tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18677036337602872742024-02-29T01:49:10.123-05:00Keratoconus GroupKeratoconus Group is a safe and supportive community for people living with keratoconus and the people who care for them, their families, eye care professionals, optometrists and ophthalmologists.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger186125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867703633760287274.post-62479359688913245322024-02-08T11:00:00.001-05:002024-02-08T11:00:00.136-05:00Rare Disease Day 2024 | Is Keratoconus a Rare Disease? | Frequently Asked Questions<p class="mx-auto" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1zunJbJAFpCn57UcyjMJwOX9N5kG9Oan72MoICmln1myDAXs94vLUdhrv-SrPwlhAxe85RiG_lDnRItYl7awgOr8IEEkHaudIKMN9VmM4Qd2_Trv3gw4kv8n1Z9ReZ6zTZsAX2zUjeI6nRzoyFdXJn61FdcnB9SOv43bN3EG_HH-ZKr9AAz3O4vXIWk/s1600/Rare-Disease-Day-2024.png" data-original-width="1080" data-original-height="1080" style="display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 900px;" alt="Rare Disease Day takes place on the last day of February each year. The main objective of Rare Disease Day is to raise awareness amongst the general public and decision-makers about rare diseases and their impact on patients' lives." title="There are over 300 million people living with one or more of over 6,000 identified rare diseases around the world, each supported by family, friends and a team of carers that make up the rare disease community." /></p>
<p>Rare Disease Day is an observance held on the last day of February to raise awareness for rare diseases and improve access to treatment and medical representation for individuals with rare diseases and their families. Rare Disease Day is observed every year on February 28—or 29 in leap years—the rarest day of the year.</p>
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<p>Rare diseases affect an estimated 300 million people around the world. There are over 6000 different diseases, so rare is not so rare after all. Support the rare disease community by spreading the word. With your help, we can raise awareness and increase support for research.</p>
<h2>Rare Disease Day 2024</h2>
<p>The theme for Rare Disease Day 2024 is "Bridging health and social care". The 15th edition of Rare Disease Day will focus on bridging the gaps in the coordination between medical, social and support services in order to tackle the challenges that people living with a rare disease and their families around the world face every day.</p>
<p>For most people living with a rare disease, as well as their family members or carers, the reality of daily life can include any combination of the following: collecting and taking medicines, attending appointments, participating in physical therapy, using specialist equipment and accessing various social and community support services and respite care. Managing these care-related tasks alongside their usual daily activities such as work, school and leisure time can be challenging.</p>
<p>Rare Disease Day 2022 is an opportunity to be part of a global call on policy makers, healthcare professionals, and care services to better coordinate all aspects of care for people living with a rare disease.</p>
<!-- h2>Change your Facebook profile picture</h2>
<p>Change your Facebook profile picture for the Rare Disease Day. changing your profile picture is very easy. we have created Rare Disease Day frames that you can add to your Facebook profile pictures with just one click!</p>
<div class="card-deck my-3">
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<img class="card-img-top" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZzm5n67L1y8brayRWvQH5XuJ_CPVb2BHBdpQzG6m7FAtOuAstmEiJmnfkWJZCssX385bV9GtxOhOQ7R7xvsVNEFXH5_KaCvWFLCuYLxON-Ea7rQhFl2NDxi8KKL-AHTwN1u-HEb6F68/s900/I-AM-RARE-2020.jpg" alt="Rare Disease day 2022 Facebook Profile Picture Frame" title="Rare Disease day 2022 Facebook Profile Picture Frame">
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<a href="https://bit.ly/IAmRare" class="btn btn-primary" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"><i class="fab fa-facebook-square"></i> Try this frame</a>
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<img class="card-img-top" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RbAx9_Z85HZB_X86hQtFU-iudhZEHCdYtStIiEo-XCaD5wlzlwaZhXg1pK29olRFOfQ8T9uK_mF6Y1DbVHqIMHS8MHbfIuKX5BqVGwryaWz3q3XikNaUQzFnGeVguomfPbUYLCybqxw/s900/I-Love-Someone-Rare-2020.jpg" alt="Rare Disease day 2022 Facebook Profile Picture Frame" title="Rare Disease day 2022 Facebook Profile Picture Frame">
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<a href="https://bit.ly/ILoveSomeoneRare" class="btn btn-primary" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"><i class="fab fa-facebook-square"></i> Try this frame</a>
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<h2 class="card-title">Rare Disease Day Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
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<h3 itemprop="name">What is a rare disease?</h3>
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<p itemprop="text">In the United States, a disease is considered rare if it affects fewer than 200,000 Americans. Some countries and the European Union have similar but slightly different definitions.</p>
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<h3 itemprop="name">Is keratoconus a rare disease?</h3>
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<p>Keratoconus is found in all parts of the world and in all ethnic groups. The incidence and prevalence rates reported in the medical literature for keratoconus tend to vary widely. One long-term study in the United States indicated a prevalence of 54.5 diagnosed individuals per 100,000 individuals in the general population, or approximately 1 in 2,000 individuals.</p>
<p>According to the National Eye Institute's published data, keratoconus affects about 1 in 2000 people, so it can be considered a rare disease by definition.</p>
<p>However, it seems keratoconus is more common than we think and recent studies suggest the prevalence may be significantly higher than 1:2,000, that being said, Rare Disease Day is for everyone and it is a great opportunity for all of us to spread awareness about orphan diseases and keratoconus.</p>
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<h3 itemprop="name">How many people have rare disease?</h3>
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<p itemprop="text">According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), there are approximately 7,000 rare diseases affecting between 25 to 30 million Americans. This equates to 1 in 10 Americans, or one on every elevator and four on every bus.</p>
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<h3 itemprop="name">What are some examples of rare diseases?</h3>
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<p itemprop="text">Rare diseases are present across the medical spectrum. Some are widely recognized by name, such as cystic fibrosis, while others are less known, such as cat eye syndrome. Most cancers (all but a few types) are rare. There are rare neurological and neuromuscular diseases, metabolic diseases, chromosomal disorders, skin diseases, bone and skeletal disorders, and rare diseases affecting the heart, blood, lungs, kidneys, and other body organs and systems. many rare diseases are named for the physicians who first identified them. A few are named for patients or even the hospitals where they were first identified.</p>
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<h3 itemprop="name">How many rare diseases are there?</h3>
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<p itemprop="text">There are more than 7,000 rare diseases, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).</p>
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<h3 itemprop="name">Who is affected by rare diseases?</h3>
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<p itemprop="text">Many, but not all, rare diseases are genetic. Some are apparent at birth while others do not appear until much later in life. Approximately two-thirds of Americans with rare diseases are children. We are all connected to someone who has a rare disease. Rare diseases are an important public health concern.</p>
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<h3 itemprop="name">How many rare disease have treatments?</h3>
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<p itemprop="text">Of the 7,000 known rare diseases, approximately 95 percent have no treatment. Many rare diseases and disorders are not being studies by medical researchers. Often, patients are treated "off-label" (treatments that are not approved by the FDAfor the specific disease), whihc can lead to insurance reimbursement problems.</p>
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<h3 itemprop="name">What are some of the problems people with rare diseases experience?</h3>
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<li>Difficulty in obtaining an accurate diagnosis (this can take years, which can be critical for stopping or halting the progression of a disease)</li>
<li>Limited treatment options</li>
<li>Little or no research being done on the disease</li>
<li>Difficulty finding physicians or treatment centers with experience for a particular disease</li>
<li>Paying for treatments that are generally more expensive than those for common diseases</li>
<li>Reimbursement issues related to private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid</li>
<li>Difficulty accessing medical, social, or financial, services or assistance because those making the decisions are not familiar with the disease</li>
<li>Feeling of isolation and of having been abandoned or "orphaned" by our health care system</li>
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<h3 itemprop="name">Where can I find out more about rare diseases?</h3>
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<p itemprop="text">The <u><a class="text-white" href="https://rarediseases.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">National Organization for rare Disorders (NORD)</a></u> offers a database of approximately 1,300 reports on specific rare diseases written in patient -friendly language on its website. The most complete list of rare diseases in the U.S. is on the website of the <u><a class="text-white" href="https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/6824/Keratoconus" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)</a></u>.</p>
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<h2>Rare Disease Day is for everyone</h2>
<p>Rare Disease Day is for everyone, the general public, rare disease patients, their families, carers, healthcare professionals, researchers, companies and politicians. You do not have to be directly affected by a rare disease, everyone can get involved.</p>
<p>Take part in an interactive face paint social media campaign to raise awareness of rare diseases and show your support for the rare disease community! Post an image or selfie on any social media channel with your face painted and include the #ShowYourRare, #MyRare or #RareDiseaseDay hashtags.</p>
<p>If you would like to post updates on your website and social profiles about the Rare Disease Day, you can find images and other helpful materials on the <b><a href="https://www.rarediseaseday.org/friends/keratoconus-group-2/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Rare Disease Day website</a></b>.</p>
<h2>Keratoconus Group supports Rare Disease Day</h2>
<p>We proudly support Rare Disease Day and the global effort to raise awareness about rare diseases, the importance of research to develop diagnostics and treatments, and the challenges faced by patients with rare diseases and their families on a daily basis.</p>
<p>Keratoconus Group is an <a href="https://www.rarediseaseday.org/friends/keratoconus-group-2/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><b>official friend of Rare Disease Day 2023</b></a> and we proudly support the Rare Disease Day events by spreading awareness about rare diseases and their impact on patients' lives, and we encourage our community members to talk with their family, friends, and colleagues about rare diseases, and get involved with or host an event for the day.</p>
<p>We would like to thank the European Rare Diseases Organisation (EURORDIS) for this great opportunity. We would also like to thank Reddit Inc. for providing us with free sidebar banners for the <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Keratoconus/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">r/Keratoconus subreddit</a> to help us spread awareness.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867703633760287274.post-8455670925181269072023-11-04T15:18:00.000-04:002023-11-04T15:18:53.941-04:00Corneal Crosslinking FAQs: Common Questions and Answers<p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img class="mx-auto" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebcTjYd2UqAo9lwV7fZToJo0LKRpU8jaIbU7GMzIxa0pHW3DikgHTdaadwA4LcJQmGCyKMVQXxXB8etYwnK-dKQScr4tdSG6VLCqJWeKK5Xh6VXKuOewAvyBogDFCuPE0lNWPDfWdZuw/s1600-rw/Corneal-Collagen-Crosslinking-%2528Fort-Belvoir-Community-Hospital%2529-4.jpg" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" style="display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 900px;" alt="Corneal Crosslinking FAQs: Common Questions and Answers" title="Corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) is a minimally invasive procedure that has been used to prevent the progression of corneal ectasia, such as keratoconus and post-LASIK ectasia."/></p>
<p class="lead">Corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) is a minimally invasive procedure that has been used to prevent the progression of corneal ectasia, such as keratoconus and post-LASIK ectasia. The procedure involves applying a vitamin B solution to the eye and then exposing it to ultraviolet light for about 30 minutes or less. This strengthens the collagen fibers in the cornea and helps prevent it from bulging further. In this article, we will answer some of the most common questions about CXL for keratoconus.</p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">What is corneal collagen crosslinking?</h2>
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<p itemprop="text">Corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to prevent progression of corneal ectasia such as keratoconus and post-LASIK ectasia. The procedure involves the use of ultraviolet light and riboflavin eye drops to strengthen the collagen fibers in the cornea. The cross-linking of collagen fibers helps to increase the strength and rigidity of the cornea, thereby preventing further bulging or thinning of the cornea. The procedure is generally safe and effective, with a low risk of complications.</p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">How does corneal collagen crosslinking work?</h2>
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<p>The cross-linking of collagen fibers helps to increase the strength and rigidity of the cornea, thereby preventing further bulging or thinning of the cornea. The procedure is generally safe and effective, with a low risk of complications. The procedure involves the following steps:</p>
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<li>The surface layer of the cornea is removed to allow the riboflavin eye drops to penetrate the cornea.</li>
<li>The riboflavin eye drops are applied to the cornea, which is then exposed to ultraviolet light for a specific duration.</li>
<li>The ultraviolet light activates the riboflavin, which causes the collagen fibers in the cornea to crosslink and become stronger.</li>
<li>A bandage contact lens is placed on the eye to protect it while it heals.</li>
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<h2 itemprop="name">What are the benefits of corneal collagen crosslinking?</h2>
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<p>The benefits of corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) include:</p>
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<li>It helps prevent further deterioration of vision.</li>
<li>It increases corneal rigidity, resistance, and biomechanical stability.</li>
<li>It prevents the progression of keratoconus disease.</li>
<li>It may defer the need for a corneal transplant procedure.</li>
<li>It may reduce the myopia and astigmatism associated with keratoconus.</li>
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<h2 itemprop="name">What are the risks of corneal collagen crosslinking?</h2>
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<p>It is important to note that these risks are rare, and CXL is generally considered a safe and effective procedure with a low risk of complications. The risks of corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) include:</p>
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<li>Corneal haze.</li>
<li>Corneal epithelial defect (disruption of surface cells) or delayed epithelial healing.</li>
<li>Postoperative infection, ulcer.</li>
<li>Treatment failure. Keratoconic progression following treatment.</li>
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<h2 itemprop="name">What are the different types of corneal collagen crosslinking?</h2>
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<p>There are two basic types of corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL): epithelium-off and epithelium-on.</p>
<p><b>Epithelium-off CXL</b>: In this type of CXL, the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is removed to allow for more deep tissue to be penetrated by the riboflavin liquid.</p>
<p><b>Epithelium-on CXL</b>: In this type of CXL, the outer layer of the cornea is left intact, and the riboflavin liquid is applied to the surface of the cornea.</p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">Is corneal collagen crosslinking FDA approved?</h2>
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<p itemprop="text">Yes, corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) is FDA approved for the treatment of progressive thinning and distortion of the cornea, specifically for keratoconus and other types of corneal ectasia.</p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">Who is a good candidate for corneal collagen crosslinking?</h2>
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<p>Corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) is generally recommended for individuals with progressive ectatic diseases of the cornea such as keratoconus, post-LASIK ectasia, and pellucid marginal degeneration. The procedure is also suitable for individuals with corneal warpage, irregular astigmatism, and corneal infections that fail to heal.</p>
<p>It is important to note that CXL is most effective when the disease is in its early stages. Therefore, it is recommended that individuals with progressive ectatic diseases of the cornea undergo CXL as soon as possible to prevent further deterioration of vision.</p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">What is the recovery time after corneal collagen crosslinking?</h2>
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<p itemprop="text">The recovery time after corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) varies from person to person, but it typically takes several weeks for the eye to fully recover. During this period, it is important to follow the surgeon’s instructions diligently to promote healing and avoid any complications. Most people are able to get back to their normal daily activities within 1-2 weeks of cross-linking. However, your vision may not be fully stable for several months, which means your “best-corrected” vision (your eyeglasses or contacts prescription) will likely change during this time.</p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">How much does corneal collagen crosslinking cost?</h2>
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<p itemprop="text">The cost of corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) varies depending on the location and the type of procedure. In general, the cost of CXL for the treatment of progressive keratoconus typically ranges from $2,500 to $4,000 per eye. Insurance coverage for FDA-approved epithelium-off cross-linking with the KXL System and Photrexa drug formulations from Glaukos is widely available.</p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">Does corneal collagen crosslinking hurt?</h2>
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<p itemprop="text">Corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) is considered a minimally invasive procedure and is generally considered to be painless. During the procedure, your eyes will be numbed with anesthetic eye drops, so you should not experience any pain. However, some patients may experience mild discomfort or a gritty sensation in the eyes after the procedure. This discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications or prescription eye drops.</p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">Can corneal collagen crosslinking be repeated?</h2>
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<p itemprop="text">Yes, corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) can be repeated if necessary. However, the decision to repeat the procedure depends on the individual’s specific condition and the surgeon’s recommendation. In general, it is recommended that patients wait at least 6 months after the initial procedure before considering a repeat procedure.</p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">Can corneal collagen crosslinking be done on both eyes at the same time?</h2>
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<p itemprop="text">Yes, corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) can be performed on both eyes at the same time. However, the decision to perform the procedure on both eyes simultaneously depends on the individual’s specific condition and the surgeon’s recommendation.</p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">Can corneal collagen crosslinking be done on children?</h2>
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<p itemprop="text">Yes, corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) can be performed on children. Corneal collagen cross-linking can be considered a safe and effective procedure in the children with progressive keratoconus. Extra care is needed in pediatric patients, as they are more prone to infections and a heightened allergic response. Parents should be well informed about CXL and the possibility that repeat treatment may be required.</p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">Can corneal collagen crosslinking be done on pregnant women?</h2>
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<p itemprop="text">There are no long-term studies about the effect of corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) on pregnancy and lactation. According to a manufacturer, crosslinking should not be performed on pregnant women. It is recommended that women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant discuss their options with their ophthalmologist.</p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">What are the success rates of corneal collagen crosslinking?</h2>
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<p itemprop="text">The success rates of corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) vary depending on the patient and the severity of the condition. However, overall, success rates for CXL are considered to be very high. When the first human trials for the procedure were performed in 2003, all patients suffering from progressive keratoconus saw the progression stop. A study conducted in Australia found that cross-linking under the Dresden protocol appears to be safe and has a success rate of around 70-90% in stabilizing keratoconus, depending on the patient. Another study found that CXL is very effective, with a success rate of more than 95% for an ‘epi-off’ treatment. In the remaining 5% of patients where there is further progression or change, a second treatment may be required.</p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">Can corneal collagen crosslinking be done on people with systemic diseases?</h2>
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<p itemprop="text">The suitability of corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) for individuals with systemic diseases depends on the specific condition and the surgeon’s recommendation. In general, patients with systemic diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes may be at a higher risk of complications following CXL. It is important to consult with an ophthalmologist or optometrist to determine if CXL is a viable treatment option for your specific eye condition.</p>
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</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867703633760287274.post-54182076882540739442023-11-03T23:31:00.000-04:002023-11-03T23:31:18.867-04:00World Keratoconus Day 2023 #WorldKCDay<p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img class="mx-auto" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZv1bWaVBnSggqtT5DJ19TPGA-Jw9QQKxxJJycvIU4qtIKPNICl4hGqsjn8pqNK8jUxjh0DGisCadOqgEpAEn50jUSYigRSRVpT0xkd58r-TK2GrUx4zUIQ4UnLa2Gb8JOtPOT5B2xnMHobB0Ahxijpz8f2PWh4-KlBo2PYaCBS7Np_QjzrY3Mju13Z4/s1600/World-Keratoconus-Day-2023-WorldKCDay.jpg" data-original-width="2560" data-original-height="1440" style="display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 900px;" alt="World Keratoconus Day #WorldKCDay is an annual day of awareness held on November 10, to focus global attention on keratoconus and ectatic corneal disorders." title="World Keratoconus Day / National Keratoconus Day - November 10, 2023 - Keratoconus Group"/></p>
<p>Imagine seeing the world through a distorted lens that makes everything blurry, hazy, and distorted. This is what many people with keratoconus experience every day. Keratoconus is an uncommon eye disease that alters the shape of the cornea, the clear window of the eye. It causes the cornea to thin and protrude into a cone-like shape that bends light rays and affects vision. Keratoconus can have a significant impact on one’s daily activities, emotional well-being, and social interactions. However, there is hope and help for those who have keratoconus.</p>
