Keratoconus is a serous and frustrating disease. Many are fearful when diagnosed and worry about the loss of sight associated with keratoconus. The truth is there are many procedures and treatments in modern medicine that can help control the progression of this disease. We often see the discouragement on the faces of those suffering; finding a doctor who can communicate easily with you as well as specializes in keratoconus can help you better adjust.

Though many people await a cure there are several ways you can be helped now. Aside from the medical problems of keratoconus, we often face difficulty personally as well as in our family lives. Many find it hard to do some activities. As the disease progresses and becomes more evident it is harder and harder to continue in our social circles. The search for answers becomes clearer and seemingly harder to find. The truth is a specialized doctor is best for these situations. A doctor specializing in Keratoconus can give you more definite and truthful answers.

There are several resources that you can find to assist you with support and information. Contacting a local ophthalmologist will give you more information. It will also provide options for treatment you can choose from. Below are a few links to support groups available to assist patients, family, and friends with people diagnosed with keratoconus:

www.kcsupport.org

KC Support- Gives assistance to patients with keratoconus

www.AmKCa.org

American Keratoconus Association - Provides assistance, information, and events for those suffering from keratoconus.

www.kcglobal.org

The Global Keratoconus Foundation- Provides support for families, friends, and patients with Keratoconus.

New studies are proving that C3-R has benefits for those who suffer from Keratoconus. The procedure C3-R will help build and strengthen the cornea of the eye. It will help not only strengthen but it has also stopped the progression of Keratoconus in many patients.

The diagnosis of Keratoconus doesn’t mean you life is over. It doesn’t even mean your alone. There are several places you can get help and treatments to help slow and even stop the progression of this disease. Though there is not a cure yet…there definitely is hope!

For more information visit the American Keratoconus Association

Tags: Keratoconus
Posted in Keratoconus | No Comments »

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 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.

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.

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Academy of Opthamology

Tags: Keratoconus
Posted in Keratoconus | No Comments »

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.

 For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

Tags: Keratoconus
Posted in Keratoconus, True Testimonials | No Comments »