Year: 2012

Daily Life: Dealing With Headaches as a Symptom of Keratoconus

December 15, 2012

cmg-wd

Keratoconus

Keratoconus , Keratoconus advice , Keratoconus Inserts , Keratoconus Risk Factors , Keratoconus symptoms , Keratoconus treatment options , Keratoconus treatments

There are many symptoms of Keratoconus. Managing the symptoms can be just as hard as dealing with the complications of the disease itself. One of the harder and more progressive symptoms of Keratoconus is headaches. While proper management of headaches can help you over the course of time, finding a way to cope with them can be even more challenging.

There are many reasons you may be having increased headaches including:

Sensitivity to Light
Eye Strain- as your vision decreases
Dry eyes
Decreased Night Vision

The increase of headaches can affect your daily activities. This can hinder you in the present as well as the future as the condition progresses. Finding an effective way to improve your symptoms can help you in the long run.

Coping With Headaches:

Many of us experience headaches regularly. For those who have a tendency to get migraines, or sinus headaches dealing with the pain is one of the first things we think about, however preventative measures are more effective.

Below are some preventative strategies that may help you manage your headaches as your Keratoconus progresses.

The use of UV protected eye wear:

Wearing sunglasses in the summer seems normal, but the effectiveness of wearing UV sunglasses throughout the year is great. They not only protect your eyes from further damage from the sun but also shields your light sensitive eyes as your Keratoconus progresses. They also keep you from straining in the light throughout the day.

Eye drops & Other Over the Counter Remedies:

Some relief can be found in artificial tears, and over the counter eye drops, however these are merely temporary relief and unless used daily they don’t offer you effective preventative remedies. Many people get headaches from straining of the eyes, or dry eyes and getting to the core of the cause of your headaches can give you more benefit that merely covering it up.

Relaxation & Meditation as a Preventative Measure:

Stress is a big trigger for many types of headaches. Many people with progressive conditions such as Keratoconus have a hard time coping with things changing in their lives and feel the stress. Learning to use some relaxation techniques such as palming can help you cope with your daily challenges in turn preventing future headaches one day at a time.

Palming:

Palming can assist you in relaxation throughout the day, relieving stress and preventing your headaches. Palming is a relaxation tool used at various intervals throughout the day. When you are in a quite private location, simply lay flat on the floor and place the palms of your hands across your eyes. Do this for intervals of 10-15 minutes throughout the day.

Eye Strain:

One of the most common of headaches is eye strain, often a result of changing prescription. This is the frustration facing those with Keratoconus, constant changing prescription. The most improtant remedy is Homcomb C3-R ® (cornea collage crosslinking). The Holcomb C3-R ® procedure helps stabilize the cornea and stop the ever changing glasses prescription.

You can learn more about Keratocons treatments here: http://www.AMKCA.org

Other information about eye strain can be found here http://www.medicinenet.com/eye_strain/article.htm

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

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Coping With a Diagnosis of Keratoconus and Finding Treatment

December 1, 2012

cmg-wd

Keratoconus

Keratocnus insert , Keratoconus , Keratoconus advice , Keratoconus Risk Factors , Keratoconus symptoms , Keratoconus treatments

Do you have a family member who is currently or has suffered with Keratoconus? Have you seen the progression of this condition and traditional treatment options for it? If you have said yes to these questions you probably have your own ideas on how its treatment will go. But did you know that treatment options for Keratoconus have changed considerably within the last decade? Did you know that Corneal Transplants, one of the most common treatments for the condition are rarely used anymore? Now treatments like glasses, contact lenses, INACS (cornea inserts), the Holcomb C3-R ® (cornea collage crosslinking) and many other options are available.

Today’s Treatment Options

Over the past decade many new treatments have been developed for Keratoconus patients. These new treatments have improved outcomes, help slow the progression, and in some cases reverse some of the damage of the condition.

The use of eye glasses: The use of eye glasses has been a treatment option for those with Keratoconus and many other condition for years. This treatment is generally used in the very early stages of Keratoconus. Other options are sought once the condition progresses.