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<p>Battling keratoconus is difficult. With common diseases there is a lot of research seeking to develop new treatments. But with rare or uncommon diseases like keratoconus, there is often very little research, and so there are fewer options for treatment. In some countries, even just getting a correct diagnosis can be hard.</p>
<p>On November 10, we celebrate World Keratoconus Day, a global campaign to increase awareness and education about this condition. Every year on November 10 we come together to raise awareness among the public, researchers, health professionals and policy makers about the impact keratoconus has on the lives of those affected, and their family and friends.</p>
<p>By participating in World KC Day, you can join a community of people who understand and support each other in their journey with keratoconus. You can also learn more about this condition and how to cope with its challenges. World KC Day is an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of millions of people who have keratoconus.</p>
<span itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/FAQPage">
<span itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question">
<h2 itemprop="name">What is World Keratoconus Day?</h2>
<span itemscope itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer">
<p itemprop="text">World Keratoconus Day is an annual day of awareness held on November 10, to focus global attention on keratoconus and ectatic corneal disorders.</p>
<p>World Keratoconus Day is commemorated by several organizations, companies, healthcare professionals, celebrities, and people living with keratoconus and their families. World Keratoconus Day activities include keratoconus screening programs, educational seminars, sports events and others.</p>
</span>
</span>
<span itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question">
<h2 itemprop="name">What is keratoconus?</h2>
<span itemscope itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer">
<p itemprop="text">Keratoconus (KC) is a degenerative condition of the eye in which the normally round, dome-shaped cornea becomes progressively thinner. this causes a cone-like bulge to develop in the area where the cornea is thinnest- usually in the center. If left untreated, Keratoconus may lead to significant visual impairment and legal blindness.</p>
</span>
</span>
<span itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question">
<h2 itemprop="name">How many people have keratoconus?</h2>
<span itemscope itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer">
<p itemprop="text">Keratoconus occurs in about 50 to 200 of every 100,000 people in the general population and it is found in all parts of the world and in all ethnic groups.</p>
</span>
</span>
<span itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question">
<h2 itemprop="name">When World Keratoconus Day was started?</h2>
<span itemscope itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer">
<p itemprop="text">World KC Day or National Keratoconus Day was created in 2016 by the National Keratoconus Foundation (NKCF), an educational program of the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, UC Irvine.</p>
</span>
</span>
<span itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question">
<h2 itemprop="name">Where can I find wallpapers and posters for Workd Keratoconus Day?</h2>
<span itemscope itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer">
<p itemprop="text">To celebrate World Keratoconus Day and show our support for the keratoconus community, we have created wallpapers and posters that you can download and print for free. You can find the wallpapers and posters in different sizes and formats on this page: <b><a href="https://www.keratoconusgroup.org/2023/10/world-keratoconus-day-wallpapers-posters.html">World Keratoconus Day Wallpapers and Posters</a></b></p>
</span>
</span>
</span>
<h2>Spread the word</h2>
<p>World Keratoconus Day is an important initiative to raise awareness, educate, and support those living with keratoconus and their families. World Keratoconus Day is our chance to raise awareness and hope, so let's join together to spread the word.</p>
<p>You can help to spread the word and tell everyone about this special day by sharing this webpage with your friends and family.</p>
<h2>Encourage individual action</h2>
<p>One of the ways to help people with keratoconus is to spread the word about this condition and its impact on vision and quality of life. The goal of World KC Day is to create a platform for keratoconus patients, their families, and eye care professionals to share their stories, experiences, and knowledge about keratoconus. World KC Day also aims to raise funds for research and advocacy efforts to improve the diagnosis and treatment of keratoconus.</p>
<p>Talk with family, friends, and colleagues, about keratoconus, about why this day matters to you and about KC’s impact on our community, and get involved with or host an event for the awareness day.</p>
<p>Make sure to tell us about your activities and events so we could share them with our community.</p>
<h2>Tell your keratoconus story</h2>
<p>Share your photos, videos and your experiences! be part of World Keratoconus Day by informing others and raising awareness, sending a message of solidarity and community. We will share your stories and photos on our blog and social media accounts.</p>
<p><a class="btn btn-success" href="https://link.keratoconusgroup.org/submit" role="button" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Submit Your Keratoconus Story</a></p>
<h2 class="">Make #Keratoconus trending on Twitter</h2>
<p>Help to make #Keratoconus hashtag trending on Twitter. Share a glimpse of your keratoconus story in 280 characters or less! share the challenges you face because of keratoconus and tell the world why this day matters to you.</p>
<a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?button_hashtag=Keratoconus&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" class="twitter-hashtag-button" data-size="large" data-text="November 10 is World Keratoconus Day!" data-url="https://www.keratoconusgroup.org/2021/10/world-keratoconus-day.html" data-hashtags="WorldKCDay" data-related="KeratoconusGRP,Keratomania" data-show-count="false">Tweet #Keratoconus</a><br/><br/>
<a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?button_hashtag=WorldKCDay&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" class="twitter-hashtag-button" data-size="large" data-text="November 10 is World Keratoconus Day!" data-url="https://www.keratoconusgroup.org/2021/10/world-keratoconus-day.html" data-hashtags="Keratoconus" data-related="KeratoconusGRP,Keratomania" data-show-count="false">Tweet #WorldKCDay</a><br/><br/>
<h2>Stay up-to-date!</h2>
<p itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">Stay up-to-date with keratoconus news, events, and latest health advances by following <span itemprop="name">Keratoconus Group</span> on social media, such as <a rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.twitter.com/KeratoconusGRP" itemprop="sameAs">X/Twitter</a>, <a rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.Facebook.com/KeratoconusGroup" itemprop="sameAs">Facebook</a>, and <a rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/KeratoconusGroup" itemprop="sameAs">Instagram</a>. You can also join our discussion forums on <a rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/keratoconusgroup/">Facebook</a> and <a rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/keratoconus">Reddit</a> to get help and share your experiences with people who understand keratoconus.</p>
<address itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person" style="display: none;">
<span itemprop="name">Sophia Devetzi</span> (<a itemprop="sameAs" href="https://twitter.com/SophiaDevetzi">@SophiaDevetzi</a>)
</address>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867703633760287274.post-65190029650388866032023-11-01T12:00:00.003-04:002023-11-01T12:00:00.140-04:00November is Eye Donation Month<p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img class="mx-auto" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLz6sK7-pP0btjutww8yKofDCvYe9ubiECmLHtNzCx3F1LzyxZ63xYMP-zgq1Gzo_IyT2NMAjT7it8r4jyp-44tgGpjXUY953JRrJsFNWV_k-2PaorobysFVrzzaN5qvh3iWuCQ6oYcY/s1200/EyeDonationMonth.png" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" style="display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 900px;" alt="Eye Donation Month is an opportunity to put a spotlight on the 12 million people worldwide suffering from blindness that can be restored with a corneal transplant." title="Eye Donation Month is the perfect opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of registering to be a donor, cornea donation and transplantation."/></p>
<p class="lead">Join us in celebrating the gift of sight and raising awareness about corneal donation and transplantation during Eye Donation Month in November.</p>
<p>Every November, we join Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA) to celebrate the life-changing impact of cornea donation and transplantation, and recognize all those who donate the gift of sight for others for transplantation or critically needed vision research. Eye Donation Month is an opportunity to put a spotlight on the 12 million people worldwide suffering from blindness that can be restored with a corneal transplant.</p>
<p>The purpose of Eye Donation Month is to:</p>
<ul>
<li>Raise Awareness about cornea donation and transplantation</li>
<li>Honor the gift of sight given by selfless donors and their families</li>
<li>Celebrate cornea transplant recipients living their fullest lives thanks to the generosity of donors</li>
<li>Educate about eye donation and encourage individuals to register as donors</li>
</ul>
<p>The 2023 Eye Donation Month theme, “A Community of Compassion,” highlights the many individuals who work together to make restored vision through transplantation possible.</p>
<p>Eye Donation Month is the perfect opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of registering to be a donor, cornea donation and transplantation. Visit <b><a href="https://restoresight.org/events-observances/eye-donation-month/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">RestoreSight.org</a></b> to learn how you can get involved.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867703633760287274.post-68335746982855418012023-10-29T15:42:00.001-04:002023-10-29T15:42:34.918-04:00Keep Your Eyes Safe on Halloween 🎃<p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img class="mx-auto" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHgZjn1eQC0IDtHHDvUK1aqvvod0xx5-U6GksEkj7-Wp91vS4V79YipGAuCW9lBNufHTCkY3TcsZcjqhvjYJgjUyGv1BjoRz9ZgGv20WYAVbz38OgA61aaDj-HCHKRQAcii6qs0g6pJ9U/s0/spookyeyes.png" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" style="display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 900px;" alt="Keep your eyes safe on Halloween" title="Just like corrective contact lenses, you should never buy contact lenses from a street vendor, beauty supply store, flea market, novelty store or Halloween store—and you should always have a prescription."/></p>
<p class="lead">Don’t let an eye infection be the scariest part of your Halloween. All contact lenses must be prescribed by a doctor, including decorative lenses. Any contact lenses that are not prescribed by a doctor are illegal and could cause you harm.</p>
<p>Just like corrective contact lenses, you should never buy contact lenses from a street vendor, beauty supply store, flea market, novelty store or Halloween store—and you should always have a prescription.</p>
<p>Decorative lenses purchased without a prescription may not fit properly, leaving the eye more susceptible to scratches on the outer layer of the eye, or getting an ulcer (an open sore) on the cornea- the clear covering over the front of the eye. The result of a scratch or sore can be scarring, infection, and permanent vision reduction or loss.</p>
<p>There are many names for contact lenses that are used to change the appearance of the eyes, including cosmetic, theatrical, Halloween, circle, decorative, costume, or colored contact lenses. These types of lenses may also be used to improve vision. Whether they improve vision or not, all contact lenses require a prescription and proper care to lower the risk of eye infections and other complications.</p>
<p>People who wear any type of contact lenses need to practice proper wear and care steps to keep their eyes healthy. No type of contact lens is risk-free. Improper care of contact lenses increases the chances of infections and other complications. When decorative contact lenses are sold without a prescription, proper fitting, and education about wear and care from an eye doctor, there appears to be a greater risk of permanent eye damage—even blindness.</p>
<p>Wearing decorative contact lenses can be risky. These risks include:</p>
<ul>
<li>A cut or scratch on the top layer of your eyeball (Corneal Abrasion)</li>
<li>Allergic reactions like itchy, watery red eyes</li>
<li>Decreased vision</li>
<li>Infection</li>
<li>Blindness</li>
</ul>
<h2>Do's and don'ts of decorative and Halloween lenses</h2>
<p><strong>Do get an eye exam!</strong> A licensed eye doctor will examine your eyes to make sure the contact lenses fit properly. The fit of your contact lenses is very important. A wrong fit can cause damage to your eyes. Be sure to always go for follow-up eye exams as instructed by your doctor.</p>
<p><strong>Do get a prescription!</strong> All contact lenses should be prescribed by a doctor, including decorative lenses. The prescription should include the brand name, correct lens measurements and expiration date.</p>
<p><strong>Do follow the contact lens care instructions!</strong> Follow the instructions for wearing, cleaning and disinfecting your contact lenses that come with your contact lenses. If you do not receive instructions, ask an eye doctor for them.</p>
<p><strong>Do seek medical attention right away and remove your contact lenses if your eyes are red, have ongoing pain or discharge!</strong> Redness, pain and discharge from the eyes are signs of an eye infection. If you think you have an eye infection from your contact lenses, remove them and see an eye doctor right away.</p>
<p><strong>Don't share your contact lenses with anyone else!</strong> You wouldn't share your toothbrush, would you? All eyes are not the same size and shape and your contact lenses are fitted just for you.</p>
<p><strong>Don't buy any contact lenses without a prescription!</strong> If you don't see an eye doctor and get a prescription, then the contact lenses you get may not fit properly and may not work well. They could even damage your eyes. Sometimes wearing contact lenses can damage the top layer of your eyeball (cornea). Even if you aren't having any problems now, the lenses still could be causing damage to your eyes. By having regular checkups and buying contact lenses with a prescription, you will reduce the chances of any undetected damage to your eyes.</p>
<p>Educate yourself and others about the dangers (including eye sores and vision loss) of using decorative contact lenses without a prescription. Enjoy a safe and happy Halloween and practice healthy contact lens wear and care.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867703633760287274.post-81677280504430139682023-10-26T12:00:00.003-04:002023-10-26T12:00:00.137-04:00World Keratoconus Day: Wallpapers and Posters<p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img class="mx-auto" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1u5-Fjg43sBVSEX8bCzbci34zPOLfr8DpH5WT2oYoTtTdynO5GmV-BCefQSHV5TvGZy_l8UHtZh7byDCy3gecatLOtG3Vig30uwgLQ8A_f6UbQaJ7ZZI90DStZNHWely630Z9qDz4H_s/s0/World-KC-Day-2018-Poster-A4-Keratoconus-Group.jpg" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" style="display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 900px;" alt="World Keratoconus Day Wallpapers and Posters" title="Download and use these World Keratoconus Day wallpapers on your desktop computer, tablet, or mobile devices"/></p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.keratoconusgroup.org/2021/10/world-keratoconus-day.html">World Keratoconus Day</a></b> is a day to raise awareness and education about keratoconus, a rare eye condition that affects the shape and vision of the cornea. It is celebrated on November 10 every year by various organizations, professionals, celebrities, and people who have keratoconus or know someone who does.</p>
<p>To celebrate World Keratoconus Day and show our support for the keratoconus community, we have created some wallpapers and posters that you can download and print for free. You can use these wallpapers and posters to decorate your home, office, or school. You can also share them on social media or send them to your friends and family who have keratoconus or know someone who does. By doing so, you can help spread awareness and education about this condition and show your solidarity with the millions of people who are living with it.</p>
<p>Download and use these wallpapers on your desktop computer, tablet, or mobile devices. Learn how to <a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT200285" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">change your iPhone wallpaper</a> or <a href="https://www.androidcentral.com/how-change-your-wallpaper" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">change your wallpaper on an Android phone or tablet</a>. We have also created letter and A4 size posters which you can print and use to spread awareness.</p>
<div class="card-deck my-md-3">
<div class="mx-auto card bg-light text-center" style="max-width: 16rem;">
<img class="card-img-top" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-MbOmxQqxHFxLwJ6pK2_yaK_BlkD7cfugoEvj9t5ogQWVX8p1bEh3BbTqOXcYC8zoVdiXfNiz_L3wl0HRA6-wJDopnH0riY1Wu1fBbHcwHVgQ16QCw-Z9cr0X4-S7taIb0sHpcJVULh0/s0/World-KC-Day-2018-Wallpaper-1-Keratoconus-Group.jpg" alt="World Keratoconus Day 2018 Desktop or Tablet Wallpaper">
<div class="card-body">
<h5 class="card-title">Desktop or Tablet Wallpaper</h5>
<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/ode575rwk2543vp/World-KC-Day-2018-Wallpaper-1-Keratoconus-Group.jpg?dl=0" class="btn btn-primary stretched-link" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"><i class="fab fa-dropbox"></i> Download HD</a>
</div></div>
<div class="mx-auto card bg-light text-center" style="max-width: 16rem;">
<img class="card-img-top" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7APNp22Xat8qddzgkSm_ed96e3U6onzNQEaM1T4u6oOKNpJKV9Fg7oSZLUELSuuHSIzf8YoxMG-x4EqRhiX0z5u2NiBCnd8BC0qR-9Y1vGW2-QibGlKk5hoIKohc0yiBQvWmGgwB3PYE/s0/World-KC-Day-2018-Wallpaper-2-Keratoconus-Group.jpg" alt="World Keratoconus Day 2019 Desktop or Tablet Wallpaper">
<div class="card-body">
<h5 class="card-title">Desktop or Tablet Wallpaper</h5>
<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/a7x8c3fvzdvu4qa/World-KC-Day-2018-Wallpaper-2-Keratoconus-Group.jpg?dl=0" class="btn btn-primary stretched-link" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"><i class="fab fa-dropbox"></i> Download HD</a>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="card-deck my-md-3">
<div class="mx-auto card bg-light text-center" style="max-width: 16rem;">
<img class="card-img-top" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6doC2cMUBB_R0COc8fbEWUWRxiNJh9QSZSNoalzk0_GX3k6zGyDqNLkwKSbPY2rV8mUjkn-Ppm3fMgsyy7u0YayvR0D5ttkeWnEc9n8Hgl1qAIuLZMMhfIVdxfrJizytwHTHiB12J_F4/s0/World-KC-Day-2018-Wallpaper-Mobile-1-Keratoconus-Group.jpg" alt="National Keratoconus Day 2019 Mobile Wallpaper">
<div class="card-body">
<h5 class="card-title">Phone Wallpaper</h5>
<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/5vuh67n42t6nhmf/World-KC-Day-2018-Wallpaper-Mobile-1-Keratoconus-Group.jpg?dl=0" class="btn btn-primary stretched-link" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"><i class="fab fa-dropbox"></i> Download HD</a>
</div>
</div>
<div class="mx-auto card bg-light text-center" style="max-width: 16rem;">
<img class="card-img-top" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiT7UcGBZr0MxIZ-cjuGUTe8mhak-CyCYKyN8qZpthKvnla5V3gY01bSFDVlUZ-S4i8pWLM7_1H4ESPBnpN03waVGB5Dl9EIdpvHLIt0RdwoarPbUU4gs3VW7v26wnJ1YD0Pb6pnyf7zY/s0/World-KC-Day-2018-Wallpaper-Mobile-2-Keratoconus-Group.jpg" alt="National Keratoconus Day 2019 Mobile Wallpaper">
<div class="card-body">
<h5 class="card-title">Phone Wallpaper</h5>
<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/cz3polsrk0jg4pd/World-KC-Day-2018-Wallpaper-Mobile-2-Keratoconus-Group.jpg?dl=0" class="btn btn-primary stretched-link" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"><i class="fab fa-dropbox"></i> Download HD</a>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="card-deck my-md-3">
<div class="mx-auto card bg-light text-center" style="max-width: 16rem;">
<img class="card-img-top" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrzBL0fuZdKa8zzNb28cWGeWKz-DTwIUUErtOUkeDt7n9s1Vs_qCXYKHNJAJl8qa8Fdf8JfbUhnlTPZ5hkEEvtJCnDTQ0QD7l1Lf06KK-kbmMU84Q6J-DyoeDgWAtFdzpC5Ar4PEitGs/s0/World-KC-Day-2018-Poster-Letter-Keratoconus-Group.jpg" alt="National Keratoconus Day 2019 Poster">
<div class="card-body">
<h5 class="card-title">Print: Letter (8.5x11 in)</h5>
<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/9sfrrscrxmmehz4/World-KC-Day-2018-Poster-Letter-Keratoconus-Group.jpg?dl=0" class="btn btn-primary stretched-link" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"><i class="fab fa-dropbox"></i> Download</a>
</div>
</div>
<div class="mx-auto card bg-light text-center" style="max-width: 16rem;">
<img class="card-img-top" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1u5-Fjg43sBVSEX8bCzbci34zPOLfr8DpH5WT2oYoTtTdynO5GmV-BCefQSHV5TvGZy_l8UHtZh7byDCy3gecatLOtG3Vig30uwgLQ8A_f6UbQaJ7ZZI90DStZNHWely630Z9qDz4H_s/s0/World-KC-Day-2018-Poster-A4-Keratoconus-Group.jpg" alt="National Keratoconus Day 2019 Poster">
<div class="card-body">
<h5 class="card-title">Print: A4 (21x29 cm)</h5>
<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/rncajssvefl4w6k/World-KC-Day-2018-Poster-A4-Keratoconus-Group.jpg?dl=0" class="btn btn-primary stretched-link" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"><i class="fab fa-dropbox"></i> Download</a>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<p class="lead"><b><a href="https://www.keratoconusgroup.org/2021/10/world-keratoconus-day.html">Learn more about World Keratoconus Day.</a></b></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867703633760287274.post-69674917707302632812023-10-19T11:06:00.001-04:002023-10-28T04:28:39.319-04:00Insurance Coverage for Corneal Cross-Linking in the U.S.<p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img class="mx-auto" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHoI1D1BZHG7IhteolNwuogQR6CnGlo6dI_vuDtNTps9JTxjD_ZjtODmguI2V-iZL95w_KofjcJiU-sxBpr2VHPIA6lvLMqocapXnBZaulfdETRqBdAUEPKbidK0083bhZIslTC3X6zgpbXv8iemDgYzAUeDyooaLkM-qEwJ0BEcE6YIZWfPhG0CqKap0/s1600-rw/Crosslinking_Insurance_Keratoconus.jpg" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1000" style="display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="900px" title="Corneal Collagen Crosslinking Insurance Coverage in the United States" alt="Insurance Coverage for Corneal Cross-Linking in the United States" /></p>
<span itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question">
<h2 itemprop="name">What is corneal collagen coss-linking for keratoconus?</h2>
<span itemscope itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer">
<span itemprop="text">
<p>Corneal collagen cross-linking is a treatment for keratoconus. In corneal coss-linking, doctors use eyedrop medication and ultraviolet (UV) light from a special machine to strengthen the tissues in your cornea. The procedure involves applying specially formulated riboflavin (vitamin B2) eyedrops to your cornea, which allow it to better absorb light. After about 30 minutes, you’ll look up at a light while lying back in a chair. The entire treatment takes about 60-90 minutes.</p>
<p>The procedure doesn’t reverse cornea changes that have already happened – it just keeps them from getting worse. Since it can help slow progression, it’s best to talk to your doctor sooner than later if you have keratoconus.</p>
</span></span></span>
<a name='more'></a>
<span itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question">
<h2 itemprop="name">How much does Crosslinking for Keratoconus cost?</h2>
<span itemscope itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer">
<p itemprop="text">There is limited evidence on the costs of corneal crosslinking, but it may be as high as $2,500 to $4,000 per eye in the United States. a cost-effectiveness <a href="https://www.nature.com/eye/journal/v29/n11/full/eye2015151a.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">study</a> estimated the costs of the total treatment for one person as £928 in the UK National Health Service.</p>
</span></span>
<span itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question">
<h2 itemprop="name">Is crosslinkig for keratoconus covered by health insurance?</h2>
<span itemscope itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer">
<p itemprop="text">Since FDA approval of <strong><a href="https://www.keratoconusgroup.org/2017/08/corneal-collagen-crosslinking-for-keratoconus.html" target="_blank">corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) for keratoconus</a></strong> in April 2016, many insurance companies have started covering this procedure for progressive keratoconus and keratectasia.</p>
</span></span>
<span itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question">
<h2 itemprop="name">Where in the United States is crosslinkig for keratoconus covered by health insurance?</h2>
<span itemscope itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer">
<p itemprop="text">All 50 states have six or more health insurance plans that cover the FDA-approved corneal cross-linking for keratoconus.</p>
</span></span>
<span itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question">
<h2 itemprop="name">Which corneal crosslinking method is covered?</h2>
<span itemscope itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer">
<span itemprop="text">
<p>FDA has approved corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) for progressive keratoconus in April 2016. this approval only covers the crosslinking products developed by Glaukos Corporation (formerly Avedro, Inc.).</p>
<p>This FDA-approved method involves corneal epithelial debridment, hence it is known as epithelium-off or epi-off crosslinking. At this time, epi-on crosslinking method is not approved by FDA and thus it is not covered.</p>
