progressing so you can remain comfortable in your contact lenses or glasses.

INTACS-

Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments- Referred to as (INTACS) are used quite frequently. They are an insertable contact that require less maintenance then RGP’s. INTACS also allow you to change your prescription as changes occur. They don’t create a lot of discomfort. The INTACS are placed behind the nerve so you don’t feel them. More people today are turning to INTACS as an option for treatment when they are no longer comfortable RGP’s or they have decreased quality of vision in their RGPS-

Corneal Transplants-

Corneal transplants are used for people with severe vision loss due to scarring. As well as progressive peripheral thinning. These conditions do occur in patients with Keratoconus but the doctor will discuss this option after all other options have been explored. As with all surgery there are risks of complications and rejection but modern medicine has improved. So it is much safer and done more routinely today.

The treatments for Keratoconus will be explained by your doctor and all you questions will be addressed. Learn, listen and if you are uncomfortable ask questions!

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.

The eyes are a complex organ with all its layers and parts having an examination regularly is important. However knowing the signs of serious eye conditions can help it be detected and treated early. Keratoconus is a progressive eye disorder. It changes the shape of the cornea and damages the vision severely if not treated.

Below are some signs of Keratoconus:

There are many ways to tell if your eyes are in distress. It is important to see an eye doctor as soon as these signs make themselves apparent. Below are a few signs to look for:

•  Itchy eyes
• Poor vision at night
• Sensitivity to light
•  Blurred vision with new glasses or contacts
•  Ghost images
• Difficulty seeing far away
•  Flares and streaks around light
• Eye strain

Keratoconus doesn’t usually cause pain so you should be getting regular checkups. There are several symptoms related to keratoconus so you should consult your eye doctor at the first sign of symptoms, so treatment can be determined and started.

Treatment for Keratoconus:

After you have been diagnosed with keratoconus there are many treatment options that can relieve the symptoms you and your doctor can discuss. Typically in the early stages glasses are worn to help improve the patients vision. However as the disease worsens the use of glasses to correct vision isn’t enough. At that stage it is usually recommended use of special contact lenses.

The special contact lenses will help smooth out the cornea so vision can improve. This is done when the tear fluid fills gaps that keratoconus causes, between the cornea and the lens. If the lenses are not properly removed and replaced they can create more damage to the cornea and hinder the vision more. Once contact lens become uncomfortable for patients many option for corneal implants (INTACS) surgery or insertable contact lenses surgery. Many patients prefer the insertable contact lens and they require less care and are easier to maintain. A new procedure C3-R (Corneal Collagen Crosslinking)which involves one at a time application of a special solution to the eye, supervised by an eye doctor, is showing promise on stopping the progression of the disease. Many patients are apt to have this treatment to avoid the need for surgery and stop the loss of vision.

Lasting Effects of Keratoconus:

Diagnoses of the disease is usually in adolescents however it seems to worsen the most in the 20’s and 30’s. Keratoconus is unpredictable and can vary from patient to patient. How fast or slow the disease progresses will depend on the patient. When the disease progresses to both eyes it is difficult for the patient to live normally. It is harder for the patient to drive or even read. The implants are a good relief at this stage, in some severe cases a cornea transplant is needed to relieve the patient. Though this condition is a serious disease if you are seen regularly the disease can be managed and treated. If left untreated it can severely impair your vision. Seek a doctor immediately if you feel you may suffer from this condition, and protect your sight!

Corneal Transplants are some of the most common transplants in the United States. There are annually over 40,000 transplants being preformed around the US. Over 90% of all transplants done are successful and after the procedure sight is restored. Corneal Transplants are known as Keratoplasty. There are many reasons why one would need a corneal transplant below are a few common ones:

• Keratoconus

• Fuchs Dystrophy

These can cause cloudiness in the cornea and it often alters the natural curvature of the cornea. They also reduce the quality of vision in the patient. Additionally these are a few other things to add to the need for corneal transplants:

•  Trauma

• Chemical Burns

• Bacteria

• Fungi and Protozoa

Many times use of local anesthesia is used. With local anesthesia the patient is numb around the area of the procedure however they are still away. Additionally one could also use general anesthesia and be unconscious during the procedure. Consult with your eye doctor to determine which way is best for you.

It is also very important that you speak with your physician on the risks of the corneal implant as well as the benefits. Many times if we hear enough good things and not the bad things we can convince ourselves that the procedure is right. However the decisions should be made only after knowing all the options and risks involved with the corneal implants. A few of the risks are:

•  Infections

• Cataract Formation

• Glaucoma

• Retinal detachment

• Rejection and need for another transplant

In rejection of the corneal transplants the immune systems fights off the donor tissue. Approximately 30% of corneal transplants result in rejections. Here are a few of the symptoms to look for after a corneal transplant to show the body maybe rejecting it:

•  Sensitivity to light

• Redness in eyes

• Change in vision

• Persistent or constant discomfort in the eyes

You should check with your eye doctor if you are having any of these symptoms or have any questions proceeding your corneal transplant. In the end the average corneal transplant is successful and a better quality of life is experienced because of it!

Many of the worlds population have concerns when it comes to eye surgery even eye appointments. Hearing that you will have to decide on Lasik eye surgery is no different. There are many things to be considered for Lasik eye surgery or any other form of surgery before having it done. Today we are going to discuss things to remember before the Lasik eye surgery and what things to speak with you doctor about before proceeding.

