Steve Holcomb’s recent fight with Keratoconus is one that is still radiating throughout the world. His story is one that sheds hope and light on patients with Keratoconus, as well as those not yet diagnosed. Steve Holcomb’s dreams of gaining Olympic Gold were almost brought to a screeching halt due to his severe and progressing condition, Keratoconus.

Keratoconus is a progressive condition that gradually takes away the sight of the patient. But unfortunately Steve learned this fact the hard way. His love for the bob sled was almost stopped by this frustrating and painful condition.

His care for his team mates prompted him to make the hardest decision he ever had to make, the decision to retire from the sport he loved so much. His team mates were saddened by this decisions and refused to give up on him.

In one last effort to restore his sight, Steve’s team doctor researched treatments for keratoconus and decided to send him to Dr. Brian S. Boxer Wachler. Steve learned about a new treatment that maybe able to restore his vision. With a bit of hope and in the hands of Dr. Brian, Steve received the C3-R ® or Collagen Cross-linking with Riboflavin a non-invasive procedure that strengthens and stabilizes the cornea.

The procedure only takes about 30 minutes and is done in the doctors office. The procedure involves placing drops of Riboflavin on the cornea and using a UV light to activate the medication. The drops help strengthen and stabilize the effects of Keratoconus.

About 3 months following Dr. Boxer-Wachler implanted the Visian ICL which corrected his Myopia. The success of the procedures prompted Steve to come out of retirement and go forward to win Olympic gold for the US which hadn’t been done for 62 years! True teamwork and the help of the Boxer Wachler Vision Institute aided in an event that will forever be in the history of America for years to come.

The C3-R ® procedure is now named for Steve titled “Holcomb C3-R ®” another first for the history of medicine. It is the first procedure named for an athlete in the world. True inspiration for all who suffer from this debilitating condition.

More helpful information is at AllAboutVision.com

Tags: Dr. Boxer Wachler, Keratoconus, Keratoconus advice, Keratoconus Risk Factors, Keratoconus symptoms, Keratoconus syptoms, Keratoconus Treatment, Olympic Bobsledder Keratoconus, Steven Holcomb
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It has been an immensely rewarding to have been a part of the Olympic experience.  I am so happy to have helped an individual with as much talent and honor as Steve.   It is amazing to think that only a year ago, he was legally blind and facing an early retirement from his bobsled career.  Luckily, after undergoing the C3-R procedure his vision is clearer than ever, and he’s ready to win Olympic gold!

Only two more days until Steve will take the track towards Olympic Gold on February 25th.  Tonight I am packing my bags to head up to Vancouver on Wednesday.

To hear more about Steve’s story visit read an article on EyeWorld.com

Tags: Keratoconus, Olympic Bobsledder Keratoconus, Olympic Bobsledder Vision Loss, Olympic Bobsledder Vision Restored, Steve Holcomb
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Last Thursday I, Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler, was in Vancouver for the Olympic press conference with the U.S. Bobsled team.  “Why would an eye surgeon be at an Olympic press conference?” is probably going through your mind.  I didn’t give up my day job to join the U.S. Bobsled team.  My patient Steve Holcomb and his story has become one of the most remarkable stories in this Olympics.  

Steve is the driver of the U.S. Bobsled team’s top sled nicknamed “The Night Train”.  Two years ago, he became legally blind due to a degenerative cornea condition called Keratoconus which just about forced him to retire and give up the sport.  The Olympic Committee and his team refused to let him give up.  That’s when they found me.  I had the honor of treating Steve’s condition with C3-R along with corrective lens implants.  C3-R saved Steve’s eyesight. 

 He then went on to win Gold in the World Bobsled Championship – a U.S. first in 50 years. 

 Hence the reason for being part of the press conference last week.  It was filled with TV crews and journalists. 

 Full details about Steve’s story can be read on EyeWorld.com  

In just 10 more days, Steve and the Night Train will be going for Gold!  I’ll be there personally rooting for Steve and I’ll be posting updates on this blog and tweeting at www.twitter.com/drboxerwachler

Tags: KC, Keratoconus, loss of vision, Olympic Bobsled, Olympic Bobsledder Keratoconus, Olympic Bobsledder Vision Loss, Olympic Bobsledder Vision Restored, Steve Holcomb, vision loss
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