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

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

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

Now you can follow us on Facebook and Twitter:

www.boxerwachler.com/facebook

https://twitter.com/DrBoxerWachler

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

Now you can follow us on Facebook and Twitter:

www.boxerwachler.com/facebook

https://twitter.com/DrBoxerWachler

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.

Collagen Crosslinking has been a bit of  a controversial topic in the world of eyes. In recent years Collagen Crosslinking has shown great results in patients with progressive keratoconus. Studies a bit older proclaimed the same as well hoping to do away with the hazards of Corneal transplantation. And the crosslinking treatment in progressive keratoconus patients is yielding positive results.

Remarkably the increase was 328.9% in patients with progressive keratoconus. The overall studies showed that all the patients tested had their progression stop. The Dresden Clinical study showed that in a 3 and 5 year study 31 patients improved with a slight reversal while others simply stopped progression.

The use of Collagen Crosslinking with photosensitzer Riboflavin and A ultraviolet light provides a less invasive way of treating keratoconus. Researchers feel positive that this will soon become a widely used treatment for Progressive Keratoconus. The Collagen Crosslinking was used on over 100 people at the Dresden Center in Germany two years ago. Confident they have proven their methods to be sound and positive they are working to make it a widely used practice.

Collagen crosslinking only takes a mere 30-45 minutes to perform and can be done in the clinic with little side effects or discomfort. The results increase in their effects over the following months improving sight in the patients. Very seldom do patients need a second dose. However in some extremely progressive keratoconus patients a second dose is needed to achieve optimal effectiveness.

Keratoconus can be a debilitating disease. However if caught early there is  hope. Here is a list of risk factors:

Down Syndrome

Family History

Wearing Hard contacts that don’t properly fit

Seasoned Allergies with eye rubbing history

Direct eye trauma injuries

Over the years researchers, and doctors continue to make breakthroughs in Keratoconus treatment. In the hope that one day we won’t need to worry about it anymore. Continue to strive in your daily life and keep your vision first.

To learn more and watch and education  vision on Keratoconus visit: www.FixesYourKC.com

Dmegs Web Directory

Conductive Keratoplasty is a procedure that uses a small probe to improve the overall shape of the cornea. Conductive Keratoplasty [CK] was first used to improve the vision of those with farsightedness and Presbyopia but is now effective in patients with Astigmatism. Astigmatism is a condition that not only effects adults but is also found in Children causing difficulty learning and concentration in school and in sports. Astigmatism most often causes images to appear doubled.

Conductive Keratoplasty is done with the use of a small probe to precisely direct radio frequency energy to the areas of the cornea that have irregularities. This will add heat to the specific area affected causing a shrinking effect curving those areas of the cornea. Immediate improvement is noted and the use of corneal topography mapping is used to ensure that the doctor gets the best results possible. If the doctor sees any other areas that may be improved they will return to that area for immediate additional improvement. The overall procedure commonly takes about 5 minutes.

There are two forms of Astigmatism. Corneal Astigmatism which is the irregularity of the cornea. And Lenticular Astigmatism which is the irregularity of the lens. In most cases of early astigmatism there are no underlying symptoms. However as it progresses you will often have the following symptoms:

Blurred Vision

Distortion

Headaches

Straining of eyes

Children often complain of disturbances in their vision as well as blurred vision. Regular check ups will help catch astigmatism early. There are several treatments for astigmatism in children and adults. If the Astigmatism is due to a condition called Keratoconus, CK can be combined with other treatments to help reduce the damaging affects of Keratoconus.

For more information on this CK for Keratoconus visit: www.keratoconusinserts.com

Catherine has struggled for many years with the deterioration of her vision. As most Keratoconus patients do she has had a number of different corrective eye wear including Hard contacts which are many times difficult to handle creating irritation to the eyes, pain and discomfort – to having soft contacts that still don’t provide her with adequate vision.

Catherine started wearing the Hard contacts as a teen has suffered still with the problems of vision disturbances. Her Keratoconus had created a haze over things she saw making it difficult to see clear enough to make turns and walk down and up stairways while walking. Sometimes getting help with walking from her teenage children.

Catherine has gone to several ophthalmologists over the years. Receiving the same answer “We don’t know how to improve your vision.” Some requested she get a cornea transplant that even see considered but doctors were hesitant to perform. Recently Catherine did a search on treatments for Keratoconus and found Dr. Boxer Wachler.

She discovered that there were treatments that could help her with her severe nearsightedness and progressive Keratoconus. She immediately had an evaluation. Dr. Boxer Wachler performed 3 Treatments on Catherine’s eyes giving her remarkable results. In just 24 hours she stated:

Quote:

“For the first time in my life ever I can see things Clear”

Catherine is walking down the stairs without fear of falling, bending corners, and has the freedom of living a normal life again. Although see still wears glasses Catherine is very grateful for the procedures she received and to Dr. Boxer Wachler who gave her what see always dreamed…vision.

The procedures performed on Catherine where Intacs, C3-R®, and CK. These procedures can stop the progression of Keratoconus and help reverse the damage of Keratoconus on the eyes. Catherine had severe damage to her eyes so she still will need corrective lenses but her vision has improved drastically. The procedure affects each patient differently depending on the severity of the Keratoconus.

Below is a overview of the procedures performed on Catherine Bally:

INTACS: Are a small inserts placed in the eye which helps reduce the very steep cone area in patients with Keratoconus; it can have an added benefit of correcting some of the prescription. Intacs are minimally invasive you don’t feel them. INTACS don’t require maintenance and are relatively easy for the patient.

C3-R®: Is a treatment used to strengthen the fibers of the cornea and to stop the damage of Keratoconus. The procedure takes about 30 minutes to perform and 2-4 months to get full results.

CK: Uses a probe to add high radio frequency to the cornea. This causes the cornea to shrink. Changing its shape and correcting the cornea. It is often used on patients with Keratoconus to fix Astigmatism.

If you want to learn more about these procedures and other treatments available for Keratoconus visit www.keratoconusinserts.com or www.boxerwachler.com

For years researchers and Doctors have been looking for effective ways to treat patients with keratoconus. In the past the options were very slim with little hope for reversals or healing the corneas. Often patients had to receive corneal transplants to get relief from diseases like Keratoconus. However now they are finding new and less invasive ways to correct the progression of keratoconus.

Keratoconus is caused by free radicals which invade the eye and create a reactive species which break down and cause weakness. The weakness causes the cornea to herniate causing keratoconus. The progression is not over night but over years and the effects of keratoconus can be debilitating for the patient leading to blindness. In the beginning of the disease there are little symptoms and patients often overlook a problem. The condition often strikes one eye first later spreading to the second eye by the time a problem is detected.

Now there is a treatment called C3-R® which can strengthen the cornea in the places that are weakened and give the reverse effect of the damage done by keratoconus. The treatment is relatively easy with only 30 minutes to apply and the cornea is strengthened over the next 2-4 months. Many patients only need one application, while more severe cases may require two.

The use of C3-R® or Corneal Collagen Crosslinking with Riboflavin has been very effective in recent years and can give tremendous improvement to the patients vision. In addition to C3-R® the doctor can use Intacs, and/or CK to additionally improve the sight of the patient.

A few symptoms of Keratoconus are:

Itchy eyes

Excessive Rubbing

visual disturbances

visual discomfort

glare halo

squinting

seeing double

For more information on Keratoconus and its treatments visit: www.keratoconusinserts.com