</span></span></span>
<span itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question">
<h2 itemprop="name">What are the drugs and devices used in the FDA-approved corneal cross-linking?</h2>
<span itemscope itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer">
<p itemprop="text">FDA-approved corneal cross-linking uses the drugs and device manufactured by Avedro. In order to be eligible for insurance reimbursement, your procedure must consist of the KXL System and Photrexa drug formulations. These are the only cross-linking drugs and device that are FDA-approved and eligible for insurance reimbursement in the United States.</p>
</span></span>
<span itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question">
<h2 itemprop="name">What is the CPT code for corneal collagen crosslinking?</h2>
<span itemscope itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer">
<span itemprop="text">
<p><strong>Category III CPT 0402T:</strong> Collagen crosslinking of cornea, including removal of the corneal epithelium and intraoperative pachymetry when performed.</p>
<p><abbr title="Current Procedural Terminology">CPT</abbr> Category III codes represent temporary codes for new and emerging technologies. They have been created to allow for data collection and utilization tracking for new procedures or services. With this Category III code the individual payers will decide whether to cover the procedure.</p>
</span></span></span>
<span itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question">
<h2 itemprop="name">Does Photrexa® Viscous and Photrexa® have product specific J-code?</h2>
<span itemscope itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer">
<p itemprop="text">J-code J2787 has been issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for the use of Photrexa® Viscous (riboflavin 5’-phosphate in 20% dextran ophthalmic solution) and Photrexa® (riboflavin 5’-phosphate ophthalmic solution) formulas.</p>
</span></span>
</span>
<p><strong>Below is an updated list of insurance companies in United States that cover corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) for progressive keratoconus:</strong></p>
<div class="table-responsive">
<table class="table table-striped table-bordered table-hover">
<tr class="bg-dark text-light">
<th>Payer Name</th>
<th>Payer Region</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Aetna</td>
<td>National</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AllWays Health Partners</td>
<td>MA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AmeriHealth</td>
<td>DE, NJ, PA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Anthem</td>
<td>National</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield</td>
<td>AR</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BCBS Health Advantage</td>
<td>AR</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BCBS of North Dakota</td>
<td>ND</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BCBS of Vermont</td>
<td>VT</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP</td>
<td>National</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama</td>
<td>AL</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona</td>
<td>AZ</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida</td>
<td>FL</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia</td>
<td>GA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois</td>
<td>IL</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas</td>
<td>KS</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City</td>
<td>Kansas City, Northwestern MO, Johnson & Wyandotte Counties</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana</td>
<td>LA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts</td>
<td>MA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan</td>
<td>MI</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota</td>
<td>MN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Blue Cross Blue Sheild of Mississippi</td>
<td>MS</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana</td>
<td>MT</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico</td>
<td>NM</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina</td>
<td>NC</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota</td>
<td>ND</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma</td>
<td>OK</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island</td>
<td>RI, CT, MA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina</td>
<td>SC</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee</td>
<td>TN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas</td>
<td>TX</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont</td>
<td>VT</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Blue Cross of Idaho</td>
<td>ID</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Blue Shield of California</td>
<td>CA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BlueChoice Health Plan of South Carolina</td>
<td>SC</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Capital Blue Cross</td>
<td>Central PA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Capital Health Plan</td>
<td>FL</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield</td>
<td>MD, DC, Northern VA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cigna Health</td>
<td>National</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ConnectiCare</td>
<td>CT</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dean Health Plan</td>
<td>WI</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Emblem Health</td>
<td>NY</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield</td>
<td>NY</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Fallon Health</td>
<td>MA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Geisinger Health</td>
<td>PA, DE, ME, NJ, WV</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Harvard Pilgrim</td>
<td>MA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hawaii Medical Service Association</td>
<td>HI</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Health Alliance Plan of Michigan</td>
<td>MI</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Health New England</td>
<td>MA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>HealthNet</td>
<td>CA, AZ</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>HealthPartners Minnesota</td>
<td>MN, ND, SD, WI</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Highmark Blue Shield</td>
<td>DE, PA, WV</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Horizon Blue Cross of New Jersey</td>
<td>NJ</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Humana</td>
<td>National</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Independence Blue Cross</td>
<td>PA, NJ, DE, MD</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>John Hopkins HealthCare</td>
<td>MD</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kaiser Permanente</td>
<td>AZ, CA, CO, DC, GA, HI, MD, NV, TX, VA, WA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Medica Health Plans</td>
<td>MN, WI, ND, SD</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Medical Mutual</td>
<td>OH</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Moda Health</td>
<td>OR</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nebraska Blue</td>
<td>NE</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Premera Blue Cross</td>
<td>WA, OR, AK</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Presbyterian Health</td>
<td>NM, AZ, CO, TX</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Priority Health of Michigan</td>
<td>MI</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Providence Health Plan</td>
<td>OR, WA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Public Employee Health Plan (PEHP)</td>
<td>UT</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Quartz - Unity Health</td>
<td>WI</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield</td>
<td>ID, OR, UT, WA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rocky Mountain Health Plans</td>
<td>CO, NE</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Scott & White Health Plan (SWHP)</td>
<td>TX</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Select Health</td>
<td>ID, UT</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tricare</td>
<td colspan="2"><a href="http://manuals.tricare.osd.mil/DisplayManualPdfFile/TP15/15/AsOf/TP15/C1S3_1.PDF">TRICARE Policy Manual: Rare Diseases</a>, <a href="http://manuals.tricare.osd.mil/DisplayManualPdfFile/TP15/15/AsOf/TP15/C4S21_1.PDF">Eye And Ocular Adnexa</a>, <a href="https://www.army.mil/article/178683/fort_belvoir_hospital_is_first_military_hospital_to_perform_cutting_edge_eye_procedure" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Available to all Tricare beneficiaries, including dependents.</a> also see <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/Keratomania/posts/1617299618328948?comment_id=1618989041493339">this comment</a>.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tufts Health Plan</td>
<td>MA, RI</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>United Healthcare</td>
<td>National</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield</td>
<td>IA, SD</td>
</tr>
<tr class="small">
<td colspan="2">This list is subject to change. It is not intended to be a directive, nor is it a suggestion about the likelihood of coverage or reimbursement. Please confirm with your individual carriers.</td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<h2>Reimbursement questions and financial assistance</h2>
<p>The iPath360 program by Glaukos is a service to help keratoconus patients with reimbursement questions, prescription assistance and the possibility of financial assistance for eligible patients.</p>
<p>Call the iPath360 hotline <a href="tel:844-528-3311">844-528-3311</a> for questions about coding, billing, claims submissions or payer coverage for corneal cross-linking with Photrexa® Viscous and Photrexa® with the KXL® System.</p>
<p>Visit <a href="https://glaukos.ipath360.net/s/external-resource-page" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iPath360's website</a> and <a href="https://www.livingwithkeratoconus.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Avedro's website</a> to learn more about insurance coverage and find resources and cornea specialist who perform corneal crosslinking.</p>
<p class="lead"><strong><a href="https://www.keratoconusgroup.org/2017/08/corneal-collagen-crosslinking-for-keratoconus.html" target="_blank">Learn more about corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL)</a></strong></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comUnited States37.09024 -95.712891-36.4162205 99.052733999999987 90 69.521484tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867703633760287274.post-202566918452359052023-10-15T15:06:00.001-04:002023-10-15T15:06:34.885-04:00Seeing Beyond Keratoconus: In Sickness and in Health<p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img class="mx-auto" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LutIZlJqTz2OJBTKuUEm3jA93-gZ2IihHBjdNnTR9SAbbZTZSv1lT2TUXHCfBI6tPU9iyTXfDZrPLrwyhrFzHtqmiMDwW_XEPG6_q_qVv2FDxxAmZLyCIZym67Hcq2m-5_95Q679ZLX_LVUbNrAb63nuYOTK0T3S7hvjVz0q8CPcM3LYJVdgO7hM8vs/s1600/Keratoconus-To-My-Husband.jpg" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" style="display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 900px;" alt="Seeing Beyond Keratoconus: In Sickness and in Health" title="I was freaked out and confused. I had never heard of keratoconus before."/></p>
<p>My husband and I met when we were both in college. He was studying engineering and I was studying art. We had so much in common. We fell head over heels for each other and got hitched right after graduation. We had big plans for our future, we wanted to buy a house, start a family, and see the world.</p>
<a name='more'></a>
<p>But just seven months into our marriage my vision started to go bad. I thought it was just because I spent too much time working on my paintings. I got new glasses, but they didn’t help. My vision got worse and worse, everything was blurry, distorted, too bright or too dark..</p>
<p>I went to see an eye doctor, who did a bunch of tests on my eyes. He told me I had keratoconus, a condition where the cornea, the clear part of the eye, gets thin and bulges out like a cone. He said there was no cure for it, but there were treatments to make it better. He suggested I try hard contact lenses, which would make my cornea flat and fix my vision.</p>
<p>I was freaked out and confused. I had never heard of keratoconus before. How did I get it? Why me? What would happen to my eyes? How would it affect my life and my career?</p>
<p>My husband was amazing. He hugged me when I cried, he looked up everything he could about keratoconus, he took me to all my appointments, he helped me with my contact lenses, he cheered me on to keep doing what I loved. He never whined, never blamed me, never made me feel like a drag.</p>
<p>He told me he loved me no matter what, and that we would get through this together. He reminded me of our vows: in sickness and in health.</p>
<p>One of the hardest things for me was not being able to drive anymore. Driving was something I enjoyed and took for granted. It gave me a sense of freedom and independence. But with keratoconus, driving became too risky. I had to rely on my husband to drive me everywhere.</p>
<p>He never complained or made me feel guilty. He always made sure I was comfortable and safe in the car. He played my favorite songs on the radio, he cracked jokes to make me laugh, he held my hand when we stopped at red lights. He made driving fun again.</p>
<p>He helped me see that there was more to life than what I could see with my eyes.</p>
<p>I don’t know what I would do without him. He is my rock, my best friend, my soulmate. He has shown me what true love is. I want to thank him for being there for me, for supporting me, for loving me unconditionally. He didn’t sign up for this, but he never gave up on me.</p>
<address itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person"><span itemprop="name">Magdalena Strasser</span></address>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867703633760287274.post-71721995526876605812023-10-12T10:00:00.005-04:002023-10-13T17:16:41.988-04:00World Sight Day 2023<p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img class="mx-auto" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIEecoc99T7TAjPq1m-7oOCl4A-sDipKTnSl8R9aeJWeGN4Z824uA0yggNxJKkQtceyndnbGOUjvpLMePhMBNBLnNyzk55zceytnMSUa2BjYvu-S2M0O-6j-7t0cIWIxTcnjcfpHg-IUbclG1dV6yZS3fd_U579K6yorvdurRNbbleHfZvFgie4Y_Q9xk/s1600/World-Sight-Day-2023.png" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" style="display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 900px;" alt="World Sight Day 2023" title="World Sight Day 2023"/></p>
<p><a href="https://www.iapb.org/world-sight-day/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><b>World Sight Day</b></a> is an annual global event observed on the second Thursday of October. It is a day to raise awareness about blindness and vision impairment, and to advocate for access to quality eye care for all.</p>
<a name='more'></a>
<p>This year, World Sight Day will be celebrated on October 12, 2023, under the theme "Love Your Eyes". The theme aims to encourage people to prioritize their eye health and to take steps to protect their vision.</p>
<p>Eye health is essential for our overall well-being and quality of life. It allows us to see the world around us, to learn and grow, and to participate fully in society. However, millions of people around the world are blind or have vision impairment, many of whom could have been prevented with access to timely and appropriate eye care.</p>
<p>According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 2.2 billion people worldwide have a vision impairment, of whom at least 1 billion have a vision impairment that could have been prevented or treated.</p>
<p>The most common causes of blindness and vision impairment include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Uncorrected refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism)</li>
<li>Cataracts</li>
<li>Glaucoma</li>
<li>Age-related macular degeneration</li>
<li>Diabetic retinopathy</li>
</ul>
<p>Many of these conditions can be treated successfully if detected early. However, access to quality eye care is often limited in developing countries, and many people do not seek eye care until their vision is already severely impaired.</p>
<p>World Sight Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of eye health and to advocate for access to quality eye care for all. It is also a day to celebrate the work of eye care professionals and organizations around the world who are working to prevent blindness and vision impairment.</p>
<h2>How to get involved in World Sight Day?</h2>
<p>There are many ways to get involved in World Sight Day. Here are a few ideas:</p>
<p><b>Get your eyes checked.</b><br/> Regular eye exams are essential for maintaining good eye health. Even if you don't have any vision problems, it's important to see an eye doctor regularly to rule out any underlying eye conditions.</p>
<p><b>Educate yourself about eye health.</b><br/> There are many resources available online and in your community to help you learn more about eye health and vision impairment.</p>
<p><b>Donate to or volunteer for an eye care organization.</b><br/> There are many organizations working to prevent blindness and vision impairment around the world. You can donate to or volunteer your time to support these organizations and make a difference in the lives of people who are blind or have vision impairment.</p>
<p><b>Spread the word about World Sight Day.</b><br/> Talk to your friends and family about the importance of eye health and encourage them to get their eyes checked. You can also share information about World Sight Day on social media and other online platforms.</p>
<h2>What can you do to protect your eye health?</h2>
<p>Here are 10 tips to help you love your eyes and protect your eye health:</p>
<p><b>1. FOLLOW THE 20/20/20 RULE TO GIVE YOUR EYES SCREEN BREAKS.</b><br/>
When using a screen, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes, to avoid eye strain and headaches.</p>
<p><b>2. SPEND TIME OUTSIDE.</b><br/>
Children should spend at least two hours a day outside. This also helps their eyes develop in a healthy way and helps them avoid developing nearsightedness.</p>
<p><b>3. WEAR SUNGLASSES OUTSIDE.</b><br/>
Make sure your sunglasses offer UVA and UVB protection to prevent radiation from the sun damaging your eyes.</p>
<p><b>4. WEAR PRESCRIPTION GLASSES, IF YOU NEED THEM.</b><br/>
You should wear your prescription glasses to see clearly and prevent your eyes from having to work harder which can lead to eye strain and headaches.</p>
<p><b>5. CHECK YOUR COSMETICS TO AVOID EYE INFECTIONS.</b><br/>
Check the expiry date on eye makeup and replace your brushes regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria that could cause eye infections.</p>
<p><b>6. EXERCISE REGULARLY.</b><br/>
Doing regular exercise can reduce the risk of developing conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure which can affect your sight.</p>
<p><b>7. EAT A HEALTHY DIET.</b><br/>
Eating a balanced diet ensures you have the vitamins and minerals that are essential for maintaining healthy eyes.</p>
<p><b>8. DON’T SMOKE.</b><br/>
Smoking increases your risk of developing serious eye conditions and permanent sight loss.</p>
<p><b>9. BOOK AN EYE TEST TO DETECT PROBLEMS BEFORE THEY ARISE.</b><br/>
An eye test can detect an eye condition even before it’s affected your eyesight, so even if you don’t think there’s anything wrong with your eyes, you should book a test.</p>
<p><b>10. PRIORITISE YOUR EYES - YOU NEED THEM TO LAST ALL YOUR LIFE.</b><br/>
Put reminders in your calendar to have regular eye checks. You should have your eyes checked every 1-2 years.</p>
<p>By getting involved in World Sight Day, you can help to raise awareness about the importance of eye health and vision impairment, and to advocate for access to quality eye care for all.</p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867703633760287274.post-86211318221068434102023-10-06T17:13:00.002-04:002023-10-28T04:32:52.719-04:00Diseases That Increase the Risk of Keratoconus<p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img class="mx-auto" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_GzGpWWBnm5UlN9pT3C2oG8taeCp6orM6HegyONMj6cfB8-VOfykIguqhWhw26LU_LSGTsQjNZTKkTnw7oqX3PJSC9eVMxY_WgxHB6V1DtOhCvOvk4vlYzxo_lhPkGNaOnd-HcJphNIkXfJl8qnVJtH46EuJcUJCFXPQrhxkYnLhiXOm-PG-rfxJvJY/s1600/Keratoconus-Associated-Diseases.jpg" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" style="display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 900px;" alt="Diseases That Increase Your Risk of Keratoconus" title="Learn more about the link between keratoconus and other conditions."/></p>
<p>Keratoconus is often associated with other diseases, particularly those that affect the connective tissue. Keratoconus has been associated with atopic diseases, which include asthma, allergies, and eczema, and it is not uncommon for several or all of these diseases to affect one person. Keratoconus is also associated with Alport syndrome, Down syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), and Marfan syndrome.</p>
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<p>The exact relationship between keratoconus and these other diseases is not fully understood. It is possible that they share common genetic or environmental risk factors. For example, both keratoconus and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome are caused by defects in the connective tissue. It is important to note that not everyone with keratoconus will have another associated disease.</p>
<h2>Atopic diseases:</h2>
<p>Atopic diseases are a group of chronic inflammatory conditions that are caused by an overreaction of the immune system to allergens. The most common atopic diseases are asthma, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), and atopic dermatitis (eczema).</p>
<p>There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that atopic diseases and keratoconus may be associated. For example, a study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that people with keratoconus were more likely to have a history of atopic diseases than people without keratoconus. Additionally, a study published in the Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science found that people with keratoconus had higher levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), an antibody that is associated with allergic reactions.</p>
<p>The exact mechanism of the association between atopic diseases and keratoconus is not fully understood. However, there are a few possible explanations. One possibility is that atopic diseases may cause inflammation in the cornea, which can lead to thinning and bulging. Another possibility is that people with atopic diseases may be more likely to rub their eyes, which can also damage the cornea.</p>
<p>The association between atopic diseases and keratoconus has a number of clinical implications. It is important to be aware of this association in order to diagnose keratoconus early. This is because early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent vision loss.</p>
<p>Patients with atopic diseases should be counseled on the importance of avoiding eye rubbing. Eye rubbing can further damage the cornea and accelerate the progression of keratoconus.</p>
<h2>Down syndrome:</h2>
<p>Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21, either fully or partially. It is the most common chromosomal abnormality in humans. People with DS have a number of characteristic physical features, including intellectual disabilities, developmental delays, and distinctive facial features.</p>
<p>People with DS have a much higher risk of developing keratoconus. Studies have shown that anywhere from 5% to 30% of people with DS also have keratoconus. This is a significant increase in risk, and it is important for people with DS to be aware of the condition and to get regular eye exams to detect it early.</p>
<p>The exact reason for the association between DS and keratoconus is not fully understood. However, researchers believe that it may be related to a number of factors, including:</p>
<p>Collagen abnormalities: People with DS have an increased risk of developing certain types of collagen disorders. Collagen is a protein that is found in many parts of the body, including the cornea. Abnormalities in collagen can weaken the cornea and make it more susceptible to keratoconus.</p>
<p>Eye rubbing: People with DS are more likely to rub their eyes excessively. This can damage the cornea and increase the risk of developing keratoconus.</p>
<p>Atopy: Atopy is a group of allergic conditions, such as asthma, eczema, and hay fever. People with DS are more likely to have atopy. Studies have shown that there may be a link between atopy and keratoconus.</p>
<p>Genetic factors: Some studies have suggested that there may be a genetic link between DS and keratoconus. However, more research is needed to confirm this link.</p>
<h2>Marfan syndrome:</h2>
<p>Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a genetic disorder of connective tissue that can affect many parts of the body, including the heart, lungs, blood vessels, eyes, and bones. It is caused by a mutation in the FBN1 gene, which produces a protein called fibrillin-1. Fibrillin-1 is an important component of connective tissue, which provides strength and support to many organs and tissues.</p>
<p>There is a small but significant association between MFS and keratoconus. Studies have shown that people with MFS are more likely to develop keratoconus than the general population. The exact nature of this relationship is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to the same genetic mutations that cause MFS.</p>
<p>One possible mechanism for the association between MFS and keratoconus is that the genetic mutations that cause MFS can also affect the development and structure of the cornea. The cornea is made up of several layers of tissue, including a layer of collagen called the stroma. Collagen is a type of protein that gives the cornea its strength and shape. The genetic mutations that cause MFS can weaken the structure of collagen in the cornea, making it more likely to thin and bulge.</p>