Gas Permeable Lenses:

Another traditional treatment for Keratoconus is GP or Gas Permeable lenses. These are often hard contact lenses that require little maintenance. At this stage soft contacts can often be used as well in the treatment of Keratoconus. This type of contact lens is used when other treatments are no longer working. They can provide you with better quality of vision in your treatment plan. Talk it over with your eye care professional to find out what stage you are at in your treatment. Some brands of soft contact lenses that are particularly good for Keratoconus patients are KeraSoft Lenses, and NovaKone. In addition to the soft contact lenses, hard or Hybrid lenses like ClearKone ®, or Rose K are also used to improve the clarity of the patients’ visual experience.

The Holcomb C3-R ® or Corneal Cross-linking With Riboflavin: This is a relatively new treatment often used to improve the vision of those suffering with Keratoconus by using a more natural approach. The eyes are exposed to UV lights and a Vitamin rich solution called Riboflavin that heals, and strengthens the eyes from inside. The vitamins strengthen the fibers within the cornea over time and improve the overall vision of the patient. This treatment can also potentially reverse some of the damage done to the cornea over time. It is both effective and requires little recovery time.

To learn more about new treatments for Keratoconus you can visit www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/keratoconus.htm

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

Can Focus Exercises as Treatment Options Improve Your Keratoconus?

November 15, 2012

cmg-wd

Keratoconus

Keratoconus , Keratoconus advice , Keratoconus Inserts , Keratoconus Risk Factors , Keratoconus Signs , Keratoconus symptoms

When you have Keratoconus strengthening the eyes is an important step in maximizing visual function. Focus exercising can aid in improving the quality of vision. Many doctors agree that training your eyes is an important step in treating the condition, and according to the American Optometric Association you can benefit greatly from exercising your eyes when diagnosed with Keratoconus.

So can focus exercises improve your vision when you have Keratoconus? Yes. Many have found it can strengthen your eyes improving your quality of vision.

Focus Exercising:

For aid in strengthening the eyes and improving eye control the use of swaying can help. This is a simple exercise that can be done in minutes daily and added to your regular routine. It will help you not only gain current control of the muscles of the eyes but help with future control.

Swaying

Keep your feet shoulder width apart

Choose an object in the distance

Sway from side to side focusing on the object as you pass by

Focus Activities to Help Gain Eye Control:

Recently the American Optometric Association said that Racket and Team sports is a form of focus exercise and participating in these types of sports help strengthen your eyes and improve overall visual acuity.

Most people feel that sports are the last thing they should do if they are having vision problems. However for those with Keratoconus the use of Racket & Team sports can help you with eye tracking, reaction time, depth perception, visual memory, and even peripheral vision skills. These sports can not only work on control of your eye muscles, but they can help strengthen them as well.

For more information on how focus exercise can help your Keratoconus visit: www.aoa.org

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

How a Family History Affects Your KC

November 1, 2012

cmg-wd

Keratoconus

Keratoconus , Keratoconus Inserts , Keratoconus Risk Factors , Keratoconus Signs , Keratoconus symptoms , Keratoconus treatments

If you have had Keratoconus in your family your probably wondering if it will affect you. As with any condition the family history will increase your risk of getting the
condition, however it is not a guarantee. Nor is it a guarantee that you will have the same progression or experience as those in your family as it affects each patient differently.

In the past treatments have not been as effective and sometimes caused the patient to have long recovery periods and experience pain. However with the new treatments that have been developed over the last decade have made treatments for Keratoconus less painful and provides a quicker recovery time.

In traditional treatments glasses and contact lenses like RGP (Rigid Gas Permeable lenses) were used before the eventual corneal transplant. With today’s technology we are now rarely using the corneal transplants and treatments are more effective than ever before. In some cases the treatments have been effective in slowing the progression, in addition to stopping and/or reversing the progression of Keratoconus. The overall outlook of the Keratoconus treatment is a great one and with continued research and improvements to Keratoconus treatments we have less pain, and more improvement in your quality of vision.

