Most people have itchy, irritated eyes from time to time, but when it happens frequently, it can be a real hassle. Chronic dry eye affects tens of millions of American adults, although there are varying degrees of severity. At the Boxer Wachler Vision Institute, Dr. Brian often hears from patients with dry eye who are unsure whether their symptoms warrant treatment. Read on to learn his recommendations on this subject. Read more
What Are Intacs?
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.
Why You Should Never Rub Your Eyes
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
4 Ways EVO Visian ICL Beats Contact Lenses
Often referred to as “permanent contact lenses,” EVO Visian ICL is quickly becoming one of the most popular vision correction procedures worldwide now than many millions of procedures have been performed. Ophthalmologists and patients alike have found that EVO Visian ICL achieves a higher quality of vision than LASIK, particularly for people with more nearsightedness. In this blog, Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler explains why so many of his patients who previously wore contact lenses are thrilled they made the switch: Read more
Is a Corneal Transplant Necessary for Keratoconus These Days?
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
Why Patients Are Getting Cataract Surgery Younger Than Before
The age at which patients undergo cataract surgery is getting younger than it used to be. In the past, cataract surgery was primarily performed on people in their 70s and 80s, but Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler, “The Surgeon’s Surgeon,” has seen a steady rise in cataract patients aged 69 and younger. Read on to better understand why so many patients have decided to have cataract surgery earlier in life. Read more
Nearsightedness, Farsightedness, Astigmatism: How These Refractive Errors Differ
The three most common types of refractive errors are nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Those who wear glasses or contact lenses usually have at least one of these conditions. In this blog, renowned ophthalmologist Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler explains the differences between these refractive errors. Read more
What EVO Visian ICL Can Do That LASIK Cannot
LASIK may still be the most recognizable name for the surgical correction of refractive errors, but it’s certainly not the only effective method. A growing number of patients are learning about EVO Visian ICL, an insertable lens implant that can correct myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. Millions of people have already had Visian ICL to correct their vision. As one of the nation’s foremost EVO Visian ICL doctors, Brian Boxer Wachler, MD, shares some of the advantages that ICL has over LASIK. Read more
Family History of Keratoconus? What You Can Do
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
Does Keratoconus Ever Stop Progressing?
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