Understanding that Keratoconus is a progressive disease and causes stress on the patients should be important to your health care provider. The use of our vision is something we often take for granted until something like this happens. Although we learn the signs, symptoms, and treatment for Keratoconus the medical side of the disease is not the only area we need to manage.

As human beings we are emotional. Our feelings and emotions can play a big part, especially if the disease progresses and how we take care of our disease. Learning to cope with Keratoconus and not let it break us down in our daily life is equally important. We need to know how this can effect us at home and where to look for help.

Below are a few tips to help keep you focused and cope:

Tip 1: Remember we are not alone- There are several places that provide support Online and off to Keratoconus patients. The Keratoconusinserts.com is a great resource for ways to fix Keratoconus. The National Keratoconus Foundation provides lots of support and information on this disease. Also the Global Keratoconus Foundation provides support groups and activities to help Keratoconus patients. Turning to family and friends to support you and talk to you also helps relief the stress of this progressive disease.

Tip 2: Enjoy yourself- Spend some time pampering yourself. Doing the things you enjoy doing. If you aren’t as able to do the things you have always done…remember you can always try some new ones. Finding activities to occupy your time will help you focus on the happy times and deal with your situation with a clear mind….remember you must not dwell on what can’t be changed.

Tip 3: Participate in your treatment- One thing we take for granted is that we can be our own advocate. You can learn more about your options, ask questions, and decide who your doctor is going to be. The important thing is to make sure you are comfortable with them. That they have your best intentions at heart.

Know that you are not alone. That there is help for you and others going through the same things you are. Reach out for them…share your experiences you maybe able to ease someone else’s pain while you are at it. Keratoconus is progressive but there is help and remember to take it one day at a time!

Corneal Collagen Crosslinking with Riboflavin or (C3-R) is a relatively new treatment. In past decades surgeons would have to perform a corneal transplant to improve the vision of Keratoconus patients. Now they have developed a new treatment that helps strengthen the cornea and stop the damage that Keratoconus patients could suffer from this progressive disease.

The Treatment Application-

C3-R is directed under the epithelial cell layer. Located on the surface of the cornea. The surgeon will apply anesthesia drops on the surface of the eye. Then disrupt the epithelial cell layer. So the Riboflavin eye drops will penetrate the stromal portion of the cornea, which is the layer under the epithelium. The Riboflavin drops are then placed on the surface of the cornea.

A small UVA light is shone over the eye for about 30 minutes to activate the solution. The procedure is relatively comfortable if the epithelium layer is only disrupted rather than removed. Some surgeons removed the layer, which makes the first week of the procedure uncomfortable. Be sure to check with your doctor to see if they perform the epi-on or epi-off technique.

There are several benefits of Corneal Collagen Crosslinking below are a few:

Strengthens the cornea with less evasive procedures- The solution will improve the strength of the cornea over 3-6 months after treatment. It only requires a one time application. And there are less risks associated with C3-R as appose to corneal transplant.

Can be combined with INTACS to reverse damage to the cornea- C3-R treatment can be mixed with INTACS reduce the cone shape of the cornea. After the 3 year follow up doctors found that it stopped the increase of cornea curvature values and flattened the mean cone.

C3-R Stabilizes Progressive Ectasia- C3-R can give some relief from Progressive Ectasia. It has been proven to stabilize progressive Ectasia. While it is not a complete cure there are high hopes for further treatments of Ectasia.

The benefits of C3-R many. Surgeons are further studying and researching C3-R and INTACS. Without question medical sciences are growing rapidly. And each day we are improving the treatments for Keratoconus and other troubling diseases. There is no need to suffer with Keratoconus. Patients now have a wide array of treatments to help them with the progression of this condition.

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!

Many thousands of people have been receiving the simple outpatient surgery of Corneal implants. Though it is not a complex procedure you should still know how to prepare and what to expect after its over. After reading this overview you will have all the knowledge you need and know what to expect after the procedure has been completed.

Preparing-An eye examination is important to determine the health of your eyes. Not all candidates are suitable for the procedure. The doctor will let you know if he finds any problems. The doctor will also get a general medical history and take various ophthalmic tests. It can take up to two hours to complete the examination.

The Procedure-

When you are determined a good candidate for the procedure the doctor will set up you surgery date. You will have the opportunity then to ask him any questions you may have and he/she will explain the procedure to you.

The doctor will place some drops in your eye with anesthetic in them in order to numb your eye. They may implement a device to hold your eye open or have an assistant to help them with this. Your eye must remain open and you don’t blink during the procedure.

A small entry point will be placed on the surface of your cornea. Then they will prepare to place the Intacs implants. The doctor must stabilize your eye and align the eye, this could take 1-2 minutes. Use of additional delicate instruments will help them stabilize the eye.

The doctor will then create a small tunnel within the cornea which will hold the implants. However before he/she can make the tunnels he must determine the proper placing for the implants. There are many layers to the eye and it can take a minute to get the proper location. After the implants are placed, the doctor will close up the entry point. You will probably notice improved vision as soon as the next day for nearsighted patients and in two weeks for keratoconus patients.

Expectations after The Procedure-

There is little recovery time when having this procedure. After the procedure it is best to rest, however you probably will not feel any real discomfort, most people have no pain throughout the complete procedure. Most people don’t feel the Intacs because they are placed beneath the nerves in the cornea. Most people see improvement in their sight immediately however others can take a couple of weeks. The overall percentage of nearsighted patients experience “excellent” vision after this procedure without the need for glasses or contacts. Keratoconus patients notice a quality of improvement of vision with new glasses or contacts after this procedure.

Being diagnosed with Keratoconus is a hard thing. Learning what comes next in the process is most important. There are several tests that will be preformed on you to determine the condition of your cornea. This is one of the steps to determining how your doctor will treat your Keratoconus.

Slit-Lamp-

When you doctor is examining you he will want to look closer into you cornea. When he does this he will use a keratoscope. This device will help him see the surface of your cornea. It is not invasive and it will give him a better idea of the damage to your cornea.

Corneal Topography-

This instrument will give him more accurate details of the damaged area by looking at the cornea’s pattern. It analyzes the cornea’s topography and projects a digital image. The doctor can see the damage or scarring on the cornea and it can let the doctor see just how fast the disease is progressing.

Staging Keratoconus-

There are three levels of severity when it comes to Keratoconus. The doctor can use his topography and determine with close certainty how severe the disease is. Below are a few ways to tell:

Testing Steepness of greatest Curvature

40-45D is mild

52 D is considered advance

Above 52D is severe

Thickness of the Cornea

Mild- 506

Advanced- Less than 446

Morphology of the Cone-

If the cone is sagging it too is an indicator of the advancing of the disease.

Since the use of Corneal Topography we have not used the terms advanced and severe as we used to. However the image that they provide will help you doctor determine the next course of action. Making sure you ask questions and understand what is going on every step of the way will ensure a greater chance of full recovery. Trust your doctor and let him know you concerns I am sure he will listen!

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.