Many of us argue with ourselves on having procedures done to our eyes. Quite frankly the thought of getting surgery of any kind on our eyes does not sound so appealing. But the truth of the matter is over the course of the last 20 years many advancements in technologies have allowed vision correction procedures to be minimal to non-invasive and take little to no time to heal. This means not only will you receive the benefits but in most cases it won’t interfere with your daily schedule- and who could ask for anything better than that.

David Bonifanti can tell you from his experience that the Visian ICL is worth all the risk. He studied and researched these procedures for 15 years before meeting Dr. Boxer Wachler.

He said:

“I researched this doctor for a long time and I was comfortable with Dr. Boxer Wachler.”

He knew Dr. Boxer Wachler for about 4 to 5 years before he decided to get the treatment of the Visian ICL. Though the doctor knew of its benefits he understood David’s concern and respected his choice to wait.

In fact David liked his results so much after three months he had to tell his story.

Dr. Boxer Wachler still says:

Quote:

“Visian ICL can correct vision better than glasses and contact lens.”

The Visian ICL:

The Visian ICL is a small implant that is placed behind the iris. The lens will fold out after it is placed in position. The overall procedure takes between 15 and 30 minutes. The patient is given numbing medications and there is no pain during the procedure.

To find out more about the Visian ICL procedure visit: http://www.iclinformation.com

To view a free webinar visit: http://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

Cataracts is a hereditary progressive condition that here in the US is often treated before the patient loses most of their vision. Most patients will develop Cataracts sometime between the ages of 55-70. A Cataract is a cloudy area of the lens that blocks light from getting through to the retina.

It is progressive because as the lens goes untreated the cloud continues to grow creating many problems in vision. There are treatments in the US that allow the patients lens to be replaced to restore their vision. In the US insurance will cover 50-80% of the cost of the procedure. However in many third world countries they simply can not afford the common procedure.

Recently Noor Dubai- a non-profit charity incentive that treats low vision and curable forms of blindness treated over 30,000 patients of all ages in Sudan and Dubai.

Quote:

“Noor Dubai has succeeded in dealing with critical humanitarian concerns of people of all ages who are unable to get the right treatments. The Noor Dubai Surgical team worked two six hour shifts every day completing an average of 400 successful surgeries daily.”

- said Quadhi Saeed Al Murooshid- CEO of Noor Dubai and Director General of the Dubai Health Authority.

This awesome initiative have created Free Cataracts Camps for patients with little to no money the ability to acquire good and accurate health care freeing them of the terrible complications that had caused them great damage to their vision.

Stats:

26,000 treated with medication and glasses
3,200 identified for surgery

There are 400,000 new cases diagnosed in the US every year. Cataracts are a growing concern and early detection and treatment can improve many lives by restoring vision.

Learn about Advanced Cataract Surgery:
www.boxerwachler.com/lasikspecialist/lasikprocedures/restor.html

Below are some common symptoms of Cataracts:

Fading colors
Cloudy or blurry vision
Difficulty driving into the sun
Poor night vision
Double vision- seeing more than one image in the eye
Frequent changes in the prescription

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

The basis for Natural Lens Replacement dates back over 100 years with the condition called cataracts. A cataract is when the biological lens becomes cloudy, blurs vision, and leads to difficulty driving at night, seeing glare off of lights and making it hard to read. As a result of cataracts, people altered their lifestyle and had to wait until the cataracts became quite advanced before having them fixed.

When the cataracts became “bad enough”, cataract surgery was performed to restore eyesight. During the cataract procedure, the cloudy biological lens was removed from the eye and a lens implant was put in its place. Very basic lens implants were used to correct distance vision when the cataracts were removed. While back then this was a major advance. These days this procedure is now considered a bit archaic because it corrects for only distance vision - patients still needed to wear reading glasses or bifocals afterwards nearly full time.

The lens implant technology is now very advanced - these sophisticated “premium” lens implants can correct both distance and reading vision. These lens implants are precision-engineered to exact specifications. This has revolutionized the use of lens implants. Natural Lens Replacement is the use of these premium lens implants to correct distance and reading vision which can provide tremendous freedom from the “crutches” of glasses. Natural Lens Replacement has been a boon for patients with cataracts since eye surgeons now routinely use them to correct cataracts and also fix reading vision. Since the Natural Lens Replacement technology is advanced, people with early cataracts are being proactive to have their cataracts fixed along with their distance and reading vision. Your parents’ generation typically had to wait until their cataracts got so bad that they had trouble driving and doing other activities before the cataracts could be repaired. A version of Len Augmentation can be used to cure patients with cataracts, even early cataracts.  No more are the days of waiting until the cataracts get so bad that it makes driving and other activities difficult.  Natural Lens Replacement fixes the early cataracts so they will never get worse and you will never have to worry about that happening to you. This will guarantee those cataracts never occur again.  Imagine how powerful that is never to have to worry about decreased vision again.

Request a free report:  http://www.boxerwachler.com/lasikspecialist/lasikprocedures/restor.html

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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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