<p>Another possible mechanism for the association is that the cardiovascular problems associated with MFS can also affect the cornea. MFS can cause the aorta, the main artery in the body, to weaken and enlarge. This can lead to a condition called aortic aneurysm, which can put pressure on the optic nerve, which carries visual signals from the eye to the brain. Pressure on the optic nerve can damage it and lead to vision loss.</p>
<h2>Sleep apnea</h2>
<p>Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the most common type of sleep apnea, occurs when the throat muscles relax and block the airway during sleep. This can lead to a variety of health problems, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes.</p>
<p>Researchers have found that people with keratoconus may be 10 to 20 times more likely to suffer from the sleep disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea than those without keratoconus. A 2015 study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that people with keratoconus were 1.8 times more likely to have sleep apnea than people without keratoconus. Another study found that people with keratoconus were 10 times more likely to have sleep apnea than people without keratoconus.</p>
<h2>Ehlers-Danlos syndrome:</h2>
<p>Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of genetic disorders that affect connective tissue, the protein that provides support and structure to the skin, bones, and organs. There are 13 recognized types of EDS, each caused by a mutation in a different gene.</p>
<p>There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that EDS and keratoconus are associated. For example, a 2022 study found that people with keratoconus are five times more likely to have EDS than the general population. Additionally, people with EDS are more likely to have certain genetic mutations that are also associated with keratoconus.</p>
<p>The exact reason for the association between EDS and keratoconus is not fully understood, but it is thought to be due to the fact that both conditions involve defects in the connective tissue. The connective tissue in the cornea is responsible for maintaining its shape and strength. When the connective tissue in the cornea is weak, it can lead to the development of keratoconus.</p>
<p>The treatment for keratoconus in people with EDS is the same as the treatment for keratoconus in people without EDS. However, it is important to note that people with EDS may be more at risk for complications from certain treatments, such as corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) and intracorneal ring segments (ICRS). Therefore, it is important to discuss all treatment options with an eye doctor who is experienced in treating people with EDS.</p>
<h2>Alport syndrome:</h2>
<p>Alport syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that affects the kidneys, eyes, and ears. It is caused by mutations in genes that code for collagen type IV, a protein that is essential for the structure and function of these tissues.</p>
<p>The most common symptoms of Alport syndrome are kidney disease, hearing loss, and eye abnormalities. Kidney disease is the most serious complication of Alport syndrome and can lead to end-stage kidney disease. Hearing loss typically begins in childhood and can progress to deafness. Eye abnormalities can include anterior lenticonus (a bulging of the front of the lens), posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy (a type of corneal dystrophy), and fleck retinopathy (small white spots on the retina).</p>
<p>There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that keratoconus and Alport syndrome may be associated. In a study published in 2023, researchers found that 6.7% of patients with Alport syndrome also had keratoconus. This is significantly higher than the prevalence of keratoconus in the general population.</p>
<p>The exact reason for the association between Alport syndrome and keratoconus is not fully understood. However, it is thought that the mutations in collagen type IV that cause Alport syndrome may also make the cornea more susceptible to thinning and bulging.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867703633760287274.post-62226706858541877272023-09-29T12:20:00.003-04:002023-10-28T04:32:45.203-04:0025 Most Googled Questions about Keratoconus<p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img class="mx-auto" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeBAH9y8Q9sN_Fs-OTef3pXSbB1qRTt8pJwGOXngCf81NoABTdmHX-8jIF2xSDUCnZsWWgGR2Rppfh8l16KGdQN43W-4RHunS-MMx6T3NyQFXOaSrCGDfCkU2V6vNZ-xbsAjJ_ZSqt-9DCpkZskz84QmWwjokoHbeBh9anYTSW3zmDtIF4R23j8l5IyOo/s1600/Keratoconus_FAQ.jpg" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" style="display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 900px;" alt="The 25 keratoconus questions everyone is Googling — answered." title="25 Most Googled Questions about Keratoconus"/></p>
<p class="lead">The 25 keratoconus questions everyone is Googling — answered.</p>
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<p>To celebrate Google's 25th birthday, in this blog post we will answer 25 of the most googled questions about keratoconus.</p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">1. What is keratoconus?</h2>
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<p itemprop="text">Keratoconus is a condition where the cornea, which is the clear, dome-shaped front of your eye, thins out and bulges into a cone shape. This change in the shape of the cornea can cause light rays to go out of focus, resulting in blurry and distorted vision.</p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">2. What are the symptoms of keratoconus?</h2>
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<p>Some of the symptoms of keratoconus are:</p>
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<li>Blurred or distorted vision, which may not be corrected by glasses or contact lenses</li>
<li>Increased sensitivity to bright light and glare, which can cause problems with night driving</li>
<li>Frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions</li>
<li>Sudden worsening or clouding of vision, which may indicate a complication called hydrops</li>
<li>Double vision or seeing multiple images in one eye</li>
</ul>
<p>These symptoms may vary from person to person and may change over time as the condition progresses. Keratoconus usually affects both eyes, but one eye may be more affected than the other.</p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">3. What are the causes of keratoconus?</h2>
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<p>The exact cause of keratoconus is not known, but it is believed to be influenced by genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. Some possible causes are:</p>
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<li>A defect in the genes that produce collagen, the protein that gives strength and shape to the cornea.</li>
<li>An imbalance between the production and destruction of corneal tissue by the corneal cells, leading to a loss of collagen and thinning of the cornea.</li>
<li>Chronic eye inflammation from allergies or irritants, which can damage the corneal tissue and make it more prone to bulging.</li>
<li>Frequent eye rubbing, which can exert mechanical stress on the cornea and weaken its structure.</li>
</ul>
<p>These factors may increase the risk of developing keratoconus or worsen its progression. However, they do not explain why some people develop keratoconus and others do not. More research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms of this condition.</p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">4. Can keratoconus be cured?</h2>
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<p itemprop="text">Unfortunately, there is no cure for keratoconus at the moment. However, there are several treatments that can help slow down the progression of the condition and improve vision.</p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">5. What are the different treatments for keratoconus?</h2>
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<p>Keratoconus is a condition that affects the shape and clarity of the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye. The treatments for keratoconus depend on the severity of the condition and the individual needs of the patient. Some of the treatments are:</p>
<ul class="">
<li>Eyeglasses or soft contact lenses, which can correct blurry or distorted vision in early keratoconus, but may need frequent changes as the cornea changes shape.</li>
<li>Hard contact lenses, which can provide better vision than glasses or soft lenses in more-advanced keratoconus, but may be less comfortable or stable for some people.</li>
<li>Specialized contact lenses, such as hybrid or scleral lenses, which can offer more comfort and stability than hard lenses for some people with keratoconus, but may be more expensive or difficult to fit.</li>
<li>Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL), which is a procedure that aims to stabilize the structure of the cornea by strengthening the collagen bonds in the corneal tissue, and can slow down or stop the progression of keratoconus and prevent further vision loss.</li>
<li>Corneal transplant surgery, which is a last resort option for people with severe keratoconus who cannot achieve satisfactory vision with other treatments, and involves replacing the damaged cornea with a healthy donor cornea.</li>
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<h2 itemprop="name">6. Can people with keratoconus go blind?</h2>
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<p itemprop="text">The short answer is no, keratoconus does not result in blindness, although it can cause significant vision impairment. Keratoconus can lead to legal blindness, but this is rare and preventable with proper treatment. Legal blindness is defined as having a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/200 or worse in the better eye, or a visual field of less than 20 degrees.</p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">7. What does a person with keratoconus see?</h2>
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<p>A person with keratoconus sees the world in a distorted and blurry way. Keratoconus is a condition where the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, becomes thinner and bulges outwards into a cone shape. This affects how light is focused on the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Keratoconus can cause significant distortion of vision, nearsightedness, irregular astigmatism, ghosting with multiple images, glare and light sensitivity.</p>
<p>To get an idea of how a person with keratoconus sees, you can look at some vision simulations that show how different objects and scenes appear to someone with this condition: <a href="https://www.keratoconusgroup.org/2014/02/world-through-keratoconus-patients-eyes.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><b>World Through Keratoconus Patients' Eyes!</b></a></p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">8. Can you still drive with keratoconus?</h2>
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<p itemprop="text">Driving with keratoconus is possible for most people who have their vision corrected with glasses or contact lenses. However, some factors may affect your ability to drive safely, such as the severity of your condition, the type and fit of your contact lenses, the presence of corneal scarring or hydrops, and the recovery time after any treatment. Therefore, it is important to consult your eye doctor regularly and make sure your vision meets the minimum required standard for driving in your country. You may also need to avoid driving at night or in bright sunlight if you have a sensitivity to light. Driving with keratoconus can be challenging, but not impossible, if you take the necessary precautions and follow your doctor’s advice.</p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">9. What makes keratoconus worse?</h2>
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<p>There are some factors that can make keratoconus worse or increase the risk of developing it. These include:</p>
<ul class="">
<li>Genetics. If you have a family history of keratoconus, you are more likely to develop it yourself. Some genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, are also associated with keratoconus.</li>
<li>Eye rubbing. Rubbing your eyes vigorously or frequently can damage the cornea and weaken its structure. This can lead to keratoconus or make it progress faster.</li>
<li>Chronic eye inflammation. If you have allergies, dry eyes, or other conditions that cause your eyes to be inflamed or irritated, this can also harm the cornea and contribute to keratoconus.</li>
<li>Age. Keratoconus usually starts in the teenage years and progresses until the mid-30s. Younger patients with advanced keratoconus may need more aggressive treatment to prevent further vision loss.</li>
</ul>
<p>To prevent or slow down the worsening of keratoconus, it is important to take good care of your eyes and follow your eye doctor’s advice. You should avoid rubbing your eyes, wear sunglasses to protect them from UV rays, use eye drops to keep them moist, and wear glasses or contact lenses that correct your vision. You should also have regular eye exams to monitor your condition and get treatment if needed.</p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">10. Can laser eye surgery fix keratoconus?</h2>
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<p itemprop="text">No, laser eye surgery is not suitable for keratoconus. Laser eye surgery involves removing some corneal tissue to reshape the eye and correct vision problems. However, keratoconus is a condition that causes the cornea to become thin and bulge outwards. Removing more tissue from the cornea would weaken it further and potentially worsen the keratoconus. Therefore, laser eye surgery is not recommended for anyone with keratoconus.</p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">11. Does keratoconus run in families?</h2>
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<p>Yes, keratoconus can run in families. Many studies have shown that genetics play a role in the development of keratoconus. A familial association appears to play a role in KC, and current literature indicates that there is less than a one in ten chance that a blood relative of a KC patient will also have the disease. Furthermore, relatives of keratoconus patients are 15-67 times at higher risk to develop keratoconus compared to those with unaffected relatives.</p>
<p>However, keratoconus is not caused by a single gene mutation. Researchers believe that keratoconus is a complex disease that involves the interaction of multiple genetic and epigenetic factors. Epigenetic factors are environmental factors that can affect gene expression, such as eye rubbing, contact lens trauma, and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Therefore, not everyone who has a genetic predisposition for keratoconus will develop the condition.</p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">12. Can keratoconus be corrected with glasses?</h2>
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<p>Glasses can correct blurry or distorted vision in early keratoconus. But people frequently need to change their prescription for eyeglasses as the shape of their corneas change. Glasses or soft contact lenses can only correct lower order aberrations, which are symmetrical blurring caused by nearsightedness, farsightedness, or regular astigmatism.</p>
<p>However, most people with keratoconus have higher order aberrations, which are complex and asymmetrical distortions caused by the irregular shape of the cornea. Glasses or soft contact lenses do not correct higher order aberrations. Therefore, glasses are not suitable for most people with keratoconus.</p>
<p>As keratoconus progresses and worsens, glasses are no longer capable of providing clear vision, and patients need to wear a contact lens, usually a hard contact lens. Hard contact lenses include rigid, gas permeable types. These lenses create a smooth surface in front of the cornea and correct both lower and higher order aberrations. Some patients with keratoconus can enjoy rigid surface scleral contact lenses for unsurpassed clear vision with the stability and comfort approaching a soft disposable contact lens.</p>
<p>In some people with keratoconus, the cornea becomes scarred with advanced disease. For others, wearing contact lenses becomes difficult. In these people, cornea transplant surgery might be necessary. This is a surgery that replaces the damaged cornea with a healthy one from a donor.</p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">13. How is keratoconus diagnosed?</h2>
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<p>Keratoconus is diagnosed through an eye examination conducted by an ophthalmologist, who will review the patient’s medical and family history. The diagnosis involves several tests to understand the shape of the cornea. These tests include eye refraction, which uses special equipment to measure the eyes and determine the sharpest vision. A slit-lamp examination is conducted to evaluate the shape of the cornea and identify potential problems in the eye. Keratometry focuses a circle of light on the cornea and measures the reflection to determine its basic shape. Computerized corneal mapping, including corneal tomography and corneal topography, creates a detailed shape map of the cornea. These tests can often detect early signs of keratoconus before it’s visible by slit-lamp examination.</p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">14. Is there a support group for people with keratoconus?</h2>
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<p>Yes, there are several support groups for people with keratoconus. The <a href="https://www.keratoconusgroup.org/2023/08/keratoconus-group.html" target="_blank"><b>Keratoconus Group</b></a> is a community where people living with keratoconus can share their experiences and learn more about the condition. The <a href="https://www.keratoconusgroup.org/aboutus" target="_blank"><b>National Keratoconus Foundation (NKCF)</b></a> is another resource that provides information and support to individuals with keratoconus. They also sponsor patient education seminars in cities throughout the United States.</p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">15. What are the best contact lenses for keratoconus?</h2>
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<p>There are different types of contact lenses that can help people with keratoconus improve their vision. The best type of contact lens for keratoconus depends on the severity of the condition, the shape of the eye, and the personal preference of the wearer.</p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">16. Can I play sports if I have keratoconus?</h2>
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<p>Yes, you can play sports if you have keratoconus, but you need to take some precautions to protect your eyes and vision.</p>
<p>Some sports and athletic activities may pose a higher risk of eye injury or irritation for people with keratoconus. For example, sports that involve flying objects, such as baseball, soccer, or hockey, can potentially damage your cornea or dislodge your contact lenses. Sports that expose your eyes to dry or windy conditions, such as skiing or cycling, can also cause discomfort and reduced vision.</p>
<p>Depending on the sport you play, you may need glasses with shatterproof plastic lenses, goggles, face shields, or visors to protect your eyes from impact, dust, wind, and UV light. These can be worn with your contact lenses or glasses to provide both protection and correction. Make sure your protective eyewear fits well and does not interfere with your vision.</p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">17. Is keratoconus linked to autism?</h2>
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<p>There is no definitive evidence that keratoconus and autism are causally linked, but some studies have suggested a possible association between them.</p>
<p>One study explored a case report of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who developed progressive keratoconus after standard corneal cross-linking (CXL) due to abnormal eye rubbing, which is a repetitive motor stereotypy associated with ASD symptoms. The authors suggested that eye rubbing may be a risk factor for keratoconus in patients with ASD, and that behavioral modification intervention may help prevent further keratoconus progression.</p>
<p>Another study reported that a gene called PPIP5K2, which is involved in eye and cornea development, is associated with both keratoconus and autism. The authors speculated that PPIP5K2 may play a role in the pathogenesis of both conditions, and that further research is needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms.</p>
<p>However, these studies are limited by their small sample size, lack of control group, and observational nature. Therefore, they cannot establish a causal relationship between keratoconus and autism, nor can they rule out other confounding factors. More large-scale and rigorous studies are required to confirm or refute the hypothesis of a link between keratoconus and autism.</p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">18. Can keratoconus occur in children?</h2>
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<p>Yes, keratoconus can occur in children, although it is more common in adolescents and young adults.</p>
<p>Keratoconus typically has its onset at puberty and progresses until the third to fourth decade of life, when it usually stabilizes. However, some cases of keratoconus have been reported in children as young as 4 years old. In pediatric patients, keratoconus is often more advanced at diagnosis and its progression may be more frequent and more rapid with a sevenfold higher risk of requiring corneal grafting.</p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">19. What are the long-term effects of keratoconus?</h2>
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<p>Keratoconus is a progressive condition and can get worse gradually over time. The speed of change and severity varies between affected people. If left unchecked, further changes in shape, thinning of the cornea and, in advanced stages, scarring cause loss of transparency of the cornea which impairs the ability of the eye to focus properly.</p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">20. Do any celebrities have keratoconus?</h2>
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<p>Yes, there are some celebrities who have keratoconus, a condition that affects the shape and clarity of the cornea. Here are some examples of famous people who have keratoconus and how they cope with it: <a href="https://www.keratoconusgroup.org/2019/06/famous-people-with-keratoconus.html" target="_blank">13 Celebrities Who Know What It's Like to Have Keratoconus</a></p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">21. Can I go swimming with keratoconus?</h2>
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<p>You can go swimming with keratoconus, but you need to take certain safety precautions to protect your eyes and your vision. Here are some tips for swimming with keratoconus:</p>
<p>If you wear contact lenses, you should either remove them before swimming or wear waterproof swimming goggles over them. Contact lenses can get contaminated by bacteria and other microorganisms in the water, which can cause infections, irritation, and corneal ulcers. Contact lenses can also fall out of your eyes while swimming, which can make it hard to see and find them. Swimming goggles can prevent these problems by keeping your eyes and lenses dry and secure.</p>
<p>If you do not wear contact lenses, you may still want to wear swimming goggles to protect your eyes from the chlorine and other chemicals in the pool water. Chlorine can dry out your eyes and make them more sensitive to light. Swimming goggles can also help you see better underwater by reducing glare and distortion.</p>
<p>After swimming, you should rinse your eyes with clean water or artificial tears to remove any traces of chlorine or other irritants. You should also clean and disinfect your contact lenses if you wore them while swimming.</p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">22. Is keratoconus a rare eye disease?</h2>
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<p>Keratoconus is not a very common eye disease, but it is not considered rare either. The worldwide prevalence of this condition is estimated to be 1.38 per 1,000. This means that about one in every 725 people has keratoconus. However, the prevalence and incidence may vary depending on the ethnicity, geographic location, and diagnostic criteria. Keratoconus affects both sexes and all races, but it is more common among South Asians and Middle Easterners compared with those of European ancestry.</p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">23. What is the average age of keratoconus diagnosis?</h2>
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<p>The average age of keratoconus diagnosis is not well established, as the onset and progression of the condition may vary among individuals. However, some studies have suggested that the typical age of diagnosis is around 20 years old, with most cases being detected between 10 and 30 years old. Keratoconus usually starts in adolescence and progresses until the third or fourth decade of life, but it can also begin earlier or later in some cases. Therefore, it is important to have regular eye exams and monitor any changes in vision or corneal shape.</p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">24. What is the prognosis for people with keratoconus?</h2>
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<p>The prognosis for people with keratoconus depends on several factors, such as the severity, progression, and treatment of the condition. Keratoconus can progress slowly for 10 years or longer before it stabilizes. Keratoconus can’t be cured or reversed, but it can be treated with various methods to slow down its progression and improve vision. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss or the need for a corneal transplant.</p>
