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:

           Keratoconus Record Review
           465 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 902
           Los Angeles, CA 90210

Or you can scan your records and email them to info@boxerwachler.com.

           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 crosslinking, and if keratoconus symptoms progress to a serious level, corneal transplantation. Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler is a keratoconus expert in keratoconus causes, evaluation and treatment.