Having a family history of Keratoconus doesn’t guarantee you will get it but should warn you to be more careful when it comes to your vision care. Getting regular visits to your eye care professional and being aware of the signs of Keratoconus will help you catch it early if you do develop the condition. Also avoiding the urge to rub your eyes, and getting annual exams are important tips to healthy eye care.

Below are Signs of Keratoconus:

Frequent Eye Rubbing

Frequent Changes in prescriptions

Blurred or double vision

Halos or glares around lights

Sensitivity to light

Poor night vision

Dry eyes

Squinting or Straining Your Eyes

For more information on risk factors of Keratoconus visit www.AMKCA.org

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

Why Should You Use Contact Lenses for KC?

October 15, 2012

cmg-wd

Keratoconus

Keratoconus , Keratoconus advice , Keratoconus Inserts , Keratoconus Risk Factors , Keratoconus symptoms , Keratoconus Treatment

For those of us who suffer daily with Keratoconus we understand the value of having various treatment options. There are several treatment options for those with
Keratoconus and finding the one that most beneficial for us should be our top priority. Since Keratoconus is a progressive condition the earlier you treat it the more effective the treatments will be.

However some of us are not happy with an option involving surgery and for those with mild or moderate Keratoconus contact lenses can be a healthy option for several years. Additional treatment options involve glasses and surgery for those who suffer with more advanced stages of Keratoconus. Many can benefit from the treatment of contact lenses whether they are RGP or soft lenses. Below you will find some reasons why you should try contact lenses for the treatment of Keratoconus.

Below are some of the Benefits of Using Contact Lenses for the Treatment of Keratoconus:

Time Management-

Contact lenses will allow the patient to continue their daily day to day activities. Contacts give them the mobility they are looking for
in their routine and allow them to have less maintenance.

Upgrade: High Definition-

Think of the RGP lenses as an upgrade to your vision. The RGP lenses will allow you to view your surroundings in high definition and are
easily maintained. If you are looking for a reliable and stable way to manage your visual experience the use of RGP lenses for your
Keratoconus treatment is a great one.

Multiple stage use:

The SynergEye ® Hybrid and Rose K Contact Lenses can be used to treat Keratoconus in many stages of the condition. This can provide
some stability in the life of the patient, and offer great treatment with little changes to the eye. For those who want less doctor visits
and less treatments for their Keratoconus this maybe a great choice for you.

To Learn more about Keratoconus treatment options visit: www.contactlenes.org/

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

Top 3 Benefits of Using Contact Lenses as a Treatment for Keratoconus

October 1, 2012

cmg-wd

Keratoconus

contact lenses , Hybrid Contact Lenses , Keratoconus treatments , RGP , Rose K Lenses

Keratoconus is a progressive condition that disrupts the daily lives of those who suffer. Making sure that we have the best treatments, and are comfortable in our daily activities is a continuous job. But a worth while one. There are several treatments developed for those who have Keratoconus. Some include surgery, glass or contact lenses and other procedures.

But for those who don’t like surgery, or have other reasons for avoiding it contact lenses should definitely be an option. Whether they are RGP or soft lenses the option for improved clarity, comfort, and stability are all benefits of contact lenses.

Below are the Top 3 Benefits of Using Contact Lenses for the Treatment of Keratoconus:

Mobility – Contact lenses allow the patient to continue with their day to day without any time away.

Clarity – The use of RGP contact lenses can increase the clarity of your overall vision. This can give you a better more reliable visual experience.

Little Maintenance – For many with Keratoconus the less hectic and busy your schedule is the more you can enjoy yourself. Contacts provide little maintenance to keep your vision clear. For those with Keratoconus a treatment that can be used through most stages of the condition is a great option. SynergEye ® Hybrid and Rose K Contact Lenses can be used through many stages of Keratoconus making it a great option for treatment of Keratoconus.

While these 3 benefits are nowhere near all, it will give you a good reason or two to check it out. Ask you eye care professional why contact lenses would be right for you.

