There are various types of contact
lenses that may improve vision in patients with keratoconus
such as gas-permeable, soft-permeable, and Rose-K lenses. Unfortunately for many people these lenses can only be tolerated for a few hours a day or people may live in pain with the contact lenses.
Corneal Transplantation
A corneal transplant involves the removal of the central
portion of the diseased cornea and replacing it with a donor cornea.
The donor cornea is held in position with fine sutures or stitches.
The healing process that follows can take a year or longer. It is
not uncommon to experience large amounts of astigmatism or irregular
astigmatism which require correction with RGP contact lenses. Some
patients may be a candidate for PRK after 1 year. Cornea transplant surgery is very invasive and carries significant risks such as graft rejection, cataract, infection, and retina detachment. Fortunately, Dr. Brian's Holcomb C3-R and Intacs can prevent the need for a cornea transplant in the future. Many patients are elated to find this "peace of mind".
Dr. Brian performs cornea transplants
if the patients with keratoconus
are too far progressed and if there are no better alternatives.
CHART REVIEW AND CONSULTATION FOR
OUT-OF-TOWN
PATIENTS
Many out-of-town patients would like Dr. Brian to do a complimentary review
of their medical records and make a preliminary determination of candidacy. This
is useful before planning a trip to Los Angeles. These are the steps:
- Along with your last 2 or 3 eye exams, please be sure to include a color
copy of your corneal mapping. Color corneal mapping is a very important tool,
along with your exam history, to determine your candidacy. The last 2 years of
your total eye history will be used to make this preliminary
determination.
- Inside the envelope, please be sure to include a cover sheet with your name
address, phone number and email address and the words, “Keratoconus Record
Review”, so that we may optimize communication with you.
- Enclose with your letter a copy of your records.
Mail to:
Boxer
Wachler Vision Institute
Keratoconus Record Review
465 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 902
Los Angeles, CA 90210
Dr. Brian will contact you to discuss the review.
Keratoconus is the thinning and bulging
of the cornea. Treatments include Intacs®,
Holcomb C3-R®, cornea
collagen cross linking, and if keratoconus
progresses to a serious level, cornea transplantation. Dr Brian
Boxer Wachler is a specialist in keratoconus
evaluation and treatment.
Copyright© Advanced Vision Education, LLC., 2011
This website is designed to provide general information about vision, vision
care and vision correction. It is not intended to provide medical advice.
If you suspect that you have a vision problem or a condition that requires
attention, consult an eyecare professional for advice on the treatment
of your own specific condition and for your own particular needs.
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