<p>The prognosis for people with keratoconus varies depending on how early the condition is diagnosed and treated. In most cases, keratoconus does not result in blindness or severe vision loss. However, some people may experience frequent changes in their vision and prescription, and may have difficulty wearing contact lenses or glasses. Some people may also develop complications such as corneal scarring, infection, or inflammation.</p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">25. Can keratoconus be prevented?</h2>
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<p>Unfortunately, there is no known way to prevent keratoconus from developing or progressing. The exact cause of keratoconus is still unclear, but it may involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. However, some studies have suggested that eye rubbing may be associated with worsening of keratoconus. Therefore, one possible way to reduce the risk of keratoconus is to avoid rubbing your eyes vigorously or frequently, especially if you have a family history of the condition or suffer from allergies or asthma.</p>
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<span itemprop="name"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/keratoconusgroup">@KeratoconusGroup</a></span>
</address>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867703633760287274.post-74881343187326511152023-09-27T14:09:00.002-04:002023-10-13T17:26:10.281-04:00My Son's Journey with Keratoconus<p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img class="mx-auto" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJT9iyrvHc2_bbBauRASmRDQVocrAYjZBGtlOv_zVO_fpTCPk0bmB1oQKzXRnXmIKewG0r7Ilmr-NiwbYN_JZz3QzUtCOIKtGO7xIXH_suBKs11X5iw69qqlWvp5ts6FJT4pSeZ9lJJCp0nCWANWzIBk7t7O4Q-ys-8V1feWIFwML5txiwtg5D_G5X80/s1600/Child-with-Keratoconus.jpg" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" style="display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 900px;" alt="The Ups and Downs of Raising a Child with Keratoconus" title="My Son's Journey with Keratoconus"/></p>
<p>Seeing clearly is not as easy as it sounds. My son was a normal kid who liked football, books, and movies. He never had any problems with his eyes or his grades.</p>
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<p>But last year, everything changed. He started to squint a lot, especially when he was looking at far things. He said that his eyes were dry and itchy all the time. He also had headaches and tired eyes. I thought he might need glasses, so I took him to an eye doctor.</p>
<p>The doctor looked at his eyes and told me that he had something called keratoconus. She said that it was a disease that makes the cornea, the clear part of the eye, thin and stick out like a cone. This messes up the light that comes into the eye and makes vision blurry and weird.</p>
<p>She said that keratoconus can happen in one or both eyes, and that it usually starts when you are a teenager. She said that there was no way to fix keratoconus, but there were ways to slow it down and make vision better. She said that my son needed to have an eye surgery called corneal crosslinking as soon as possible, because keratoconus can get worse faster in young people.</p>
<p>Corneal crosslinking is a surgery that makes the cornea stronger by putting a special drop in the eye and then shining a UV light on it. This makes new connections between the fibers in the cornea, making it more stiff and stable. The surgery can stop keratoconus from getting worse and lower the chance of needing a new cornea in the future.</p>
<p>I was scared and worried about my son. I didn't know how he would handle having surgery on his eyes. I didn't know how it would affect his life and his dreams. I searched online and learned more about keratoconus and its treatments. I also joined some online groups and talked to other parents who had kids with keratoconus. They told me their stories and helped me out.</p>
<p>I decided to do the surgery for my son. He was brave and positive. He said that he wanted to see better and not let keratoconus stop him from doing what he loved. He had the surgery on his left eye, which was worse than his right eye. The surgery took about an hour, and he had to wear a bandage lens for a few days after the surgery. He also had to use some eye drops for several weeks.</p>
<p>He went back to the doctor for check-ups and tests. The doctor said that the surgery worked well and that his cornea was stable and stronger than before. He said that my son could now wear hybrid lenses in his left eye to improve his vision. Hybrid lenses are special lenses that have a hard center and a soft edge. They give better vision quality and comfort than regular soft or hard lenses for people with keratoconus.</p>
<p>He went back to his normal life and stuff. But getting used to contact lenses was not easy either. He had to learn how to put them on and take them off every day without hurting his eyes or dropping them. He has to clean them regularly with special solutions and store them in cases overnight. He has to follow the doctor's instructions on how long he could wear them each day and when he needed to replace them with new ones.</p>
<p>He has to carry some eye drops, glasses, and sunglasses with him wherever he went, just in case something happened to his lenses or his eyes needed a break from them. He also has to be careful not to rub his eyes or touch his lenses with dirty hands or water. He has to avoid swimming or showering with his lenses on, as they could get infected or damaged by the water.</p>
<p>He had to deal with some comments and questions from other people about his lenses. Some people are curious and want to know more about them. Some people were rude and made fun of him for having weird eyes or needing lenses. Some people were ignorant and thought that he was wearing them for fashion. He has to explain to them that he has keratoconus and that he needed lenses to see better.</p>
<p>I am proud of my son for being so strong and awesome. I am thankful for the doctors who helped him see better. I am hopeful for the future of keratoconus research and treatment. I am glad that we are not alone in this journey.</p>
<address itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person"><span itemprop="name">Antonia Birkusova</span></address>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867703633760287274.post-43661859129800383892023-09-17T15:23:00.002-04:002023-10-13T17:26:10.272-04:00Living with Keratoconus: What I Wish I Could See!<p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img class="mx-auto" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqMMpy2fFvzfS1B7kaqmvOmwbVLTEMjEXDduq0ZqJ5LnHdDge3oIs-kbmqPX8_itWGLN_rV9_k5AiEN_WGVnLCoIItJZgR4ZDkI9r4IjG8200JdrJyCCvKgIaAOJrjV6GA8QJweQSJifELAvgpxC0tQIgLzI7xXObkltqumr2ABXtnn6oet2xfqzzlcQ/s1600/keratoconus-reading-books.jpg" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" style="display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 900px;" alt="I have to take off my lenses before going to bed, which means I can’t read books or watch movies before sleeping. Reading books has always been one of my favorite things to do, and watching movies is a great way to chill out and forget about everything for a while. But without my lenses, everything is fuzzy and twisted. I wish I could see clearly without any help. - Photo by Lina Kivaka (Pexels)" title="Living with Keratoconus: What I Wish I Could See! - Photo by Lina Kivaka (Pexels)"/></p>
<p>Hey everyone! Today I want to share something that has been a part of my life for the past five years: keratoconus. Keratoconus is a weird eye disease that makes the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, get thinner and stick out like a cone. This messes up the light that comes into the eye and makes everything look blurry and twisted.</p>
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<p>I first realized something was wrong when I couldn’t read signs or see things far away. I thought I just needed glasses, but when I went to the eye doctor, he told me I had keratoconus. He said that glasses might help me a little bit at first, but as the disease gets worse, I would need special contact lenses to see better.</p>
<p>He gave me scleral contact lenses, which are big round lenses that cover the whole cornea and sit on the white part of the eye (sclera). These lenses make the eye smooth and even over the bumpy cornea and give me clear and comfy vision. They also keep some fluid between the lens and the eye, which helps my eye stay wet and healthy.</p>
<p>At first, I was scared by how big and weird these lenses looked. They were like tiny bowls that I had to fill with salt water and put on my eyes. It took me a while and some practice to learn how to put them in and take them out right. But once I got used to them, I was blown away by how much better I could see. Colors were more vivid, shapes were more clear, and I felt more sure of myself in my daily life.</p>
<p>But scleral lenses are not a fix for keratoconus. They only make me see better when I wear them. The disease can still get worse and hurt my cornea more. That’s why two years ago, I chose to have a surgery called corneal collagen crosslinking to stop the disease from getting worse.</p>
<p>Crosslinking is a surgery that makes the cornea stronger by making new links between the stuff in the middle of the cornea. It involves putting some vitamin B2 (riboflavin) drops on the cornea and then shining some ultraviolet (UV) light on it for about 30 minutes. This makes a reaction that makes the cornea more stiff and stable.</p>
<p>The surgery was done with some numbing drops and didn’t hurt much. The healing was not too bad either. I had to wear a bandage contact lens for a week and use some drops to keep my eye from getting infected or swollen. I also had to stay away from rubbing my eyes, getting water in my eyes, wearing makeup, doing hard exercise, or being in smoky or dusty places for a few weeks.</p>
<p>The results of crosslinking didn’t show up right away. It took several months for my vision to stop changing and get better. My doctor told me that crosslinking doesn’t undo the damage already done by keratoconus, but it stops it from getting worse. He also said that I would still need to wear scleral lenses after crosslinking, but they might fit nicer and last longer.</p>
<p>I’m happy I had crosslinking because it made me feel better that my vision wouldn’t get worse. But I still have some problems living with keratoconus. For example, I don’t drive at night because I can’t see well in the dark. This makes it hard for me to hang out with friends or do fun things at night.</p>
<p>Another thing that bugs me is that I have to take off my lenses before going to bed, which means I can’t read books or watch movies before sleeping. Reading books has always been one of my favorite things to do, and watching movies is a great way to chill out and forget about everything for a while. But without my lenses, everything is fuzzy and twisted. I wish I could see clearly without any help.</p>
<p>Sometimes I wonder how it would feel to have normal vision again. To be able to wake up in the morning and see the world without any blur or twist. To be able to read a book or watch a movie in bed without any trouble or pain. To be able to drive at night without any worry or stress.</p>
<p>But then I remember how lucky I am to have treatments that can help me deal with my condition. Keratoconus is not a deadly disease, but it can make your life harder. That’s why I want to spread awareness and support for people who have keratoconus or other eye diseases. There are many resources and groups that offer information, education, help, and research for keratoconus patients and their families.</p>
<p>If you have keratoconus or know someone who does, don’t give up hope. There are options available to help you see better and live better. Talk to your eye doctor about what works best for you and your situation. And remember, you are not alone in this journey.</p>
<p>Thank you for reading my blog post. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below or contact me through social media. Stay tuned for more updates on my life with keratoconus.</p>
<address itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person"><span itemprop="name">Hailey Kearney</span></address>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867703633760287274.post-8840593706101605222023-09-14T17:26:00.001-04:002023-10-13T17:26:10.258-04:00My Keratoconus Story: Finding Hope and Support<p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img class="mx-auto" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-gvH2shzZoDGi0StRoZFyXwBTq1FlNnCIUWEqej0fN8Yt8a6odFt1wIixCuo3rmPUjg5F2gK2k59mkzT0yhDtvbTCSfDgZA5eKRqii_lxVfVBjYXT84T63iaijLrvQeEhnjAAqWJQuzdoGXrRu2vm-LVgORQEwMYmM4uKMMPFHgEL7lCvU6ATTunSm00/s1600/keratoconus-night-driving-blurred.jpg" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" style="display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 900px;" alt="My Keratoconus Story: Finding Hope and Support" title="Finding Hope and Support: My Keratoconus Story"/></p>
<p class="lead">I have been wearing glasses since I was 11 years old, but when I turned 15, I noticed that my vision was getting worse and worse. At 17, my eye doctor suspected that I had keratoconus and referred me to a specialist who confirmed the diagnosis with a Pentacam camera that scanned my eyes.</p>
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<p>When I learned that I had keratoconus, I felt a surge of fear and despair. I thought I was going to lose my sight and I didn’t know what to do. I searched for information online, but it only made me more anxious and confused. Then I discovered an online support community for people with keratoconus and it changed my life. I was able to talk with others who understood what I was going through and get answers to my questions from real people instead of Google. It felt like a weight was lifted off my chest and I found solace in their words.</p>
<p>My keratoconus was more advanced in my left eye, but at first I could manage with glasses for my right eye. However, as my condition worsened, I had to switch to a special type of contact lens called synergeyes, which are hybrid lenses that combine a hard center and a soft edge. When I was 21, I underwent corneal crosslinking surgery for my right eye, which is a treatment that strengthens the cornea and prevents further distortion. Unfortunately, my left eye was too far gone and I needed a corneal transplant, which is a surgery that replaces the damaged cornea with a healthy donor tissue.</p>
<p>I am now wearing synergeyes lenses in both eyes to correct my vision. One of the biggest challenges I face with keratoconus is wearing contact lenses as a medical student. I have to wear them for long hours every day, studying, attending lectures, and doing clinical rotations. It is very stressful and exhausting to deal with.</p>
<p>I used to rub my eyes a lot when I was a teenager and I blamed myself for causing my keratoconus. But after talking with other people who have the same condition, I realized that it was not my fault and that there are many factors that can contribute to it. I wish I had done the corneal crosslinking sooner in both eyes, so that I could have avoided the corneal transplant. But I am deeply thankful for the generous gift of the donor who gave me a second chance to see the world.</p>
<p>My advice to anyone who has just been diagnosed with keratoconus is to find and join an online support community for people with keratoconus. It really helped me learn how to cope with this disease and get support from others who understand what I’m going through. They should also avoid rubbing their eyes as it can worsen keratoconus. And my last piece of advice is to ask their doctor about corneal crosslinking. The sooner they have this surgery, the better, as it will stop the disease from progressing.</p>
<address itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person"><span itemprop="name">Kelly Whalan</span></address>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867703633760287274.post-89452218808028827032023-08-10T15:00:00.002-04:002023-10-14T09:37:05.799-04:00Keratoconus Group: A Place to Learn and Share about Keratoconus<p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img class="mx-auto" border="0" src="https://files.keratoconusgroup.org/img/Keratoconus-Group.jpg" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" style="display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 900px;" alt="Keratoconus Group: A Place to Learn and Share about Keratoconus" title="Connect with People Who Understand Keratoconus"/></p>
<p>Keratoconus is a condition where the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, becomes thinner and bulges outwards into a cone shape. This causes blurry vision, sensitivity to light and glare, and difficulty with daily activities like reading or driving. Keratoconus usually affects both eyes and can progress over time.</p>
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<p>If you have keratoconus, or you know someone who does, you may feel alone or frustrated by the challenges of this condition. But you are not alone. There is a community of people who understand what you are going through and are ready to support you.</p>
<p>Keratoconus Group is an online support community for people with keratoconus, post corneal transplant patients, their friends and family, and eye care professionals and researchers. It is a safe place to discuss and share information about keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD), keratoglobus, post-LASIK ectasia, corneal transplant, contact lenses, and more.</p>
<h2>Online communities</h2>
<p>Keratoconus Group has communities on Facebook and Reddit with over 43,000 members where you can join and connect with other people who have keratoconus, to ask questions, share your experiences, get tips and advice, and learn from experts.</p>
<h3>Facebook Group</h3>
<p>Our Facebook group is the largest online community for keratoconus with over 28,000 members from around the world. You can join our Facebook group by visiting this link: <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/keratoconusgroup" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Facebook.com/groups/KeratoconusGroup</a></b></p>
<p>Once you join, you can post your questions, stories, photos, videos, or anything related to keratoconus. You can also comment on other posts, like or react to them with emojis. You can also use the search function to find posts that interest you.</p>
<h3>Reddit Community</h3>
<p>Our Reddit community is a subreddit dedicated to keratoconus with over 14,000 members. You can join our subreddit by visiting this link: <b><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Keratoconus/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Reddit.com/r/Keratoconus</a></b></p>
<p>Once you join, you can create posts or comments using text, images, links, or videos. You can upvote or downvote posts or comments or give them a reddit award using reddit coins. You can also use the search function to find posts that interest you or use the filters to sort posts by new, hot, top, or controversial.</p>
<h2>Keratoconus Group on Social Media</h2>
<p>Social media is a great way to connect with other people who have keratoconus, share your stories and experiences, and get the latest news and updates on keratoconus. Keratoconus Group has a strong presence on various social media platforms, such as <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KeratoconusGroup/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.twitter.com/KeratoconusGRP" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/keratoconusgroup/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.threads.net/@keratoconusgroup" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Threads</a>, <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/KeratoconusGroup" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Pinterest</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@KeratoconusGroup" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">YouTube</a>, and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/keratoconusgroup/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">LinkedIn</a>.</p>
<p>By following us on these social media platforms, you can stay connected and informed about keratoconus, contribute to raising awareness and understanding of this condition among the public and the medical community, and find inspiration and hope from other people who are living with keratoconus and overcoming their challenges.</p>
<h2>Keratoconus Group's Website</h2>
<p>On our website (<a href="https://www.keratoconusgroup.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">KeratoconusGroup.org</a>), you can find a variety of resources and information about keratoconus, such as frequently asked questions and answers about keratoconus, personal stories and testimonials from people living with keratoconus, and tips on how to cope with keratoconus and its treatments.</p>
<p>You can participate in the blog by sending your stories and photos to <b><a href="mailto:story@keratoconusgroup.org" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">story@keratoconusgroup.org</a></b>. Your story may be featured on the website and help inspire others who are going through similar challenges.</p>
<h2>Connect with People Who Understand Keratoconus</h2>
<p>Keratoconus Group is more than just a support group. It is a platform for raising awareness, educating the public, and advocating for better care and research for keratoconus. By joining Keratoconus Group, you can help spread the word about this condition and make a difference in the lives of others.</p>
<p>Whether you prefer Facebook or Reddit, or both, Keratoconus Group invites you to join our online communities and become part of a supportive and informative network. You don't have to face this condition alone. Join Keratoconus Group today and meet thousands of people who are in the same boat as you.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867703633760287274.post-16532097803050519892023-04-30T13:48:00.004-04:002023-10-28T04:32:35.984-04:00Eye Rubbing: A Common but Risky Habit<p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img class="mx-auto" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRK3nIUr5EChtOJiAXpvNL2hwu9ZRBUNQMCyXHlegqGuiBs3lOsawDZlEK366BSLBtATEP6RCPEKDCevU10zpaG1h1x1QGuveKcmZBPGbDKd5uwMjCL2pqgMPyMFXmK_k6QgYqPGt5WYY79sL7-vTCthNisnDSAr7n5-upR054_WyYx-dPpnPPKNb/s1600/eye-rubbing-keratoconus.jpg" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" style="display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 900px;" alt="Don't Rub Your Eyes!" title="Why Eye Rubbing Is Bad for Your Eyesight"/></p>
<p class="lead">Eye rubbing is a common habit that many people do without thinking. However, it can have harmful consequences for your eyes and your appearance. Eye rubbing can damage the structure of your eye, create cosmetic issues, increase the risk of infections and worsen existing eye conditions.</p>
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<p>One of the most serious effects of eye rubbing is that it can cause or worsen keratoconus. Keratoconus is a condition where the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) becomes thin and bulges outwards into a cone shape. This distorts vision and makes it hard to see clearly. Keratoconus usually develops in young people and can progress over time.</p>
<p>Eye rubbing can contribute to keratoconus by thinning the corneal tissue and weakening its structure. Eye rubbing may be more harmful for people who have genetic factors that predispose them to keratoconus. Eye rubbing can also affect your appearance by creating dark circles and wrinkles around your eyes. This is because eye rubbing can break tiny blood vessels under the skin, causing bruising and swelling. Eye rubbing can also stretch and sag the delicate skin around your eyes, making you look older.</p>
<p>To avoid eye rubbing, you need to address the underlying causes that make you want to rub your eyes. Some common causes are allergies, dry eyes, eyestrain, irritants or infections. You can try using artificial tears, antihistamines, lubricating eye drops or cold compresses to soothe your eyes. You should also avoid wearing contact lenses if they irritate your eyes. If you have a foreign object in your eye, do not rub it but let tears flush it out or seek medical help.</p>
<h2>Causes of eye rubbing</h2>
<p>There are many reasons why you might feel the urge to rub your eyes. Some of the common causes are:</p>
<ul>
<li><b>Eye infection:</b> Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is a contagious infection that makes your eyes red, itchy and watery. It is caused by bacteria or viruses that can be transferred from your hands to your eyes.</li>
<li><b>Allergies:</b> Allergic reactions to pollen, dust, pet dander or other substances can cause your eyes to itch and swell. Rubbing your eyes can increase the histamine levels and worsen the symptoms.</li>
<li><b>Blepharitis:</b> This is a condition where the eyelids become inflamed and clogged with oil and debris. It can cause itching, burning, crusting and redness of the eyes.</li>
<li><b>Eyestrain:</b> This is when your eyes become tired and sore after looking at something for a long time, such as a computer screen, a book or a TV. It can cause blurred vision, headaches and dry eyes.</li>
<li><b>Dry eyes:</b> This is when your eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. It can make your eyes feel scratchy, gritty and irritated.</li>
<li><b>Foreign object:</b> Sometimes, you might have something in your eye that causes discomfort or pain, such as an eyelash, dust or sand. Rubbing your eye can help to remove it, but it can also damage your eye if you rub too hard or if the object is sharp.</li>
<li><b>Habit:</b> Some people rub their eyes as a habit when they are stressed, bored, sleepy or emotional. It can be a way to relax or stimulate themselves.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Risks of eye rubbing</h2>
<p>Rubbing your eyes might seem harmless, but it can actually cause serious problems for your eye health and appearance. Some of the risks are:</p>
<ul>
<li><b>Corneal damage:</b> The cornea is the clear front part of the eye that allows light to enter. Rubbing your eyes too hard or too often can weaken the collagen fibers that support the cornea and cause it to bulge outwards. This condition is called keratoconus and it can impair your vision and require contact lenses or surgery.</li>
