Ten years ago, Southern Californian resident Kenny Atkins suffered from severe visual impairment caused by coning of the cornea, otherwise known as keratoconus. Prescription glasses and contact lenses proved to be ineffective, and Atkins needed a solution fast – as an ocean lifeguard, Atkins’ ability to see could mean the difference between life and death. Atkins sought help from world renowned ophthalmologist Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler, who at the time was pioneering an innovative procedure which involved inserting Intacs prescription inserts between the layers of the cornea to correct its irregular shape. The procedure had never been attempted before for keratoconus in North America, but Atkins decided to take a chance and became the first reported Intacs for keratoconus patient in the United States. Today, Atkins is celebrating ten years of improved vision by visiting Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler for his annual vision checkup.

First used by Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler to treat keratoconus in the United States, Intacs is now a FDA-approved procedure that improves vision and reduces the distortion caused by keratoconus. As a 10-minute outpatient procedure, the insertion of Intacs causes little if any discomfort. For Atkins, who suffered from keratoconus in just one eye, the results were noticeable immediately after his procedure.

“A week after the surgery, the vision in that eye improved to a great degree and I was able to see nearly equally with both eyes,” says Atkins. “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. I owe this self-assuredness to Dr. Boxer Wachler and to Intacs.”

For the 1 in 500 Americans suffering from keratoconus, Intacs can provide a less invasive, more effective alternative to dated treatments for the condition, which included uncomfortable hard contacts and cornea transplants.

“Eye doctors who tell their patients that hard contacts or cornea transplant are the only options are still stuck in a decade-old mindset and are essentially living back in the ‘Dark Ages’ of keratoconus treatments,” says Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler. “Kenny’s leap of faith ten years ago has really helped change the landscape of keratoconus treatments today for millions of people.”

Today, Atkins celebrates ten years of clear, focused vision – and urges others suffering from keratoconus to seek treatment.

“I feel fortunate to have been at the right place at the right time in history, and am glad that my experience helped pave the way for the thousands of other patients who have subsequently benefited from innovative advancements for keratoconus,” adds Atkins.