Before the Procedure-

Before a decision is made your doctor must perform a basic evaluation. This will determine if any other treatment can be done and if you are a good candidate for the procedure. As with all procedures they take into consideration your current health and any other conditions you might have like: if you have high blood pressure or are diabetic, etc.. Once they have completed the basic initial evaluation and determine you are a good candidate there are a few things you will need to do to prepare you for the Lasik eye surgery. Below are a list of things to do and look for:

If you wear contact lenses you should:

Stop wearing them before the procedure-

SCL or Soft Contact lenses- 3 days before

TSI or Toric Soft Lenses- 3 days before

RGP or Rigid Gas Permeable -3 weeks before

Hard lenses – 34 weeks before

The day before the procedure you should:

Stop using-

Lotions

Creams

Perfumes

Makeup

The reasons for this is because they are not safe by your face during the procedure. The doctor can explain why to you during your appointment. Also make sure you tell the doctor about any medications you are taking. This includes any over-the-counter medication or nutritional supplements you are on. Make sure you tell the doctor all of the allergies you have to medication and any past or present conditions you suffer from.

The doctor can explain all the risks involved with the Lasik eye surgery as well as the benefits. Don’t be afraid to voice your concerns with them at that time. Ease your mind and learn as much as you can. You doctor can only assist you if they know what your concerns are. There are many good Lasik Surgeons in Los Angeles and across the US. To look up a great surgeon near you look up Lasik Los Angeles and help your self to a better way of life.

 The eye is difficult to understand and quite often when things go wrong with our eyes we feel afraid and become obsessively worried about our vision. The thought of losing our sight is a very disturbing thought for many but learning as much as we can and asking questions when we speak to our doctors is the best way to handle the situation.

When we are diagnosed with diseases like Keratoconus we often get worried because we read and hear things like corneal transplants and surgery. But this doesn’t mean that we will necessarily need that. There are always new treatments becoming available. C3-R (Collagen Cross-linking) is an excellent way to improve Keratoconus.

The treatment is done in about 30 minutes. Riboflavin drops are placed in the eyes and an ultraviolet light is shined over the eyes. This is documented to strengthen the cornea and collagen in the cornea.

Another treatment for Keratoconus is Intacs. They are very small plastic rings that are placed at the edge of the cornea. There is no removal of tissue and it can be done relatively smoothly and after follow up visits for healing and evaluation of the vision improvements they don’t require maintenance. The Intacs are proven to reduce the damage done by Keratoconus. C3-R as well as additional use of Intacs can improve your chances of saving your cornea. Talking to your eye doctor on benefits as well as risk factors should be considered before undergoing any procedure.

If you are like the majority of the population you have problems dealing with conditions surrounding your eyes. The thought of eye surgery or cornea implants may not initially sit real well with you. The truth is the treatments and eye surgeries that are used today are much more advanced than they were even 10 years ago. Finding more and more efficient and less invasive procedures to help those with the unfortunate luck of contracting these uncomfortable and vision-deteriorating conditions.

There are many symptoms to let you know you are experiencing problems with your cornea. If you are experiencing issues with your cornea here are some common symptoms to let you know if it should be checked by your eye doctor:

• Vision Distortion
• Loss of Vision
• Pain
• Tearing
• Redness in your eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Corneal Scarring

If the eyes are not taken care of we can face many progressive conditions that can lead to complete loss of vision. Understanding that not all eye conditions require eye surgery or cornea implants is the most important thing. There are some things that only require antibiotics or ointment as a treatment. So it is important not to come to any conclusions until the condition is explained to you by your eye doctor.

Keratitis-

Keratitis occurs after an eye injury causing inflammation or an ulceration of the cornea when the microorganisms enter the cornea.

There are a few common symptoms of Keratitis:

• Pain
• Vision Problems
• Discharge

Though Keratitis sounds serious and if untreated can get bad- the usual treatment for this condition is antibiotic eye drops.

There are some more sever eye conditions like Cornea Dystrophies: a couple are:

Keratoconus-

This condition is caused by the thinning of the cornea and causes the cornea to change shape. Keratoconus leads to significant vision distortions in patients and can greatly affect their ability to live life to its fullest. It can start at adolescence. Keratoconus can cause:

• Vision Distortions
• Scarring of the Cornea
• Swelling
• Vision Loss
• Depression

Sometimes, Keratoconus is associated with Down’s Syndrome, Addison’s Disease, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and some eye diseases like: Retintis Pigmentosa, and Vernal Keratoconjuctivitis. The treatments of this condition includes: Intacs, C3-R, CK, and Visian ICL. The disease is progressive and for a while can be treated with glasses or soft contacts but will lead to special contacts called “Rigid gas permeable contact lenses” unless early prevention occurs.

Fuchs Dystrophy-

This is a gradual deterioration of the endothelial cells which can break down for no reason. Some treatments include soft contacts, ointments, and cornea transplants.

Though we are not always comfortable with going to the eye doctor; going early enough can prevent serious damage to your eyes. Remembering that eye surgery is improving and our technology is growing more each year. The surgeries of today are much less invasive and without them a large part of our population would suffer greatly. The truth about eye surgery? We need it!