<li><b>Eye pressure:</b> Rubbing your eye can temporarily increase the pressure inside your eye, which can be harmful for people with glaucoma or other eye diseases that affect the optic nerve. High eye pressure can reduce blood flow to the back of the eye and damage the optic nerve, leading to permanent vision loss. Rubbing your eyes can raise the eye pressure temporarily and worsen glaucoma if you have it or increase the risk of developing it if you don’t.</li>
<li><b>Dark circles and wrinkles:</b> Rubbing your eye can cause tiny blood vessels under the skin to break, resulting in dark circles and puffiness around the eyes. Rubbing can also stretch and weaken the skin around the eyes, causing wrinkles and sagging.</li>
<li><b>Infections:</b> Your hands are full of bacteria and other germs that can easily transfer to your eyes when you rub them. This can cause infections such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), which can make your eyes red, itchy and watery.</li>
<li><b>Foreign objects:</b> If you have something in your eye, such as dust or an eyelash, rubbing can push it deeper into your eye or scratch your cornea. This can cause more irritation and damage to your eye. It is better to let tears naturally flush out the foreign object or use sterile saline or artificial tears to rinse your eye.</li>
<li><b>Retinal detachment:</b> This is when the thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye that senses light peels away from the wall of the eye. Rubbing your eyes can cause sudden changes in pressure inside the eye that can disturb the vitreous gel and pull on the retina. This can lead to vision loss if not treated promptly.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Tips to avoid eye rubbing</h2>
<p>Rubbing your eyes may feel good in the moment, but it can have long-term negative consequences for your eye health and appearance. The best way to avoid eye rubbing is to treat the underlying cause that makes your eyes itch or irritated. Some of the tips are:</p>
<ul>
<li><b>Keep your eyes hydrated:</b> Dry eyes are one of the main reasons why people rub their eyes. To keep your eyes moist and comfortable, use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops regularly. You can also use a humidifier or avoid dry environments such as air-conditioned rooms or windy places.</li>
<li><b>Treat allergies:</b> Allergies can cause itchy and watery eyes that make you want to rub them. To relieve allergy symptoms, use antihistamine eye drops or oral medications. You can also avoid allergens such as pollen, dust or pet dander by wearing sunglasses or staying indoors.</li>
<li><b>Get enough sleep:</b> Lack of sleep can make your eyes tired and sore, which can trigger eye rubbing. To prevent this, try to get at least seven hours of quality sleep every night. You can also use a cold compress or cucumber slices to soothe your eyes in the morning.</li>
<li><b>Over-the-counter or prescription medication:</b> Saline or artificial tears can help to moisten and soothe dry or irritated eyes. Antihistamines or steroid drops can help to reduce inflammation and itching caused by allergies or infections. Consult your doctor before using any medication for your eyes.</li>
<li><b>Apply a warm compress:</b> A warm cloth or towel placed over your closed eyes for 10 to 15 minutes can help to loosen any oil or debris on your eyelids and relieve inflammation and itching. You can do this twice a day or as needed.</li>
<li><b>Take breaks from screen time:</b> Staring at a screen for too long can cause eyestrain and dry eyes. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Blink often and use artificial tears if needed. Adjust the brightness, contrast and distance of your screen to suit your comfort.</li>
<li><b>Use cold water or ice:</b> Splashing cold water on your face or applying ice packs or cold spoons to your eyes can help to reduce swelling and redness. It can also provide a refreshing sensation that might reduce the urge to rub your eyes.</li>
<li><b>Break the habit:</b> Sometimes eye rubbing is just a habit that you do unconsciously or when you are stressed. To break this habit, you need to be aware of when and why you rub your eyes and find alternative ways to cope. For example, you can massage your temples, take deep breaths or drink some water instead of rubbing your eyes.</li>
</ul>
<p>Eye rubbing might seem like a harmless habit, but it can have serious consequences for your eye health and appearance. By understanding the causes, risks and tips related to eye rubbing, you can protect your eyes and prevent any damage. Remember to consult your eye doctor if you have any concerns or questions about your eyes.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867703633760287274.post-13820453720296581412023-04-20T17:30:00.012-04:002023-10-14T09:48:11.357-04:00Keratoconus Group is now 16 years old 🎀🎉<p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img class="mx-auto" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnmqvsDZllSPx4IGVyQyqLdq_eOt-2O1xiVzuTPn6cs3ZI7r09BADK2z02scz7ZGWwcjikRzE5KEgYa8XOVpN9i9mnuLayrA64YwNhSfUUrzpRPhQmIvkvgWXaS95oJgnZA8-Vl6lOht0QgxrXyw-zAnI2yR3CJP4osjEMf4NIddh3TRapeUDu8MTv/s1600/keratoconus-group-16-years.jpg" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" style="display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 900px;" alt="Keratoconus Group is now 16 years old" title="Keratoconus Group is now 16 years old"/></p>
<p class="lead">Our keratoconus community is now 16 years old!</p>
<p>Our community which started as a small group back in 2007, is now the largest online community for people with keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration, post-LASIK ectasia, and those who had corneal transplant. Today there are more than 42,000 patients and eye care professionals on our forums where members could ask questions, get support, and share their knowledge.</p>
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<p>It has been rewarding to see that the idea of spreading keratoconus awareness has grown stronger each year. Over the past sixteen years, what began as a small support group has grown into a global community with more than 42,000 members on Facebook and Reddit, and over 40,000 social media followers.</p>
<p>Connecting with others who know first-hand what you are going through can help reduce feelings of isolation, fear, and hopelessness. Staying motivated and positive is much easier when you have others you can turn to and lean on to help you get through tough times.</p>
<p>Thanks to our dedicated volunteers and thousands of contributors who share their knowledge and experience on our forums everyday, today our keratoconus community is an essential destination for keratoconus patients and eye care professionals.</p>
<p><i>Thank you all for making this community such a great place to learn about keratoconus, discuss its challenges, and get support. Thank you for the knowledge you share, and for understanding when no one else does.</i></p>
<h2>Tell Your Keratoconus Story</h2>
<p>Join us in celebrating our birthday by sharing your stories and telling others how this community helped you through keratoconus challenges.</p>
<p>You can email your keratoconus stories and photos to <a href="mailto:story@keratoconusgroup.org">story@keratoconusgroup.org</a> and we will share them with our community.</p>
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<p>Join our Facebook Group to ask questions and share your knowledge with other keratoconus patients and eye doctors, and help us in creating a stronger community that fosters new relationships between patients, their families, eye care providers, and researchers.</p>
<a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/keratoconusgroup" role="button" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i class="fab fa-facebook-square"></i> Join Keratoconus Group</a>
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<h2>What is Keratoconus?</h2>
<p>Keratoconus (KC) is a degenerative condition of the eye in which the normally round, dome-shaped cornea becomes progressively thinner. this causes a cone-like bulge to develop in the area where the cornea is thinnest- usually in the center.</p>
<p>Keratoconus occurs in about 1 out of every 2,000 people in the general population and it is found in all parts of the world and in all ethnic groups. If left untreated, Keratoconus could lead to significant visual impairment and legal blindness.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867703633760287274.post-75142527087270875832023-04-17T15:14:00.001-04:002023-10-13T17:26:10.281-04:00Seeing Through a Cone: My Life with Keratoconus<p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img class="mx-auto" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xxIwcKj2727j8udEe-MS5i6tGNcoh3bN6t4g7qk021Ywep4DmTunXqQcbRF3FN_RMC8dbTK73-QdyWsnGkA7U5df2e8_FADT7a7jcv6uNiZzckdYtBCHw1x9ZMWul5rJn18vvGvwwV03XpuvbME2a9X-RlLclR1sNOuar4NHBdGjmcl0ISx8df_M/s1600/blog-1.jpg" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" style="display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 900px;" alt="Seeing Through a Cone: My Life with Keratoconus" title="My Life with Keratoconus: Seeing Through a Cone"/></p>
<p class="lead">Hello everyone, my name is Emily and I have a condition called keratoconus. You may be wondering what that is and how it affects me. Well, let me tell you a bit about it.</p>
<p>Keratoconus is a condition that makes the front part of my eye (the cornea) thin and bulge out like a cone. This makes my vision blurry and distorted, and sometimes I see double or halos around lights. It also makes my eyes very sensitive to light and glare, which can be annoying especially when I drive at night.</p>
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<p>I have had keratoconus for about 4 years now, and it has been getting worse over time. It usually affects both eyes, but one of my eyes is worse than the other. I have to change my contact lenses often because my vision keeps changing. I used to wear soft contact lenses, but they didn't fit well on my cone-shaped corneas. Now I wear special hybrid contact lenses that have a hard center and a soft edge. They are called SynergEyes ClearKone lenses and they help me see better and more comfortably.</p>
<p>But even with these lenses, I still have problems with my vision. Sometimes I get headaches or eye strain from trying to focus. Sometimes I get irritation from wearing the lenses too long. Sometimes I worry that my lenses will fall out or get damaged. And sometimes I just wish I could see normally without any lenses at all.</p>
<p>My aunt also has keratoconus and she had to have a surgery called corneal transplant when she was in her 30s. This is when they replace the damaged part of your cornea with a healthy one from a donor. She told me that the surgery was not easy and that she had to take many medications and eye drops afterwards. She also said that there was a risk of rejection or infection and that she had to wait a long time for a suitable donor.</p>
<p>I am afraid that someday I might need to have a corneal transplant just like my aunt. That's why I am considering having another treatment called corneal crosslinking. This is when they use special eye drops and ultraviolet light to make your cornea stronger and stop it from getting worse. This treatment is not a cure for keratoconus, but it may prevent me from needing a transplant in the future.</p>
<p>I have heard mixed opinions about corneal crosslinking. Some people say that it works well and that it improves their vision and quality of life. Some people say that it doesn't work at all and that it causes more problems than it solves. Some people say that it is too expensive or too risky or too painful. I don't know what to believe or what to do.</p>
<p>That's why I decided to write this blog post and share my story with you. Maybe some of you have keratoconus too or know someone who does. Maybe some of you have had corneal crosslinking or are thinking about having it. Maybe some of you can give me some advice or support or encouragement.</p>
<p>I would love to hear from you and learn from your experiences. Thank you for reading my blog post and for being part of my journey with keratoconus.</p>
<address itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">Emily</span>
</address>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867703633760287274.post-42067248898029156082023-04-05T16:58:00.002-04:002023-10-13T17:56:16.961-04:00Keratoconus FAQs: Common Questions and Answers
<p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img class="mx-auto" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfNcbondqhq_NtYnpWIPEfLzdmYgGRvaDvCNckaAHgMWGQmbBgXJJNQkCTQhfb-nvBcINQw75qlBHk-FVFA4z_inMLuFFgNYuP4WemF-6wEtTb8W1VPO-7cdtf-svgi-ThpPrDKVILVYe507kDGJ06Tbu1wGgxZrfHANPyeq5l-k0gSmZfsBj1uMb/s1600/Keratoconus%20FAQ.jpg" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" style="display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 900px;" alt="Keratoconus FAQs: Common Questions and Answers" title="Keratoconus Frequently Asked Questions"/></p>
<p>Keratoconus is a condition that affects the shape and clarity of your cornea, the transparent layer that covers the front of your eye. It causes your cornea to thin and bulge outwards into a cone-like shape, which can distort your vision and make you sensitive to light and glare. Keratoconus usually starts in adolescence or early adulthood and can progress for 10 years or more. It can affect one or both eyes, often differently. In this blog post, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about keratoconus. If you have keratoconus or know someone who does, this post may help you understand more about this condition and how to cope with it.</p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">What is keratoconus and how does it affect your vision?</h2>
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<p>Keratoconus is a disorder of the eye that results in progressive thinning of the cornea, which is the clear, dome-shaped front surface of your eye. This causes your cornea to bulge outward into a cone shape, which distorts your vision and makes you more sensitive to light and glare. Keratoconus usually affects both eyes, though it often affects one eye more than the other. It generally begins to affect people between the ages of 10 and 25 and may progress slowly for 10 years or longer.</p>
<p>Keratoconus can affect your vision in various ways, such as causing blurry or double vision, nearsightedness, irregular astigmatism and poor quality-of-life. Depending on the severity of your condition and how quickly it is progressing, you may need different treatments to slow down the disease and improve your vision. Some possible treatments include eyeglasses or contact lenses, corneal collagen cross-linking (a procedure that strengthens the cornea), or cornea transplant surgery (a procedure that replaces your damaged cornea with a healthy donor cornea).
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<h2 itemprop="name">What are the symptoms and signs of keratoconus?</h2>
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<p>Some of the symptoms and signs of keratoconus are</p>
<ul class="">
<li>Blurred or distorted visio</li>
<li>Double vision when looking with one eye</li>
<li>Increased sensitivity to bright light and glare, which can cause problems with night driving</li>
<li>Halos around bright lights</li>
<li>Frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions</li>
<li>Sudden worsening or clouding of vision</li>
</ul>
<p>These symptoms and signs may change as the disease progresses and may vary depending on the stage and severity of keratoconus.</p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">What causes keratoconus and who is at risk?</h2>
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<p>The exact cause of keratoconus is not fully understood, but it may involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some possible risk factors for developing keratoconus include:</p>
<ul class="">
<li>Family history. About 10 to 20 percent of people with keratoconus have a family history.</li>
<li>Childhood eye-rubbing. Excessive childhood eye rubbing may contribute to the progression of keratoconus.</li>
<li>Certain underlying disorders. Keratoconus may occur in association with some genetic or systemic conditions, such as Down syndrome, sleep apnea, asthma, Marfan syndrome, brittle cornea syndrome, and Leber congenital amaurosis.</li>
<li>Irregular astigmatism. Keratoconus can cause irregular astigmatism (irregular curvature of the eye), which can also worsen vision quality.</li>
</ul>
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<h2 itemprop="name">How is keratoconus diagnosed and what tests are used?</h2>
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<p>Keratoconus can be diagnosed through a routine eye exam. Your eye doctor will review your medical and family history and conduct various tests to check for vision problems and changes in the shape of your cornea. Some common tests to diagnose keratoconus include:</p>
<ul class="">
<li><b>Eye refraction:</b> This test measures your eyes to check for vision problems. You may be asked to look through a device that contains wheels of different lenses (phoropter) or a hand-held instrument (retinoscope) to help judge which combination gives you the sharpest vision.</li>
<li><b>Slit-lamp examination:</b> This test uses a vertical beam of light and a low-powered microscope to view your eye. Your doctor evaluates the shape of your cornea and looks for other potential problems in your eye.</li>
<li><b>Keratometry:</b> This test focuses a circle of light on your cornea and measures the reflection to determine the basic shape of your cornea.</li>
<li><b>Computerized corneal mapping:</b> This test uses special photographic tests, such as corneal tomography and corneal topography, to record images and create a detailed shape map of your cornea. Corneal tomography can also measure the thickness of your cornea. Corneal tomography can often detect early signs of keratoconus before the disease is visible by slit-lamp examination.</li>
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<h2 itemprop="name">What are the treatment options for keratoconus and how effective are they?</h2>
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<p>There are different treatment options for keratoconus depending on the severity and progression of the disease. The effectiveness of these treatments varies depending on individual factors such as age, eye health, lifestyle, etc. Some of the treatment options are:</p>
<ul class="">
<li><b>Corneal collagen cross-linking:</b> This is a procedure that involves applying a vitamin B solution to your eye and then exposing it to ultraviolet light for about 30 minutes or less. This strengthens the collagen fibers in your cornea and helps prevent it from bulging further. This treatment may slow or stop the progression of keratoconus and possibly prevent the need for a future cornea transplant.</li>
<li><b>Eyeglasses or soft contact lenses:</b> These can correct mild to moderate keratoconus by improving your vision. However, you may need to change your prescription often as your cornea changes shape.</li>
<li><b>Specialized contact lenses:</b> These include rigid gas permeable lenses, hybrid lenses, scleral lenses, and piggyback lenses. They are designed to fit over your irregularly shaped cornea and provide better vision than glasses or soft contacts. They may also help protect your cornea from rubbing and scarring.</li>
<li><b>Corneal inserts:</b> These are small plastic rings that are surgically implanted into your cornea to flatten it and improve your vision. They may also delay further deterioration of your cornea.</li>
<li><b>Cornea transplant surgery:</b> This is an option for people who have advanced keratoconus with severe scarring or thinning of their cornea that cannot be corrected by other means. It involves replacing part or all of your damaged cornea with healthy donor tissue. The success rate of this surgery is high, but there are risks such as infection, rejection, glaucoma, cataract, etc.</li>
</ul>
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<h2 itemprop="name">How can glasses or contact lenses help with keratoconus?</h2>
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<p>Glasses or contact lenses can help with keratoconus by correcting your vision and reducing the effects of irregular astigmatism caused by your cornea’s shape. However, not all glasses or contact lenses are suitable for keratoconus. The best type of glasses or contact lenses for you depends on the severity of your condition and your personal preference. Some of the options are:</p>
<ul class="">
<li><b>Glasses:</b> Glasses can correct blurry or distorted vision in early keratoconus. But people frequently need to change their prescription for eyeglasses as the shape of their corneas change. Glasses may also not be able to correct higher order aberrations (HOAs), which are visual distortions such as glare, halos, starbursts, etc., that occur in more advanced keratoconus.</li>
<li><b>Soft contact lenses:</b> Soft contact lenses can also correct mild to moderate keratoconus by improving your vision. However, they may not fit well over your irregularly shaped cornea and may cause rubbing and irritation. They may also not be able to correct HOAs as well as rigid surface contact lenses. There are some custom soft contact lenses designed for the correction of astigmatism from keratoconus.</li>
<li><b>Rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses:</b> RGP contact lenses are hard contact lenses that have a smooth surface that conforms to your eye’s shape. They can provide better vision than glasses or soft contacts by reducing both lower order aberrations (LOAs), which are common refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and regular astigmatism; and HOAs. However, they may be uncomfortable to wear at first and may require frequent adjustments.</li>
<li><b>Hybrid contact lenses:</b> Hybrid contact lenses have a RGP central zone surrounded by an outer zone made of silicone hydrogel material. They can provide the clarity of RGP lenses with the comfort of soft lenses. They are another good option for mild to moderate keratoconus.</li>
<li><b>Scleral contact lenses:</b> Scleral contact lenses are large-diameter RGP lenses that vault over your entire cornea and rest on the white part of your eye (sclera). They create a tear-filled space between your eye and the lens that acts like a smooth optical surface. They can provide excellent vision correction for severe keratoconus with high levels of HOAs. They are also more stable and comfortable than smaller RGP lenses.</li>
</ul>
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<span itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question">
<h2 itemprop="name">What is corneal collagen cross-linking and how does it work for keratoconus?</h2>
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<p>Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) is a procedure that strengthens and stabilizes the cornea by creating new links between collagen fibers within the cornea. The collagen fibers are the main structural component of the cornea that give it its shape and strength.</p>
<p>The CXL procedure involves two steps:</p>
<ul class="">
<li>First, liquid riboflavin (vitamin B2) is applied to the surface of your eye. This may require removing the thin outer layer of your cornea (epithelium) or using a special formulation that can penetrate through it.</li>
<li>Second, your eye is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light for about 30 minutes or less. The UV light activates the riboflavin in your cornea and causes it to form new bonds between the collagen fibers.</li>
</ul>
<p>The new bonds increase the rigidity and stability of your cornea and help prevent it from bulging further. This may slow or stop the progression of keratoconus and possibly prevent the need for a future cornea transplant. However, this treatment does not reverse keratoconus or improve vision. You may still need glasses or contact lenses after CXL.</p>
<p>CXL is a relatively safe and minimally invasive procedure that can be done as an outpatient surgery. You may experience some side effects such as pain, sensitivity to light, dry eye, blurry vision, infection, or scarring. Your vision will be very blurry at first but should gradually improve within two to three weeks. You should follow your doctor’s instructions on how to care for your eye after CXL and when to resume your normal activities.</p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">When is a corneal transplant necessary for keratoconus and what are the risks and benefits?</h2>
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<p>A corneal transplant is a surgical procedure that involves replacing part or all of your damaged cornea with healthy donor tissue. It is an option for people who have advanced keratoconus with severe scarring or thinning of their cornea that cannot be corrected by other means.</p>
<p>The benefits of a corneal transplant for keratoconus are:</p>
<ul class="">
<li>It can restore your vision and reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses.</li>
<li>It can improve your quality of life and allow you to perform daily activities more easily.</li>
<li>It has a high success rate, with about 90% of transplants lasting at least 10 years.</li>
<li></li>
</ul>
<p>The risks of a corneal transplant for keratoconus are:</p>
<ul class="">
<li>It may require long-term use of eye drops to prevent rejection or inflammation of the donor tissue.</li>
<li>It may not provide satisfactory vision or may fail over time, requiring another surgery.</li>
</ul>
<p>A corneal transplant is usually done as a last resort when other treatments have failed or are not suitable.</p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">How can I prevent or slow down the progression of keratoconus?</h2>
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<p>There is no way to prevent keratoconus, but you can try to reduce your risk and slow down its progression by:</p>
<ul class="">
<li>Getting regular eye exams</li>
<li>Avoiding eye rubbing or doing it gently</li>
<li>Treating any conditions that affect your eyes or cause inflammation</li>
<li>Wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays</li>
<li>Following your doctor’s instructions on glasses or contact lenses</li>
