Keratoconus typically affects patients in their teens and early 20s, seemingly triggered by the hormonal fluctuations that accompany puberty. However, adults can develop keratoconus until their 30s and later decades.
The same can also be true of children. Prepubescent cases of keratoconus are not common, but they have been documented in children as young as four. In this blog, Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler, one of the world’s foremost doctor experts for keratoconus care, discusses pediatric keratoconus and what patients should know to take care of their children at risk for this condition. Read more
While corneal cross-linking has revolutionized the treatment of keratoconus by slowing/stopping the progression the disease, not all patients end up catching or treating the disease early enough to prevent significant vision impairment. For patients with corneal bulging, Intacs® may be one of the best solutions. In this blog, Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler, a respected ophthalmologist who developed Intacs for keratoconus over 20 years ago, explains exactly what Intacs are and how they can help.
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At the start of the coronavirus pandemic, amidst all the reminders to not touch your face, you may have noticed that you unconsciously rub your eyes more than you previously realized. This instinct to touch your eyes has a basis in science: rubbing can activate tear flow to improve the lubrication and relieve a dry, itchy feeling.
Despite the momentary relief, this urge to rub your eyes is not healthy. In this blog, premier ophthalmologist Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler, known to many as “the surgeon’s surgeon,” explains why you should dispense with this habit. Read more
Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler is an accomplished ophthalmologist who completed a specialty fellowship in corneal transplant surgery. Despite his cornea transplant experience, he is pleased to report to his keratoconus patients that he does not need to put this skill to use nearly as often as he may have anticipated while undergoing his training. His advancements in keratoconus treatment have made corneal transplants much rarer. Continue reading to find out why that is true. Read more
Researching our ancestors has become a popular pastime, especially with the advent of services such as 23andMe and Ancestry.com. But familiarizing yourself with your family tree is not just a fun hobby – it can uncover information that is valuable to your ocular health.
Some eye diseases, including the corneal condition keratoconus, have a genetic component. Not all cases of keratoconus are inherited but having a family history of keratoconus increases the risk of getting it. If one of your close family members has keratoconus, you are more likely to get it than someone without a family history.
Here, Brian Boxer Wachler, MD, of Boxer Wachler Vision Institute recommends steps to take if you uncover a family history of keratoconus. Read more
If you have recently been diagnosed with keratoconus, Brian Boxer Wachler, MD — known by patients and doctors as “The Keratoconus Guru” — urges you to quickly find and establish care with a reputable provider. Time is of the essence when seeking treatment for keratoconus, which is a progressive and unpredictable disease. There is no way to know how quickly and severely it will worsen, or to predict the effects on your vision. Keratoconus “has a mind of its own.” But make no mistake: it will NOT stop and go away on its own. Read more
Hormone fluctuations in the body are linked to the progression of this eye condition: that is why so many keratoconus patients start to see their symptoms develop during puberty. For that reason, it is understandable that some women are concerned about the potential impact pregnancy may have for causing or restarting keratoconus.
Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler, an ophthalmologist known worldwide for his keratoconus expertise, shares what the latest research says about this subject so that women who are pregnant or intending to become pregnant one day can make informed decisions about their health. Read more
In addition to being a world-renowned ophthalmologist, Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler has an exciting new credential for his extensive résumé: filmmaker. He is a producer on Holky: The Steven Holcomb Story, a moving documentary detailing the successes and struggles of Steven Holcomb, a decorated Olympic bobsledder. This half-hour film has been well received by critics and audiences, and recently won Best Documentary at the London International Film Festival.
See the trailer here! Read more
Keratoconus affects about 1 in every 400 Americans. Although researchers continue to study keratoconus, they still have not pinpointed a definitive cause for the eye condition. However, researchers have identified multiple risk factors that may indicate that you are more like to develop keratoconus. Renowned ophthalmologist Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler shares some of those risk factors here: Read more
Being a teenager can be challenging enough on its own, so finding out that you have keratoconus while you are still in high school only adds to your stress. Roughly 1 in 400 people are affected by keratoconus, with most of these patients developing the symptoms during their teenage years. In other words: you are not alone.
Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler is an internationally recognized ophthalmologist who specializes in the treatment of keratoconus. He has found amazing success treating teenage patients, helping them to avoid serious vision loss and lead normal lives. Read more
