Live Your Life to its Fullest

465 N. Roxbury Dr. Suite 902, Beverly Hills, CA. 90210
Phone: 310.594.5209

Beverly Hills Keratoconus, LASIK, ICL, Cataract Specialist
Procedures How to find us? Patient Stories Media Stories Olympics Is It Safe? Meet Dr.Brian Blog Charity

Posts Tagged ‘Intacs’

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

Alternative Treatment Options for Keratoconus Patients

Tuesday, March 24th, 2009

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

Now you can follow us on Facebook and Twitter:
www.boxerwachler.com/facebook
https://twitter.com/DrBoxerWachler

INTACS and C3R: Alternative Treatments for Keratoconus Patients

Wednesday, March 11th, 2009

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

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

True Testimonials: Meeting Lynn

Tuesday, August 12th, 2008

The importance of vision correction to many is a important issue. Many however value greatly the precious vision they have and understand there is often risk associated with making some improvements. That is why Lynn Murphy decided to delay her procedure by a few years. Although Lynn has had issues with her vision since grade school she often worried about the advancement of the vision correction procedures like most patients do.

This created a delay in her care. Unfortunately this is often a common story. When she was interested in looking into the procedures she consulted her physician on the best surgeon to undergo the treatment. That is when Boxer Wachler Vision Institute took hold.

Lynn’s treatment went well. Correcting her 20/200 vision too 20/20 in one eye and the use of mere reading glasses for endeavors of the other. She was very pleased with the outcome and was able to see almost immediately. The truth is many Lasik procedures are shied away from simply because the patient is misinformed of the proper procedure for them. It is important that you ensure you have a good surgeon, a thorough exam, and are a good candidate for the procedure before moving forward. This will help prevent any complications after the procedure.

Lynn Murphy is doing incredible now and enjoying her new found vision. She says that:

“It was absolutely one of the best things I ever did in my life” despite her former skepticism.

Stating that her only regret was not having it done soon! Another happy patient. Vision correction though scaring can be life changing for many. The staff at The Boxer Wachler Vision Institute are taking vision care one patient at a time.

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!

Keratoconus Evaluation and Confirmation

Friday, June 20th, 2008

There are several things you can do if you feel you are suffering from Keratoconus. The professionals will help not only evaluate your physical status but also take a thorough examination of your medical history.

The Visit:
When visiting the Ophthalmologist or Optometrist they will gather important medical and vision history. It is important to tell them everything you can about your history as well as family history. They will pay attention to your vision complaints to understand better what you have been going through. They will also ask you several questions about your history to try and determine if you have had an eye injury.

The Ophthalmologist or Optometrist will also give you tests to check your visual acuity. This means reading letters from an eye chart much like a general eye evaluation. It can also include measuring the curvature of the corneas using a topographer. Having an irregular curvature could mean possible Keratoconus.

Keratoconus Diagnosis:
Once you get to this point of the evaluation the doctor may conduct several tests to confirm the diagnosis. Retinoscopy is one test the doctor can preform to confirm Keratoconus. This would involve focusing a light beam on the retina. The Reflex or (Reflection) is observed. If there is a scissor reflex, more tests will be needed to confirm Keratoconus.

One additional test that is often performed is a cornea ultrasound(Pachymetry). This will measure the cornea thickness. A thin cornea can be a sign of Keratoconus.

Another test examines your cornea with a slit lamp(Microscope). More advanced cases can be determined right away with this test, because of the yellow-brown or olive-green rings or a (Fleischer ring)

Fleischer Ring-

Seen in 50% of patients with Keratoconus. Also caused by Iron Oxide Hemosiderin that is deposited in the Corneal Epithelium.

Vogt’s Striae- These are fine lines or (stress lines) caused by stretching and can be seen on the front of the cornea.

Munson’s Sign- is another give away of Keratoconus. This is a V-shaped indentation and sometimes seen in the lower eyelid when the sufferer moves their line of sight in the downward direction. Most signs are detected before this stage and is seldom used for diagnosing keratoconus.

It is important to get a definitive diagnosis for keratoconus. Many times it requires several tests to make an absolute confirmation. There are numerous other conditions that have similar symptoms of keratoconus. Make sure you are being seen by a specialist in diagnosis of keratoconus and ask questions if you do not understand your diagnosis. After all it is your health at stake.

True Testimonials: Meeting Margret

Thursday, June 19th, 2008
Our blog is designed not only to give you medical advice- and information on treating eye conditions but give you testimonials to what we are saying. The truth of the matter is that not only is it important for the surgeon to have knowledge of the treatments available but have first hand experience as well.

Though we have not walked a mile in your shoes there are certainly many who have. Meet Margret Puchjoe- Recently a patient at Boxer Wachler Vision Institute Margret has a real story to tell. Margret was treated with Lasik in 2002 on the East coast and experienced many complications. The surgeons treating her could not give her an accurate diagnosis and disturbingly enough would not answer her many questions.

She then followed up with 2 corrective procedures in the left eye and 1 in the right eye in a 6 month time span. After which her vision improved for some 4 years. Recently she has experienced some disturbing complications. She has had distorted vision- the inability to read comfortably or focus on an image. After exhausting all her possibilities on the East coast Margret found Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler.

*Quote-

Margret says: “ They got me in right away, I saw Dr. boxer Wachler on a Monday and he gave me options.”Margret has currently undergone C3R. Or Corneal Collagen Crosslinking with Riboflavin. This procedure involves the application of drops on the epithelium, The drops are then activated by exposure to UV lights for about 30 minutes. The procedure is virtually painless and can slow down or stop the progression of Keratoconus.

Margret is very pleased with her services and has hope for a great recovery. Although it will take a few months for the full effectiveness of the procedure to kick in she has a positive new light she didn’t have before. We will keep you updated on her progression.