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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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.

Intacs provide a safe and non-invasive treatment for Keratoconus. While many keratoconus patients suffer with the need for RGP or Rigid Gas Permeable Lens they are often uncomfortable and have to be changed regularly. The use of Intacs provided the patient with a option they won’t feel and gives them the option of using soft lenses. For most patients with Keratoconus this is a great relief to the options they are using now. The Intacs are not irritating and they require no additional maintenance.

Intacs are tiny segments that are placed under the patients cornea. The procedure only takes around 10 minutes and provides almost immediate improvement. Glasses or soft contact lens are likely required after the procedure but there is a great improvement in the patients vision. For patients with mild keratoconus the results can give them improvement without use of corrective lens, or contacts after the procedure. The first Intacs reported world wide was by Dr. Joseph Colin MD. From France in 1999.

Keratoconus is a disturbing condition that continues progression of vision loss in the patients who suffer with it. For many years doctors have been trying to improve the vision of those suffering from Keratoconus. Recently Dr. Boxer Wachler has used the option of Intacs with C3-R® to improve the vision of his patients.

The C3-R® gives added strength to the cornea stopping the progression of Keratoconus and reversing the effects. While the Intacs improve the vision that has already been damaged. This method has been proven effective and safe for many patients. The long term effects show great improvement and add to the options of those suffering from Keratoconus and Keratoectasia. C3-R® or Corneal Collagen Crosslinking with Riboflavin is the application of a treatment called Riboflavin to the cornea. The medicine penetrates the cornea and strengthens the collagen fibers inside the cornea. The treatment takes about 30 minutes and is usually preformed after the Intac procedure to give better results.

Below are some signs of Keratoconus:

Multiple images-”Seeing Double”

Excessive eye rubbing

Sensitivity to Light

Seeing halos

Claims of “itchy eyes”

Keratoconus is common in ages 16-25 and develops in both eyes however it occurs in one eye first. The diagnosis of keratoconus is usually after both eyes are effected because it is not usually found until than.

Keratoectasia is a diagnosis of Keratoconus after Lasik surgery. Many times patients are improperly evaluated before Lasik and develop Keratoectasia after the procedure. For more information on Keratoconus causes, signs and treatment options visit: www.keratoconusinserts.com

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.

The treatment of C3-R® or Corneal Collagen Crosslinking with Riboflavin is a common practice. While there are several doctors that perform such a procedure not all of them believe that it can be done with the epithelium intact. However when the epi is removed it can cause pain and damage to the patient that may just very well be unnecessary.

The procedure -

Corneal Collagen Crosslinking with Riboflavin or also known as C3-R® is a procedure that involves using Riboflavin or Vitamin B2 to strengthen the corneal stroma in patients with Keratoconus, Corneal Ectasia, post-RK and some irregular progressing astigmatism. The procedure generally takes about 30 minutes. The doctor sometimes removes the Epithelium to help the drops get through to the stroma. Then a UV light is placed over the eye for around 30 minutes to activate the drops for effectiveness.

The Conflict-

Eberhard Spoerl Ph.D, From the University Eye Clinic of Dresden in Germany and Theo Silverman MD, at the Institute for Refractive and Ophthalmic Surgery in Switzerland have made a large impact on the procedure allowing it to gain Scientific research and studies. Their procedure involves what is called Epi-Off, this is when the Epithelium is removed to gain access to the corneal stroma. However Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler prefers to do the surgery free of removing the Epithelium giving the patient less pain hence the conflict. Dr. Boxer Wachler’s technique involves disrupting the epithelium and pre-soaking the cornea for 5 minutes to allow penetration of the Riboflavin to the stroma prior to applying the UV light to activate the Riboflavin. Some doctors say that the procedure without removal of the Epithelium is not as effective. However studies have shown that after 30 minutes the drops have fully absorbed and are activated by the UV light with the epithelium still attached. Dr. Boxer Wachler has been successfully treating patients with the Epi-on technique since 2004. 98% of patient’s have needed on treatment and have had stabilization of the cornea with his Epi-on technique.

Quote:

“ When we and others have analyzed Epi-on vs. Epi-off C3-R® results, there was no difference. It’s no necessary to remove the epithelium if the doctor uses the technique of allowing the Riboflavin solution to penetrate through intact, but loosen the epithelium.” says Dr. Boxer Wachler.

The epi-on procedure allows the patient less discomfort afterwards, as well as avoids the scaring or hazed risk and the need for steroid drops after the procedure. It doesn’t cause the side effects that the epi-off procedure does. Although there are still studies being conducted on this procedure it have been very effective in the Boxer Wachler Eye Institute. Just as Dr. Pinelli of the Italian Refractive Surgery Society or(SICR) who has visited the Boxer Wachler Eye Institute. He viewed the Epi-on procedure and preformed his first procedure on January 12th 2006. After his successful completion he has conducted multi-studies on the effectiveness of the Epi-on versus the epi-off procedure of the C3-R®.

Over the years Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler has continued to perform the epi-on versus the epi-off as he has made an oath to give is patients the best care possible and do no harm. He believes the Epi-off procedure could do harm by unnecessarily increasing the risk of scarring. To read more on the epi-on procedure visit: http://www.keratoconusinserts.com.

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. Talk to your ophthalmologist for further details or visit: www.kertaconusinserts.com

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.keratoconus.org

www.kcsupport.org

KC Support- Gives assistance to patients with keratoconus

www.nkcf.org

National Keratoconus Foundation- 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!