Clearly KC Podcast

Clearly KC host Dr. Melissa Barnett OD welcomes Dr. Justin Schweitzer OD from Vance Thompson Vision in Sioux Falls, SD to discuss co-management of keratoconus patients. Dr. Schweitzer notes he practices in a tertiary eyecare setting, and local optometrists regularly refer patients for testing, treatment, or surgery. Dr. Schweitzer acts as the conduit between community optometrists and the Vance Thompson Vision surgeons. He reports successful collaboration usually means the patient returns to the referring doctor for post-operative care. He emphasizes the benefit of educating patients about their treatment options and stresses the importance of communication between referring doctors to assure patients are appropriately managed.

Clearly KC host Dr. Melissa Barnett OD is joined by ophthalmologist Dr. Steven Greenstein MD and optometrist Dr. John Gelles OD, partners at the Cornea and Laser Eye Institute in New Jersey. Dr. Gelles shares results of wave front guided scleral lenses, an emerging technology that creates a 3-D model of the cornea to craft individualized contacts. Dr. Greenstein spoke of CTAK (corneal tissue addition keratoplasty) a new surgical procedure that adds biocompatible donor tissue to reshape corneas, improving vision and contact lens comfort. Drs. Barnett, Gelles and Greenstein recounted their curation of the 2023 Keratoconus Education Initiative, a comprehensive resource for practitioners. To download a copy, visit: https://reviewob.com/2022-keratoconus-education-initiative

Clearly KC host Dr. Melissa Barnett OD and Dr. Daddi Fadel, DOptom celebrate Dry Eye Awareness month by answering listener questions. Dr. Fadel is a clinician scientist at the University of Waterloo in Canada and co-author of “Clinical Guide for Scleral Lens Success” with Dr. Barnett. Dr. Fadel observes that a majority of individuals with keratoconus also suffer from dry eye disease. She describes the different types of dry eye and how the tear film bathes and nourishes the ocular surface. Dr. Barnett mentions several new and existing products available to manage dry eye.

Clearly KC host Dr. Melissa Barnett OD was joined by Joey Gase, NASCAR Xfinity owner-driver and ambassador for National Keratoconus Foundation. Joey shared his story of wearing eyeglasses and contacts from an early age and becoming frustrated with frequent vision changes in his 20s. His eye doctor, unable to improve his vision beyond 20/40, diagnosed keratoconus, the cut-off for participating in NASCAR events. Gase talked about the impression molded scleral lenses he is now wearing and his efforts to educate fans about KC. Dr. Barnett and Gase share their experiences with organ, eye and tissue donation for loved ones.

Clearly KC host Dr. Melissa Barnett OD and Dr. Muriel Schornack OD from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester debate if there is such a thing as a keratoconus personality. Individuals with KC tend to score differently on personality tests, but Dr. Schornack points out that the disease impact often comes in youth or young adulthood where coping mechanisms are not fully developed. KC can have a profound impact on an individual's ability to navigate life, yet the condition is invisible to observers. They agreed doctors need to listen and if a patient expresses anxiety or depression, referral to a mental health provider would be appropriate.

Clearly KC host Dr. Melissa Barnett OD visits Dr. Hae Young Aaron Song MD, a board-certified allergist from Orange County, CA. Dr. Song discusses two types of environmental allergies: seasonal, referring to pollen, grasses and weeds linked to the local landscape, and perennial, year-round allergens like animal dander and dust mites. He talked about testing to identify specific allergies and noted that about 20% of the population suffers from ocular allergies. For individuals affected by keratoconus, Dr. Song reported there are several inexpensive and effective over the counter remedies to control ocular and nasal symptoms that can trigger eye rubbing.

Clearly KC host Dr. Melissa Barnett OD chats with Dr. Barry Eiden OD of Chicago. Dr. Eiden discusses prevalence of keratoconus, and the fact that rather than a rare, orphan disease, we are learning that KC is relatively common. He talks about genetics and genetic testing. Drs. Barnett and Eiden consider the need for technology that would permit primary eye care doctors to screen their patients for keratoconus and encouraging early intervention. Dr. Eiden, founder of the International Keratoconus Academy, previewed the Keratoconus Conference for eyecare professionals scheduled for April 2023.