<li>Considering corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL), a procedure that strengthens the cornea and may prevent the need for a cornea transplant in some cases</li>
</ul>
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<span itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question">
<h2 itemprop="name">How does pregnancy affect keratoconus or its treatment?</h2>
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<p>Pregnancy may affect keratoconus or its treatment in several ways:</p>
<ul class="">
<li>Pregnancy may cause hormonal changes that can reduce the stiffness of your cornea and make it more prone to bulging or thinning.</li>
<li>Pregnancy may trigger or worsen keratoconus in some women who have a genetic predisposition or unrecognized keratoconus before pregnancy.</li>
<li>Pregnancy may require you to change your glasses or contact lenses prescription more often as your vision changes.</li>
<li>Pregnancy may limit your options for keratoconus treatment, such as corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) or surgery, which are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.</li>
</ul>
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<h2 itemprop="name">Where can I find support groups or online communities for people with keratoconus?</h2>
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<p>There are several support groups or online communities for people with keratoconus where you can find information, advice, and emotional support from others who share your condition. Some of them are:</p>
<ul class="">
<li><b>Keratoconus Group on Facebook:</b> This is a support community for keratoconus patients, their family and friends, and eye care professionals. You can join the private Facebook group at <a href="" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Facebook.com/groups/KeratoconusGroup</a> to chat with over 28,000 members from around the world.</li>
<li><b>r/Keratoconus on Reddit:</b> This is a subreddit for people with keratoconus where you can post questions, share experiences, and get advice from other redditors. You can visit this subreddit at <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Keratoconus" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Reddit.com/r/Keratoconus</a> to join the discussion.</li>
<li><b>National Keratoconus Foundation:</b> This is an outreach program of Gavin Herbert Eye Institute at UC-Irvine that provides resources and education to individuals with keratoconus. You can visit their website at <a href="#aboutus">www.nkcf.org</a> to access newsletters, webinars, and podcasts.</li>
</ul>
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<span itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question">
<h2 itemprop="name">How do I choose a qualified eye doctor who specializes in treating keratoconus? </h2>
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<p>To find a keratoconus specialist, you can:</p>
<ul class="">
<li>Ask your regular eye doctor for a referral</li>
<li>Ask for recommendation in r/Keratoconus community on Reddit</li>
<li>>Ask for recommendation in Keratoconus Group's private Facebook group</li>
<li>Check online directories or databases of keratoconus specialists</li>
<li>Research the credentials and reputation of potential keratoconus specialists</li>
<li>Schedule a consultation with one or more keratoconus specialists and ask them questions</li>
</ul>
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<span itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question">
<h2 itemprop="name">What questions should I ask my eye doctor about keratoconus and its treatments?</h2>
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<p>Asking your eye doctor about your condition or treatment can help you understand your eye health better and make informed decisions. Some questions you can ask your eye doctor about keratoconus or its treatment are:</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
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<li>What is the cause of my keratoconus?</li>
<li>How severe is my keratoconus and how fast is it progressing?</li>
<li>What are the best options to correct my vision?</li>
<li>Is corneal collagen cross-linking a suitable treatment for me? How does it work and what are the risks and benefits?</li>
<li>Do I have a higher risk of developing complications such as corneal scarring or hydrops?</li>
<li>Is keratoconus genetic? Should I have my family members tested?</li>
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<p>These are just some examples of questions you can ask your eye doctor. You may have other questions that are specific to your situation. The important thing is to be curious and proactive about your eye health.</p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">How common is keratoconus and how does it vary by age, gender, ethnicity, etc.?</h2>
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<p>Keratoconus is a relatively rare condition, but its exact prevalence varies depending on the source and method of diagnosis. One study from the Netherlands estimated that the annual incidence of keratoconus in people aged 10-40 years was 1:7500 (13.3 cases per 100 000) and the prevalence in the general population was 1:375 (265 cases per 100 000). Another systematic review and meta-analysis reported that the global prevalence of keratoconus ranged from 3.3 to 2300 cases per 100 000.</p>
<p>Keratoconus may also vary by age, gender, ethnicity and other factors. Some studies have found that keratoconus is more common and severe in people of Asian origin compared to white people, and that Asians tend to present at a younger age. Keratoconus also seems to affect males more than females, although this may depend on the diagnostic criteria used. Other possible risk factors for keratoconus include genetic factors, eye rubbing, atopy, sun exposure and hormonal changes.</p>
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<h2 itemprop="name">Is keratoconus genetic or inherited and can it be passed on to my children?</h2>
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<p>Keratoconus is a complex condition of multifactorial etiology. Both genetic and environmental factors are associated with keratoconus. Evidence of genetic etiology includes familial inheritance, discordance between dizygotic twins, and association with other known genetic disorders. Around 1 in 10 people with keratoconus also have a parent with the condition. However, not everyone who inherits genes for keratoconus will develop it. Certain environmental and behavioral factors also play a role. These are called epigenetic factors. Some examples of epigenetic factors are rubbing your eyes vigorously, having certain conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa or Down syndrome, or wearing contact lenses for a long time.</p>
<p>Therefore, keratoconus can be passed on to your children if they inherit genes for it from you or your partner. However, this does not mean that they will definitely develop it. The risk may depend on other factors as well. If you have keratoconus or a family history of it, you may want to consult an eye doctor (ophthalmologist or optometrist) for more information and advice on how to monitor your children’s eye health.</p>
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</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867703633760287274.post-21295052489082297552023-03-30T18:59:00.003-04:002023-10-13T17:26:10.264-04:00Stick a Needle in My Eye - My Keratoconus Journey<p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img class="mx-auto" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxjPnUQTjtNTd44kq3tL8f8adoRtkPJrLUu6B_7eJMVv6etY-uqZ8RMrkTANIMq8OFyczYyDQSjdxVxqRrK2dJsfDheQpLVx0F0xoRj1dfizRnDOQgvW5HNolUwrkpDtYyiyvSO3KKwXECupcp0V_wJMeRfJKeWJoeOreVZR56JxH5ja5HGJjfhsi/s1600/Stick%20a%20needle%20in%20my%20eye.jpg" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" style="display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 900px;" alt="Stick A Needle In My Eye - My Keratoconus Journey" title="My Keratoconus Journey - Stick A Needle In My Eye"/></p>
<p>I have an eye disease known as keratoconus. My cornea, the clear outer surface of the eye, is an irregular surface, thin on the edges and thick in the center. It is cone shaped, not round like everyone else's. Thus, my vision suffers. Keratoconus is a terrible thing that steals one’s vision. Something most of us take for granted. That bulge on the surface of the cornea plays havoc on the field of vision. Distorting, blurring, creating images that don’t exist. I use the expression warped, as I pan across a room, things come in and out of focus, their proximity changes, boundaries move and I get nauseated.</p>
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<p>I have a story to tell about being a teacher with my eye condition. I teach science, and it is only because of modern science that I am not blind. More specifically, I teach teenagers, and we talk a lot about responsibility and freedom. Teenagers can’t wait for the privilege of driving, but without any experience many die in horrific accidents. It’s unbelievably profound to me that two teenagers died, while making poor choices, allowing me to teach others about making good choices. If you are confused you’ll want to read the rest of the story.</p>
<p>While serving in the United States Air Force I had just re-enlisted and was to become a loadmaster on the C-5 Galaxy in 1982. Before I got that chance however, I failed a required flight physical. After seeing a couple of specialists, I learned I had the disease. I also learned that its cause was unknown, my vision would digress slowly, and most importantly, I couldn't be a flight crew member. My days in the United States Air Force were over.</p>
<p>I chose to take my honorable discharge and try my luck in college. I enrolled at an extension campus for a major university. My major was still undecided so I followed my interests and studied engineering and science to determine which path I’d take. During this time I took a volunteer position as an assistant coach at a local middle school. After that experience the decision was easy; I loved coaching, and I believed then as I do today that good coaching and good teaching require the same talents.</p>
<p>Upon graduating I took a position as a middle school science teacher. I love what I do. Fourteen year olds have energy and I only have to focus that energy in the proper direction. It isn’t always easy; like many other teachers, just when I think I have adolescents figured out, they surprise me. During those early years the eye disease wasn’t forgotten, I had to give up softball and racquetball because of injuries suffered with my loss of depth perception and acuity. Within five years of teaching I was wearing two contact lenses in each eye. The idea was for the smaller hard lens to flatten the cone growing over the pupil of my eye and for the large soft lens to keep the smaller one from being flipped off my eye when I blinked.</p>
<p>The disease robbed me of my ability to read for pleasure and drive after dark. I experienced headaches while reading with uncorrectable vision; even wearing contacts my vision has fluctuated between 20/30 and 20/60. The "starburst" and "halo" distortions of headlights striking the surface of my abnormal cornea are side effects I still live with. Rigid contacts came next and they are hard gas permeable pieces of plastic that do a magic trick on the keratoconus bulge. You see the eye is mostly water and is very malleable so while soft lenses take the shape of the eye, with rgp lenses the eye takes the share of the lens! So while wearing the lenses the bulge is squished or flattened into a more rounded shape and vision improves as long as your able to wear them. For many keratoconus patients this is how they manage their lives, able to see for the hours of the day with rgp lenses in place and nearly blind when these lenses are removed.</p>
<p>For me the condition continued to progress and my ophthamologist was concerned the surface of the eye would rupture, leading to permanent blindness. The only option was a relatively new and rare (in 1988) corneal tissue transplant. The surgeon would remove the upper layers of my deformed cornea and replace it with healthy tissue from an organ donor. Like all transplant hopefuls, I was added to a waiting list. I was lucky. Some people die while on this vital organ waiting list. In less than a year I received "the call," donor tissue matching my blood type was available. I was in the middle of a class when my principal interrupted, informing me the hospital requested I get there as soon as possible. I’m glad I didn’t know the timing of the operation so I didn’t have to worry in anticipation. I hadn’t asked a lot of questions prior to the transplant operation. What I learned that day about corneal transplants really "opened my eyes."</p>
<p>I wouldn’t be put to sleep for surgery on my eye. Instead I’d have to remain conscience and watch the whole thing! One of the early stages of sleep is called R.E.M. for rapid eye movement. It would be impossible for a surgeon to operate while the eye danced back and forth.</p>
<p>Between all the straps and clamps and sand bags, I was pretty well immobilized. My eyelids were peeled back and I looked up into a brightly lit room and the small end of a microscope. An injection of some wonderful drug had me feeling no pain and the setting took on a surreal effect. I knew I was the center of attention, but I seemed to be watching it from a distant position.</p>
<p>The buzz of voices would occasionally mention my name and seemed to explain the procedure. From my perspective the surgeon picked up a small razor edged cookie cutter and twisted it back and forth over the center of my pupil. After lifting the old cornea with tweezers he laid a new piece of donor skin over my eye and the images around me grew sharper. I could now make out the faces behind the masks and unfortunately the instruments the doctor held.</p>
<p>A needle and sutures were being directed into my eye! The childhood promissory oath jumped into my thoughts. "Cross my heart and hope to die, stick a needle in my eye," took on a whole new meaning. Into my eye the needle would sink and then turn outward the stitches were pulled tight, the force seeming to lift my eye from its socket, and tied in a knot. Stitch after stitch after stitch tied the tissue in place as the surgeon worked all the way around the eye. It would be months before the stitches could be removed. I still remember the feeling of my eyelid brushing across those rough pieces of thread.</p>
<p>Antibiotic cream, lubricant drops, steroid drops, pain killers, gauze pads, and a pirate’s eye patch were issued and explained. A set of postoperative instructions were read and signed. After the sedative wore off, I was sent home. Other than periodical check-ups for tissue rejection I would need most of one year to heal before they’d try the second eye.</p>
<p>I lived alone in an apartment and could not return to teach for a week or so. I watched television that first day and by the second I was bored and went for a drive. With one eye you learn to scan the roadway by rotating your head from side to side in a constant sweeping motion. I felt I was a menace to the other drivers sharing the road, yet it is legal for people with one eye to drive. I went to a large store just to walk around. Instead of using the automatic doors I reached for the door handle of a regular, self closing door and learned something new.</p>
<p>When I pulled back against the door’s hydraulic cylinder I had broken one of the post operative rules. The rules said "no lifting of anything more than ten pounds." I guess the door weighed more than ten pounds and I now know when one set of muscles in your body contracts others will sympathetically pull. As I entered the store, I felt a warm and wet sensation spreading through my eye. When I found a mirror and pulled back the patch I saw the white of the eye turning red with blood. I had pulled the stitches loose!</p>
<p>After driving to the surgeon’s office I was swept into a room and quickly examined. The doctor explained that he would need to replace those stitches right away, and he gave me a choice. I could opt for a return to the hospital, requiring him to change his schedule and sending all the people in the waiting room home, or if I was tough enough he could put new stitches in right there in the exam room. Between the challenge to my masculinity and the guilt I felt if the other patients were sent home, I chose to let him fix me up in his office.</p>
<p>I only know that today the choice would be a different one. Without all the hospital straps and clamps, the hands of a couple nurses and my own willpower had to suffice for holding my head steady. Without an anaesthesiologist the use of novocaine would be required. In short order a needle was stuck in the corner of my eye and the same effect we all feel at the dentist’s office was applied to my eye. It felt like my eye grew to the size of a basketball and would explode from the pressure at any moment. With three people standing around my head and six hands holding me down my sutures were replaced and my masculinity would never be the same. To say the least it hurt really badly.</p>
<p>Needless to say I spent the next few days without venturing from my apartment, and I didn’t lift anything I couldn’t eat. When I returned to teaching it was without corrected vision in the donor eye; it would be months before they healed enough to be fitted for contacts. It also took several weeks for the blood from my little accident to clear from the white of my eye. Many people couldn’t "look me in the eye" because it was a gross shade of purple like any bruise, later it faded to green and then yellow.</p>
<p>For the next year I was totally dependent on my left eye as my right eye was recovering. This was an experience because my right eye was my dominant eye. Then I went through the operation a second time for my left eye, and my right learned once more to cover for my weaker left eye. The left eye had its own complication after the transplant was healed. The curvature of the donor tissue was too flat for correction with glasses or contacts so the surgeon had to cut a piece of the donor tissue out and re-wedge or shape the surface. This would lead to tissue rejection.</p>
<p>Just when the donor tissue and my own cornea would start to heal something would cause them to pull back from one another. I had to battle several painful infections and survive without the use of that eye off and on over the next few years. The rejection itself was treated with steroids. I like to tease my students that they shouldn’t mess with me because I spent years using steroids and I might hurt them. Then I explain I didn’t take steroid injections but rather used eye drops so they don’t want me "getting in their face." I might blink on them and snap them in half.</p>
<p>The scar tissue and the sutures cause serious distortions of bright light. These are the starburst and halo effects I see when a beam of light strikes the cornea and is scattered by the irregular surfaces. Night driving is very difficult when the headlights of approaching cars strike my eye and the world around me flashes like the fourth of July. A second side-effect is the loss of depth perception. I remember even before I was diagnosed that while playing racquetball I would misjudge the distance to the wall. Once I actually ran into the wall and needed stitches to close the gash on my forehead. Today students laugh when I try a sport requiring depth perception because I misjudge badly. In basketball, I can easily shoot the ball three feet short or sail it over the backboard.</p>
<p>These side-effects did cost me one of my favorite forms of community service. I had served as a member of a volunteer emergency medical service and as a volunteer fireman for years. One night I had an experience that caused me to quit before I hurt someone. While driving a tanker truck in route to a house fire I misjudged a corner. I had slowed down and started turning the truck before I was even in the intersection. The tires of the heavy vehicle bounced as they left the road surface while the weight of the water rebounding caused the truck to serve. No one was injured. Luckily, the road was deserted at 3 o’clock in the morning. But the experience caused me to resign from doing something I loved as much as teaching.</p>
<p>Over the next few years everything seemed to stabilize itself, I taught and coached without incident. My personal life was complete when I married a gracious and beautiful woman. In fact, I canceled our first date, a blind date, with what had to be one of the most original lines ever used, "I’m sorry I have to break our date, but I’m going to receive an organ transplant." We rescheduled the date and a second followed. In less than two years she would become my wife, and the light of my life. We would later adopt two wonderful children. My life was full. But the disease wasn’t through with me.</p>
<p>The strength of the prescription for my contacts again increased over time and the ability of the doctors to fit contact lenses to the irregular surface proved too difficult. The headaches from grading homework got worse and the comfortable wear time for the lenses shortened to just over ten hours. After that it was like Cinderella and the midnight hour. When the irritation and dryness forced the lenses from my eye, I would experience legal blindness at home for the rest of the evening. Correction was only possible with rigid contact lenses, as glasses could not correct the irregular surface. I had to make adjustments in my lessons at school. I just couldn’t read many writing assignments within the hours I could see.</p>
<p>I contemplated accepting that my career as a teacher was over and to join the disabled ranks. But, laser technology had made great advances in recent years and a new procedure known as L.A.S.I.K. was now in its early trials. My ophthamologist, saved my livelihood a second time when he proposed to use this tool to reshape my cornea. Most patients undergo L.A.S.I.K. to correct poor acuity and mild astigmatism. My cornea had horrendous acuity at 20/400+, severe astigmatism along with the irregular surface. While the average L.A.S.I.K. patient can expect 20/20 vision post surgery, I was thrilled to come away with 20/30 and manageable astigmatism.</p>
<p>For a couple years I experienced the joy of life without corrective lenses. I could see to work and play. I still lived with the poor depth perception and the scars will always wreak havoc with headlights, but I could read and drive without glasses!</p>
<p>That joy was short-lived. It seems the disease is not through with me yet. The keratoconus may yet claim my eyesight. I again wear contact lenses and have quickly transitioned from soft to hard and now specially designed pieces of rigid plastic to fit over the once again irregular shaped corneas distorting my world. My dry, irritated eyes again swell up when I attempt to stretch the wear time. The donor tissue is now too thin to permit another round of L.A.S.I.K.. The ability of corrective lenses to provide vision good enough to drive and continue to teach will soon be in question again. In the classroom I share my experience and try to impart wisdom. Teenagers understanding the need for organ donors express a willingness to help. They share with parents a desire to make a gift of their bodies if the unimaginable should happen. I admire their courage and blunt logic.</p>
<p>Most people see teenagers as disrespectful thoughtless hooligans who think they’ll live forever. I get to witness the caring thoughtfulness of kids unafraid and ready to meet tomorrow’s problems. Each year I marvel at the profoundness of my position. I teach science to teenagers. Without the modern abilities of science I wouldn’t be in the science classroom. I also have a debt to teenagers I have to meet.</p>
<p>Teenagers make the best organ donors. They have young, healthy organs that haven’t had much exposure to cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs. They die primarily in automobile accidents, not heart failure or cancer that claims the lives of most adults. Their harvested organs are resilient and should provide years of good service to a lucky recipient.</p>
<p>The unlucky donor dies and heroically saves several lives by making a gift of their lifeless body. At the same time we encourage adolescents to become willing donors, can we do anything more to prevent such an occurrence? Maybe the laws for driving privileges need to be modified. Maybe parents are not M.A.D.D. (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) enough or proactive in their teenager’s life. Why wait until it's too late? Maybe schools and classmates are not S.A.D.D. (Students Against Drunk Driving ) enough or involved in prevention. The truth is we could all do more.</p>
<p>Each year I preach about the dangers facing my students including driving. It is especially true for teenagers who without much experience take on one of the most difficult tasks they will ever learn. I harp on their need to be defensive and wear protective seat belts. I beg each to think about what they risk every time they climb behind the wheel. No joy ride is worth the sudden loss of life. I don’t want a single one to die needlessly.</p>
<p>I personally know what it is like to receive the gift of sight from an organ donor. I carry the knowledge that two teen-aged drivers made life-ending choices, and I benefit from their loss of life. I don’t like dwelling on the idea. I feel extremely lucky to be given all the second chances I’ve had in my life. I’d give back my eyesight for the chance to speak with those teenagers on the day before their accidents. They didn’t get a second chance, but I did. I try not to waste it….</p>
<address itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
By <span itemprop="name">Tony Phillips</span> (<a itemprop="sameAs" href="https://www.facebook.com/tony.phillips.3975">Facebook</a>, <b><a itemprop="sameAs" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2581665284/user/100006107764472">Group Profile</a></b>)
