UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Hi Everyone,
Just wondered does anyone know if there is anything to help slow down the progress of Keratoconus in the eyes?

Or anything that can improve the eye and improve or strengthen your sight?

Any proved facts that can help?

I hear Bilberry can help,Is this true?

I be grateful for any reply's

David

The problem is that nobody really understands the mechanisms that lead to KC either progressing quickly or very slowly.

In many people KC never deteriorates to the point where they need surgery.

For some it is possible to cope with glasses.

for others there is a long search for the right contact lens and for the minority there is surgery - either Intacs, graft or whatever.

Ask why KC progrsses more quickly in some patients than in others and you get a shrug.

The good thing is that there are researchers all over the place who are looking at KC and rying to find out what environmental or genetic factors are at work in the development and progress of the condition.

I'd not heard about bilberries. The simple answer is 'nobody knows'.

The usual way in which research programmes develop is for somebody to hypothesize that this or that cause is at play. With that theoretical framework (s)he devises a theraputic response (this could be diet, or whatever).

Then there comes painstaking controls and experiments and in the end they decide either that there are grounds for optimism or they go back to the drawing board.

What we can do is keep reading all the research papers we can find. The www is a good source of information. Sooner or later somebody is going to make a significant break through, and my guess is that this will come in an unexpected way and from an unexpected quarter.

All the best

A

David

Currently, the only solution we have for halting the progression of KC is C3R treatment. However its only been around for around 6 years...and has been used on a small number of people. However, the results look impressive and all the eyes that have been treated showed that the KC had stopped progressing.

Aside from that; there is nothing else that is on the semi approved market - let alone the FDA cleared

J

C3R now you have lost me is this Cross Linking. I have heard about Cross Linking if they are the same thing i think its amazing.

JayBoi

Yes, C3R, 3CR, Corneal Collagen Crosslinking are all the same!

J

As reguards to slowiong it down a doctor i know sent me this

Facts:
MSM eyedrops and certain nutrients such as N-Acetyl-Cysteine and Vitamin C may help slow down development of Keratoconus and preserve vision. Some research indicates that daily use of Microcurrent Stimulation may help preserve vision as well.
Overview:
Keratoconus(Bulging of the Cornea) occurs in approximately 100,000 – 150,000 people in the United States.
Symptoms:
You become aware of visual distortion with and without eyeglasses.
Standard contact lenses do not fit well.
Causes:
Allergies – approximately 40-50 percent of Keratoconus patients have allergies. Allergies may be a contributing factor, although not confirmed in any studies.
Magnesium – deficiencies are linked to Keratoconus. Alcoholism, pregnancy, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, diuretics and stress can lead to a magnesium deficiency. Low magnesium can cause a thinning of elastic membranes such as the cornea.
Genetic disposition.
Conventional Treatment:
Use of gas permeable contact lenses (one needs to see a specialist that fits contacts for Keratoconus.
If severe, corneal transplant
Complementary Treatment and Recommended Vitamins, Supplements, Herbs & Other Nutritional Products


Essential: MSM Eyedrops 1 oz (30ml) - MSM eyedrops permit better eye health
Essential: N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC)- Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) is noted for its antioxidant properties, particularly in its potential to neutralize the chemical by-products of smoking.
Essential:Vitamin C & Bioflavenoids Hi-Potency 500mg capsules - Vitamin C Time-C-Bio 500 mg capsules
Essential: VIVA-Drops (10ml - .33 oz. bottle)- VIVA-Eyedrops is the only ophthalmic lubricant for dry eyes without preservatives, mercury compounds or anticholinergics
Helpful: PaleoGreens - PaleoGreens 265 gms - excellent Green drink combining a variety of organic vegetables, organic fruits and wheatgrasses.
Self Help:
Since we consider most eye conditions to be a reflection of the health of the whole body, lifestyle choices and diet can play a major factor in getting and maintaining good vision. Below are some recommendations:
Limit the consumption of saturated fats, greasy fried foods, refined sugars and carbohydrates, artificial sweeteners (saccharine and aspartame)
Exercise daily - do at least 20 minutes of aerobic exercise daily. Walking and swimming are two excellent forms of exercise.
Managing your emotional health is very important in maintaining physical health. Fear (fear of failure, responsibility, of being alone, of death, etc.) is at the root of many of life’s problems, and is a major factor in the development of eye problems.
Stop smoking, drinking caffeine and sodas, limit your alcohol consumption to 1 glass of red wine at night.
Wear 100% UVA and UVB protecting wraparound sunglasses with a brimmed hat when you are outside.
Supplement your diet with a good multivitamin such as One Plus Multivitamin (see website for more information) and/or a good Green Drink (see Paleogreens).

these are the links you need:

Jayboi

Which Doctor sent you this if you dont mind me asking?...if its an Optham than thats alittle worrying!

J

an american friends friend. who is the doctor

Ahh ok

Take that with a pinch of salt if he has said it will slow it down its unfounded and, as far as I am aware, incorrect advice.

MSM works well for those wanting to "potentially" avoid cataracts, and want to keep the corneas and eyes hydrated and nourished, but it interms of KC its not much use directly.

J

jayboi2005

I'm afraid I agree with Jayuk. Be careful of anyone who makes the sorts of claim implied in your mailing. I am pretty sure that the treatments outlined may do no actual harm, but this is not the same as saying that they would do good for the KC sufferer.

KC arises early in life, across a very diverse population. the incidence of KC does not appear, from research, to vary according to known environmental factors. There also seems to be no discernable cultural variation in the epidemiology.

Lastly, I'd like to thank you for airing this suggested series of treatments here. We all need to know what is out there, what is being said and then we need to look carefully at these sorts of claim. We are in your debt.

Andrew