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

Optimizing and Maintaining Your Rose K Contact Lens

September 1, 2012

cmg-wd

Keratoconus

contact lenses , Keratoconus , Keratoconus treatments , Rose K Lens

Options & Treatments for Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a progressive disease that can cause discomfort and emotional problems to those who suffer from it. However there is help. There are several treatments for this progressive condition but we often look for something that provides us with stable vision, improved clarity, and as little maintenance as possible.

Rose K contact lenses can do all this and more. The Rose K contact lens can provide you with visual stability over the course of progression, and only a little more maintenance than your regular contact lens.

Additional Benefits of the Rose K Contact Lens:

The Rose K contact lens is designed to fit your particular eye and give you the comfort and clarity you want. Additional Benefits of the Rose K Contact Lens are:

Complex Computer design & are manufactured by computerized lathes to give you complete accuracy and great fit.

The Rose K contact lens considers the cone shapes in all stages of Keratoconus

Customized to fit each eye

The Rose K Corrects Myopia & Astigmatism

Easy to Clean, and insert

The Rose K can provide a treatment option for those with Keratoconus for most of the progression of the condition. Instead of changing treatments as your condition progresses merely re-evaluate your eyes annually to see if you need any adjustments.

This allows you the benefit of a stable reliable treatment that gives you visual comfort and clarity. While Rose K isn’t necessarily a permanent treatment it can provide you some stability. For many that is enough when dealing with Keratoconus daily.

For more information on Keratoconus & Contact Lenses visit: www.roseklens.com

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

Can I Manage My Keratoconus and Go Horseback Riding?

August 28, 2012

cmg-wd

Keratoconus

Boxer Wachler , Boxer Wachler Vision Instiute , Horseback Riding , Keratoconus , Keratoconus advice , Keratoconus Management , Keratoconus Signs , Keratoconus treatments , risk factors

If you are newly diagnosed with Keratoconus and love horseback riding this maybe a discouraging discovery for you. However being diagnosed with Keratoconus is not the end of the world. You may think because it is a progressive condition you will have to give up the things you love like Horseback riding. This is not true. Keratoconus can cause a lot of complications in your daily life but it doesn’t mean its the end of it.

There are several treatment options that are available for you especially if you have been diagnosed early. There are several stages of Keratoconus and treatments to help you at each stage. In fact there are contact lenses that can be prescribed that can help you through many stages of your Keratoconus comfortably. SynergEyes Hybrid Contact lenses are a cross between the soft lenses you love and the RGP lenses you don’t. They can improve your vision on the track without causing added discomfort, dry eyes, or irritability you may other wise have with RGP lenses.

Their thin sleek fit provides a tighter fit on the track letting in less wind, and dust as the RGP’s may do when you are riding. The wind can cause dry eye and more dirt and dust to irritate you will your horseback riding. SynergEyes Hybrid Lenses also provide you with more treatment coverage. These lenses can be adjusted to fit you throughout the different stages of your condition. Read some of the benefits of SynergEyes Hybrid Lenses:

Improved Visual clarity

Improved Comfort

Reduces the need for many treatments

Lasts longer than most contact lenses

Can be used in most all stages of Keratoconus (except for complex cases)

Important Facts About SynergEyes Hybrid Lenses:

Soft skirt keeps the rigid part centered

Allows layer of tears to form to correct some blurred vision

Improved visual clarity

Comfort for all day use

Useable at most stages of Keratoconus

Less irritability

Several custom designs to choose from

For more information on Keratoconus visit www.NKCF.org

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

Understanding How to Manage Keratoconus & Altitude

August 21, 2012

cmg-wd

Keratoconus

Boxer Wachler , Boxer Wachler Vision Instiute , Keratconus risk factors , Keratoconus , Keratoconus advice , Keratoconus Inserts , Keratoconus symptoms , Keratoconus treatments

What is Keratoconus?

For those of you who don’t know Keratoconus is a progressive condition created by the change in the shape of the cornea over time. As the cornea continues to change to a cone shape, the images your eyes see become more distorted. Over time it can cause a severe loss of vision. Keratoconus can be passed through families, physical, and/or environmental factors as well.