</address>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867703633760287274.post-8501604278054261132023-03-26T21:20:00.002-04:002023-10-13T17:26:10.257-04:00Keratoconus; The Story of My Cone-Shaped Eyes<p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img class="mx-auto" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnmnMDIygXlXxrJfxaP24Ox54XGdy7Ff1DukmmqdxNghmNWWWAgZRDsnum56uwl1yiIFp-zvJSGBgKxP8TrdMFlnHhZj-beIWOh2ixFXmHZ0SlSf3QLQr7quVtikRLladiDL0XTI7HHcaQWKCtM8CdI-nb5PavAC5cE6uIQm_uOp2odl1rozZQEVP/s1600/Keratoconus%20My%20Cone-Shaped%20Eyes.jpg" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" style="display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 900px;" alt="I have keratoconus, a condition that makes my vision blurry and distorted. But I don’t let it stop me from pursuing my passions." title="I have keratoconus, a condition that makes my vision blurry and distorted. But I don’t let it stop me from pursuing my passions. - Photo by Allef Vinicius on Unsplash"/></p>
<p class="lead">What if your eyes were shaped like cones? I still remember the day I found out I had keratoconus. It was during a routine eye exam at my optometrist's office. She noticed that my vision had worsened significantly since my last visit, and that I had irregular astigmatism in both eyes. She performed some tests to measure the shape of my cornea, the clear front part of the eye that helps focus light. She told me that my cornea was thinning and bulging outwards into a cone shape, which distorted my vision. She said this condition was called keratoconus, which means that I have cone-shaped eyes!</p>
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<p>I was shocked and scared by this diagnosis. I had never heard of keratoconus before, and I didn't know what it meant for my future. Would I go blind? Would I need surgery? How would it affect my life? My optometrist tried to reassure me that there were treatments available to slow down the progression of keratoconus and improve my vision, such as special contact lenses or glasses. She said she would work with me to find the best option for me.</p>
<p>Since then, I have been struggling with keratoconus every day. It has affected many aspects of my life, such as studying, driving, and reading small prints.</p>
<p>Studying has become harder because I have difficulty reading books or screens for long periods of time. My eyes get tired and dry easily, and sometimes I see double or blurry images. I have to use magnifiers or zoom in on texts to see them clearly. Sometimes I get headaches or eye strain from straining my eyes too much.</p>
<p>Driving at night has become dangerous because I have sensitivity to light and glare. The headlights of other cars or street lamps make me squint or blink excessively. Sometimes I see halos or starbursts around lights, which distract me from the road. I have to wear sunglasses or tinted lenses to reduce the glare.</p>
<p>Reading small prints on labels when shopping has become frustrating because I have trouble seeing the details or colors of the products. Sometimes I can't tell if something is expired or not, or if it contains ingredients that I'm allergic to. Sometimes I have to ask someone else for help or use a scanner app on my phone to read the labels.</p>
<p>Despite these challenges, I have not given up hope. Thanks to my optometrist's patience and expertise, we have found a contact lens that works well for me. It is called a scleral lens, which covers the entire cornea and rests on the white part of the eye (the sclera). It creates a smooth surface for light to enter the eye without distortion. It also keeps moisture in the eye and prevents irritation from dust or debris.</p>
<p>A year ago, my optometrist suggested that I have a procedure called corneal crosslinking. He said it was a way to make my eyes stronger and prevent them from getting worse. She explained that she would use some drops and a special light to create more bonds between the fibers in my eyes. She said it was safe and effective, but it might cause some discomfort and temporary vision changes.</p>
<p>I agreed to do it, because I wanted to preserve my vision as much as possible. I had the procedure done on both eyes, one at a time. It took about an hour for each eye. It was not painful, but it felt weird and uncomfortable. I had to keep my eyes open while she applied the drops and shone the light on them. After the procedure, I had to wear a bandage contact lens for a few days and use drops. My vision was blurry and hazy at first, but it gradually improved over time. My optometrist checked my eyes regularly and said they were healing well.</p>
<p>She also said that the procedure had stopped the progression of keratoconus in my eyes. She showed me some tests that confirmed this. She said I still needed to wear contact lenses, but they would not change much anymore. I was happy and relieved that corneal crosslinking had worked for me. It gave me hope that I could keep seeing clearly for a long time.</p>
<p>The scleral lens has improved my vision significantly and made me more comfortable with keratoconus. It is not perfect though; sometimes it moves around in my eye or gets foggy from tears or mucus buildup. It also requires more care than regular contact lenses; I have to clean it daily with special solutions and store it in a case with saline solution overnight.</p>
<p>But these are minor inconveniences compared to what keratoconus can do without treatment. Keratoconus can worsen over time and cause scarring or thinning of the cornea that can lead to vision loss or blindness if left untreated. That's why I'm grateful for having an early diagnosis and treatment for keratoconus; it has saved me from losing more than just sight; it has saved me from losing quality of life.</p>
<address itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
By <span itemprop="name">Casey M</span>
</address>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867703633760287274.post-52937382616349448462023-03-21T20:49:00.001-04:002023-10-14T09:34:54.254-04:00Contact Lenses for Keratoconus: A Guide to Different Types and Brands<p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img class="mx-auto" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglgWiyjn7K01ojfByqe5Mb3ak1NELGhntOxHyh5zqKybdu_6cnQI4tenCD_BQoDNdR6DTvFn3BT10ITU08ZOl6gAEgJnz7txf3ER5kpwd53zo3liYJHvAt4uw-H4jc5RhV8zis8tsjwHIBZ4shUNJNZqoEaNBuSp0Y4621V8rBwSXbLTQ8MRAwahUV/s1600/Keratoconus-Contact-Lens.jpg" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" style="display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 900px;" alt="Contact Lenses for Keratoconus: A Guide to Different Types and Brands" title="Contact Lenses for Keratoconus: A Guide to Different Types and Brands"/></p>
<p class="lead">If you have keratoconus, you may have experienced difficulties with your vision and finding the right eyewear. Keratoconus is a condition that causes the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, to become thin and cone-shaped. This affects how light enters the eye and creates distorted and blurry vision.</p>
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<p>One of the most common ways to correct vision problems caused by keratoconus is to wear contact lenses. Contact lenses can provide better vision than glasses by conforming to the shape of the cornea and creating a smooth surface for light to pass through.</p>
<p>However, not all contact lenses are suitable for keratoconus. Depending on the severity and progression of your condition, you may need a specific type of contact lens that fits your cornea and meets your visual needs.</p>
<p>Fortunately, there are several types of contact lenses that are specially designed to correct your vision and fit your irregular cornea. In this blog post, we will explore the different types of contact lenses for keratoconus.</p>
<h2>Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses:</h2>
<p>These are hard lenses that create a smooth surface over the irregular cornea, providing clear vision. They are often the first option for keratoconus patients with mild to moderate cases.</p>
<p>Some advantages of RGP lenses are that they are easy to put in and out, easy to look after, durable, and resistant to deposits. Some disadvantages are that they may feel uncomfortable at first, they may move or dislodge easily, they may cause corneal abrasions or infections if not fitted properly, and they may not correct high levels of astigmatism.</p>
<p>Some brands of RGP lenses for keratoconus are Boston XO2 (Bausch + Lomb), Paragon CRT (Paragon Vision Sciences), Rose K2 (Menicon), and Soper (Lens Dynamics).</p>
<h2>Soft toric lenses:</h2>
<p>These are soft lenses that have different powers along different meridians to correct astigmatism. They are usually prescribed for keratoconus patients with mild cases or as a temporary option before other treatments.</p>
<p>Some advantages of soft toric lenses are that they are comfortable to wear, easy to adapt to, and stable on the eye. Some disadvantages are that they may not provide sharp vision, they may rotate on the eye causing blurred vision, they may not correct high levels of astigmatism or irregularity, and they may require frequent replacement.</p>
<p>Some brands of soft toric lenses for keratoconus are KeraSoft IC (Bausch + Lomb), NovoKone (Alden Optical), Biofinity Toric XR (CooperVision), and Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism (Johnson & Johnson).</p>
<h2>Hybrid lenses:</h2>
<p>These are lenses that have a rigid gas permeable center surrounded by a soft skirt. They combine the benefits of both RGP and soft lenses by providing clear vision and comfort. They are suitable for keratoconus patients with mild to moderate cases.</p>
<p>Some advantages of hybrid lenses are that they offer crisp vision, comfort, stability, centration, and oxygen permeability. Some disadvantages are that they may be difficult to insert and remove, they may cause dry eyes or irritation from the edge of the lens, they may be expensive, and they may require special care products.</p>
<p>Some brands of hybrid lenses for keratoconus are SynergEyes KC, ClearKone, and UltraHealth (SynergEyes).</p>
<h2>Scleral lenses:</h2>
<p>These are large-diameter rigid gas permeable lenses that vault over the entire cornea and rest on the white part of the eye (sclera). They create a fluid reservoir between the lens and the cornea, which helps hydrate and protect the eye. They are ideal for keratoconus patients with moderate to severe cases, or those who cannot tolerate other types of lenses.</p>
<p>Some advantages of scleral lenses are that they provide excellent vision, comfort, stability, and oxygen permeability. Some disadvantages are that they may be difficult to insert and remove, they may require more care and cleaning, they may be expensive, and they may cause complications such as infection or hypoxia if not fitted properly.</p>
<p>Some brands of scleral lenses for keratoconus are Zenlens (Bausch + Lomb), Jupiter Scleral (Essilor), BostonSight PROSE (Boston Foundation for Sight), and Onefit MED+ (Blanchard Contact Lenses).</p>
<p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img class="mx-auto" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1aUucqdcnmdqY_I4JWyBrwtAx1GRyILhDe1IxANSlnFhFqYduFHNxC0gNQ7YwT07ewVg1E7DhviaOpPc7rsIt5gU_Y0-LyIC4dzZFsHJCuWZKTQXbtUAduzmc871Cn2kKTn82Fx4C4dmP2z4hy6SHegGsCi1jTcwA07z2moxJXMXJaUGzj1TMxmt4/s1600/Keratoconus_scleral_lens.jpg" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" style="display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 900px;" alt="Scleral lens for keratoconus" title="Scleral lens for kearoconus"/></p>
<p>The best type and brand of contact lens for keratoconus depends on several factors such as your prescription, your eye shape, your lifestyle, your budget and your personal preference. You should consult with your eye doctor (ophthalmologist or optometrist) who can examine your eyes, measure your corneal curvature, recommend suitable options for you and fit you with custom-made contact lenses if needed.</p>
<p>Keratoconus is a challenging eye condition that can affect your vision and quality of life. However, with the right contact lenses, you can improve your vision and comfort and enjoy your daily activities. There are different types and brands of contact lenses available for keratoconus, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. You should consult with your eye doctor who can help you find the best option for your eyes and fit you with custom-made contact lenses if needed. Contact lenses for keratoconus can make a big difference in your vision and well-being. Don’t let keratoconus stop you from seeing the world clearly!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867703633760287274.post-73833595922131707322023-03-17T14:38:00.001-04:002023-10-13T17:26:10.280-04:00What I Wish I Knew About Keratoconus<p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img class="mx-auto" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUyi9jw5VFyDlVcx8Dut0CBWB1uThwTBrIGll2ZivtjwExVYMSpYDdymi9TCMmC-6AZBlVR-qukbxP8BfXz2GfcoiWLk5Mk-Y2pyt1e17A6xypV4OE5ChM26gjsgsWMgtw1aR4Q6KILwnSMLgazPMz-ndpoElY65t5Fifk7qwst6KC-pCJnNK3IsX/s1600/Keratoconus%20Corneal%20Transplant.jpg" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" style="display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 900px;" alt="What I Wish I Knew About Keratoconus" title="What I Wish I Knew About Keratoconus"/></p>
<p>I'm Cheryl. I'm a retired medical transcriptionist who should have known more about Keratoconus.</p>
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<p>So many things make sense now. I was diagnosed at age 35 by an optometrist, who just happened to have a corneal mapping machine. He described my corneas like "the Andes." In 1998, this was some fancy stuff, I’m pretty sure. Anyway, he says I have keratoconus and that I need contact lenses in order to see. Not just any lenses, but these hybrid things that were a hard lens in the middle and a soft lens skirt. Mine were called SoftPerm. I had to use a “plunger” to put them on and take them off. No one I knew had ever seen anything like these before.</p>
<p>That was the sum total of attention paid to my Keratoconus. I didn’t know the ramifications of that diagnosis. I blithely enjoyed the vision these lenses gave me and life went on.</p>
<p>In 2000, my job sent me to teach in India – so I packed up the hubs and the boys and off to India we went. Bangalore is a busy, growing city with lots of construction. The flat we were given was having an air conditioner installed, but first the workmen had to hand-chisel the marble. Chips of marble and dust and who knows what got into my lens and destroyed it. I never wore them again. When we came back to the US 9 months later, I didn’t get lenses and kept my glasses.</p>
<p>Fast forward to every eye exam over the last 15 years. I would accept “good enough” because there was always doubling. I’d tell the examiner I see a superscript over every letter. Not a peep from the eye guy, any of them over the years. I just figured this is as good as it’s going to get. I settled for that and functioned until I retired at 65. In the last few years and particularly this past year, my vision has deteriorated. I actually thought It was my computer and tried tightening up the text when I realized that it's me that’s blurry. It’s a good thing I touch type, because the keyboard is a red glowing blur. The text on the screen, the same. If I stick my face up to the screen, I am clear at about 3-1/2 inches.</p>
<p>So, somehow the penny dropped and I realized that this was that old Keratoconus. I finally put it all together and I wasn’t wrong.</p>
<p>Now I understand that it’s been there all the time and now it’s bad. I’ve had some eye scares before, but this one is a doozy. I have a collagen disorder, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, that causes me to dislocate my joints and detach my vitreous matter. Keratoconus is a visual complication of EDS. One day at work my vision became like lightning flashes and my central vision went away. Off to the retinal specialist, who followed it for 2 years. Retinas good. I worry about it happening, though.</p>
<p>My maternal grandmother was plagued with eye problems. She was blind in one eye, due to spontaneously detached retinas at age 30 and it destroyed one eye. I knew she had limited vision, and had cataract surgery as well as a corneal transplant at the age of 80 years. No one ever said why she had the transplant, but I’d lay money that she had Keratoconus. I see her body bent over the chopping board or the sink, working as closely as she could. I see my own body bend to focus, then close one eye so I get the spoon into the tea. I have no depth perception. I walk very carefully and have fallen a few times. When I’m tired, I have to close one eye or I can’t watch TV or work on the laptop.</p>
<p>Maybe if the original diagnosing opto had said Keratoconus is an incurable disease that can make you need a corneal transplant, it might have rung some bell in my mind. I thought it was gone and that the contacts repaired it. I was so wrong.</p>
<p>Here I am at 68, unable to drive anymore, and requiring crosslinking in both eyes as well as cataract surgery in both eyes. My vision is not going to be good any time soon and I’m pretty shaken up.</p>
<p>I have had both of my adult sons tell their eye practitioners for them and my grandchildren to be aware. My grandchild is young and in eyeglasses already for astigmatism. I worry and pray I haven’t passed it on.</p>
<address itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person">
By <span itemprop="name">Cheryl Blake</span>
</address>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867703633760287274.post-39446856518927422542023-03-14T14:32:00.002-04:002023-10-14T09:35:19.728-04:00Eye Allergies: How to Identify, Treat, and Prevent Them<p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img class="mx-auto" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt7DZpqXWvJI37KooxSThMHaREX5sgs36ip9OkxvHLoDbhENZTE0lHgtRBVP7Kf3ZLxFTsxq_I-D2fcKTMQKIJ0xmiXFtfwtb3C9chijXW5U5C-e33Ai67P6Tm5EYXJmNG8hbN9X--3R8hPUuIYtmZ8Y-rUYXTr6BlKnIGCYy1WnD460Z_AflKJfCj/s1600/Eye-Allergies.jpg" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" style="display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 900px;" alt="Eye Allergies: How to Identify, Treat, and Prevent Them" title="Eye Allergies: How to Identify, Treat, and Prevent Them"/></p>
<p class="lead">Do you ever experience red, itchy, watery, or swollen eyes that make you want to rub them constantly? If so, you may be suffering from eye allergies, a common condition that affects millions of people around the world. Eye allergies are also known as allergic conjunctivitis and they occur when the eyes react to something that irritates them, such as pollen, dust mites, mold, or pet dander. In this blog post, we will explain what eye allergies are, what causes them, what symptoms they produce, how they can be treated, and how they can be prevented. By the end of this post, you will have a better understanding of eye allergies and how to deal with them effectively.</p>
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<p>Eye allergies are also known as allergic conjunctivitis and they are caused by a misfiring of the immune system when it reacts to things that are not harmful, such as pollen, dust mites, mold, or pet dander.</p>
<p>Symptoms of eye allergies may include red, irritated, itchy, watery, swollen, or puffy eyes, as well as soreness, burning, pain, or sensitivity to light. Sometimes, eye allergies can be confused with pink eye (conjunctivitis), which is an infection of the eye caused by bacteria or viruses. However, pink eye usually affects only one eye and may have other signs such as discharge or crusting.</p>
<p>Eye allergies can be triggered by different factors depending on the person and the season. Some common triggers are pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds; dust mites and mold spores in indoor environments; pet dander and saliva; cosmetics and perfumes; smoke and air pollution; and certain medications or eye drops.</p>
<p>Eye allergies can be treated with various methods depending on the severity and frequency of the symptoms. Some options are avoiding or minimizing exposure to the allergens; using artificial tears or saline solutions to rinse the eyes; applying cold compresses to reduce swelling and inflammation; taking over-the-counter antihistamines or decongestants to relieve itching and redness; using prescription eye drops or oral medications to control allergic reactions; and wearing sunglasses or eyeglasses to protect the eyes from irritants.</p>
<p>Preventing eye allergies can be challenging, but there are some steps that can help reduce the exposure to the allergens and the severity of the symptoms. The most common way to prevent eye allergies is to avoid or minimize contact with the substances that trigger them, such as pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, cosmetics, perfumes, smoke, or medications. This may involve staying indoors when the pollen count is high, using air filters and humidifiers in the home, washing bedding and curtains regularly, keeping pets out of the bedroom, removing eye makeup thoroughly, and switching to hypoallergenic products.</p>
<p>Another way to prevent eye allergies is to use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops that can help flush out the allergens from the eyes and provide moisture and relief. These drops can be used as often as needed if they are preservative-free. Some people may also benefit from using over-the-counter or prescription medications that can prevent or treat allergic reactions in the eyes, such as antihistamines, decongestants, corticosteroids, or mast cell stabilizers. However, these medications should be used with caution and under the guidance of an eye doctor.</p>
<p>Eye allergies are not usually harmful to the vision or the health of the eyes, but they can affect the quality of life and cause discomfort and annoyance. In some cases, eye allergies can lead to complications such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), or blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids). Therefore, it is important to consult an eye doctor if the symptoms persist or worsen despite treatment.</p>
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</script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867703633760287274.post-11162994841407268712023-03-10T12:17:00.011-05:002023-10-13T17:26:10.259-04:00A Letter to My Younger Self with Keratoconus<p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img class="mx-auto" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYTPDG8bhDuOdzlIuJIGbYvtT2iKDzV1g438DfohJaxafMq8f1Ot_YCer1RNocoWZzXhtBAI7zr2N7giFTZp-hzc229HRX0OJIIw9_oWhozuh45MCYzGb8o28unfXxBg4AE1EZtbxNZID7lvxQ24loyrJQ91KyeaZagCQQKSpIwhbtA2UAzST5I1s/s1600/Keratoconus.jpg" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" style="display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 900px;" alt="A Letter to My Younger Self with Keratoconus" title="A Letter to My Younger Self with Keratoconus"/></p>
<p>Dear 16 year old me,</p>
<p>I know you are scared and depressed right now. You have just been diagnosed with keratoconus, a condition that affects your cornea, the clear front surface of your eye. You have learned that your cornea is thinning and bulging into a cone shape, causing your vision to be blurry, distorted and sensitive to light. You have also learned that this condition usually affects both eyes and can get worse over time.</p>
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<p>You may feel like your life is over. You may wonder how you will cope with school, work, hobbies and relationships. You may feel alone and misunderstood. You may feel angry and hopeless.</p>
<p>But I want you to know that you are not alone. There are many people who have keratoconus and who understand what you are going through. There are also many doctors who can help you manage your condition and improve your vision.</p>
<p>One of the treatments that you will undergo is called corneal crosslinking. This is a procedure that strengthens your cornea by applying vitamin B2 drops and ultraviolet light. This can slow down or stop the progression of keratoconus and prevent further damage to your eye. You will have this done when you are 18 years old.</p>
<p>Another treatment that you will use is hybrid contact lenses. These are special lenses that combine a rigid center with a soft outer ring. They can correct your vision by smoothing out the irregular shape of your cornea. You will start wearing them when you are 20 years old.
<p>It will take some time until you find a good eye doctor who can prescribe these treatments for you. You will have to try different types of lenses until you find the ones that fit comfortably and provide clear vision. You will also have to follow up regularly with your doctor to monitor your eye health.</p>
<p>But don't give up hope. These treatments will make a big difference in your life. They will help you see better and feel more confident. They will allow you to pursue your dreams and goals without letting keratoconus hold you back.</p>
<p>You have so much potential and so much to offer the world. Don't let keratoconus define who you are or what you can do. Remember that you are more than your eyesight.</p>
<p>Living with keratoconus is not easy, but it is not impossible either. You will face many challenges along the way, such as frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions, problems with night driving due to glare, difficulty reading or using computers, frustration or anxiety about your appearance or self-esteem, etc.</p>
<p>But you will also learn how to cope with these challenges by finding support from others who share your experience, educating yourself about your condition, seeking professional help when needed, taking good care of yourself physically and mentally, etc.</p>
<p>You will discover new strengths within yourself as well as new opportunities outside yourself. You will realize that keratoconus does not limit what you can achieve or enjoy in life as long as you adapt and overcome.</p>
<p>Remember that I am always here for you. I am proud of you for being strong and resilient in the face of adversity. I am happy for you for finding joy and meaning in life despite having keratoconus.</p>
<p>You will get through this.</p>
<p>Love,</p>
<p>26 year old <span itemprop="author" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person"><span itemprop="name">Madison</span></span><p/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com