Treatment Options for Keratoconus:

There are several treatment options for Keratoconus. Finding the right treatment option depends on the stage of your condition, the progression of your condition (sometimes it progresses faster in one eye than it does in other).

Keratoconus treatment options include:

Glasses or contacts in early stages to improve vision and correct the prescription

Non-invasive Holcomb C3-R (cornea crosslinking) treatment to stabilize eyes

INTACS to help reshape the cornea and improve cornea transplant

Cornea transplant when too advanced for other treatments

Keratoconus & Altitude:

For those who enjoy the outdoors we often get worried when we hear that our eyes are damaged. This brings up many questions like “How will this affect me when I am climbing?” or “Will I still be able to climb?”

Is Altitude Safe With Keratoconus?

Yes, as long as you take precautions. If you are at a severe stage of Keratoconus it is not wise to travel in high altitudes. At times vision can blur in high altitudes and when you already have reduced vision due to advanced Keratoconus, this is not an additional risk you want to take. But if your Keratoconus has been treated and is stable, you can travel in high altitudes with less risk and concern. Making sure you have the proper guide and they are aware of your condition or you have other with you that can assist should you need it. Additionally making sure that you pay attention to what your eyes are doing as it can tell you best how far to go.

Will it Affect Me While I Climb?

Often times those who have Keratoconus can experience dry eyes, and Altitude sickness in elevations above 16,000 ft. Dry eyes can be treated easy enough but while climbing it can affect your vision. Take along artificial tears. If you experience decline in vision or drying, try instilling a drop of artificial tears, this often will improve the situation. Making sure that you have treatments to stabilize your Keratoconus before going out may help you get back safely too by have security in stable vision.

Getting a diagnosis of Keratoconus can be scary, especially if you have had a family member with the condition. However there are many new treatment options that can improve your quality of vision, slow, or even in some cases stop the progression of the condition. Understand you can have a full and exciting life with Keratoconus.

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

Do You Have Family Members With Keratoconus?

August 14, 2012

cmg-wd

Keratoconus

Boxer Wachler , Boxer Wachler Vision Institute , Keratoconus , Keratoconus advice , Keratoconus Risk Factors , Keratoconus Signs , Keratoconus symptoms , Keratoconus Treatment

Keratoconus is a progressive condition and can be a debilitating if left untreated. Watching your family members go through it can make you feel helpless and useless in some experiences. You probably have many questions on the condition after watching your family members go through their treatments. In past years their were limited treatments for Keratoconus and eventual cornea transplants were needed for the patient to keep their quality of vision. This type of treatment had a long recovery period and often caused the patient pain.

Today’s treatments have improved a lot since then and quite honestly there is little to no pain with many of them. Patients have much shorter recovery times, and have a much better quality of vision without replacing their corneas. Still many people have questions when they find out a family member is going through a condition like Keratoconus. The condition can often cause a reduced activity level and sometimes have complications in their normal lives. A few questions maybe “Will I get Keratoconus?” or “Will they go blind?”.

While these are all reasonable questions, and having a family member with Keratoconus is one of the highest risk factors of Keratoconus it doesn’t guarantee that you will get it. It only tells you to watch yourself and your eye health a little more. Getting annual eye exams can help with early detection. Taking care of your eyes can help lessen your chances of developing these conditions later on down the road.

Below are some tips to reduce your chances of developing Keratoconus:

Avoid rubbing your eyes

Get annual eye exams

See an eye care professional that specializes in Keratoconus

Protect your eyes regularly

Reduce stress in your life

Below are Signs of Keratoconus:

Frequent Eye Rubbing

Frequent Changes in prescriptions

Blurred or double vision

Halos or glares around lights

Sensitivity to light

Poor night vision

Dry eyes

Squinting or Straining Your Eyes

There are probably many more questions you want to ask. Finding an eye care professional that specializes in Keratoconus is always best. Looking for one that deals with Keratoconus patients daily would be best.

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

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