Jacksonville Laser Vision Correction Blog | Dr. Gulani

Laser Vision Surgery for Keratoconus: Selective Cases can benefit from Laser

Mr. Rod Sumrall -Attorney at Law, Maryland. USA

Hello: I am new to this forum, but as a fellow KC sufferer and a patient of Dr. Gulani’s who has undergone the Advanced Corneal Laser Surgery that has been discussed on this forum, I wanted to share my thoughts and experiences. First and foremost, my apologies on the length of this post, I tried really hard to be brief! However, due to the misinformation that seems to be widely circulating and pushed upon suffers of KC, as well as, the relatively new but extremely successful nature of Dr. Gulani’s advanced corneal laser procedure, I figured the only way to tell my story would be to tell my entire story. That being said, here is my story.Prior to discovering that I had KC, I struggled with years and years of fluctuating and rapidly declining vision. I went from optometrist to optometrist in the hope of finding a doctor who could get a grasp on what seemed to be progressively deteriorating eye sight. Needless to say, this deteriorating vision and the absence of relief, (meaningful correction), from any eye doctor that I had met with was having a dramatic effect on my overall life and profession as an attorney.Discouraged with failed attempts to correct my vision via prescription after prescription of glasses and contacts, I ultimately sought out what I had hoped would be the end all remedy to my vision problems – Lasik. As such, I made an appointment with a local Lasik center in my part-time residency of Annapolis, Maryland. Perhaps not unlike many others who are eventually diagnosed with Keratoconus (KC), it was at this free Lasik evaluation that I first learned of the devastating news… (quote)….”not only are you not a candidate for Lasik but you have a degenerative corneal disease called (KC) and you need to see a corneal specialist….. if you take nothing from this free consultation, whatever you do not let anyone perform Lasik on your eyes.” Shocked at the news, but partially relieved to have a reason for my wavering vision, I was then referred to a corneal specialist in Baltimore who confirmed that I indeed had (KC) in both of my eyes. It was also here that I was advised that there weren’t many options for returning optimal vision to people with my condition, in fact, at that time I was told that gas-permeable contact lenses and corneal transplants were all I could hope for. Following this evaluation, I was again referred to another doctor, this time, quote, to…“an Optometrist who specializes in treating people with (KC).” Upon meeting with this Optometrist I was told that gas-permeable contacts were my only options and I was fitted for a pair on that very same day. Needless to say, for anyone who has had the displeasure of wearing gas-permeable contact lenses, I was not happy! Plagued with their extreme discomfort, it wasn’t long before I chose to return to my poor sight over wearing the GP contact lenses. Stifled yet again, but armed with a diagnosis, I began to research anything and everything I could on (KC), which eventually brought me to Intacs. Optimistic about Intacs, but mainly for anything other then gas-permeable (GP) contacts and cornea transplants, I began to look into doctors who would perform the Intacs procedure. During this search, a very close friend of mine, knowledgeable of my vision issues, had recently gone to see Dr. Gulani at the Gulani Vision Institute in Jacksonville, Florida for non-KC related vision problems and was so impressed by his knowledge that she recanted my condition with him. Eager to provide me with information, Dr. Gulani requested to my friend that I contact him. Responding to his gracious request and eager for information I immediately called Dr. Gulani, whereby I spoke with him in great length, faxed to him my medical records, made an appointment for a consultation, and flew down to Jacksonville for the same. For those of you who have met with Dr. Gulani, it goes without saying that he is truly without parallel in his profession. Prior to my consultation with Dr. Gulani I was hopeful that I would be a candidate for Intacs. To my surprise, however, not only did I learn that I was a candidate for Intacs but that I was also, and even better, suited for an advanced form of corneal laser surgery, the results of which could produce a more precise vision correction. The very procedure discussed on this forum thread. Hopeful, but obviously cautious of the same, I spoke with Dr. Gulani in great detail about my desires, options, and concerns, including, but not limited to, the warnings that had been disseminated to me regarding Lasik and people with KC by other doctors, the potential for additional and future degeneration of the cornea, and what my future options would be if I had the surgery and corneal degeneration continued to occur. Fortunately for me, I was informed that because of the nature of my particular KC and the minimal degree of corneal layers that needed to be adjusted, even if future degeneration of the cornea were to occur, I would still be a candidate for Intacs should I so need. Armed with this information, I opted to have the procedure done.To date, it’s been roughly 7 months since I had the procedure done on my left eye - Dr. Gulani prefers to do one eye at a time - and the results are nothing short of miraculous. I COULD NOT BE ANY MORE HAPPY! As for my vision before and after, I was visually handicapped in both eyes, legally blind, including a high astigmatism as an associated factor of KC in my left eye. After the procedure I am now 20/25 uncorrected (without glasses or contacts) and I’m set to have my right eye corrected later this year. While everybody’s condition is different, and the post surgery vision restoration will vary depending on everyone’s unique condition, the benefits to having this surgery are far more reaching. That is, since the overall purpose of the procedure is to correct the physical distortion of the cornea – to bring it near as possible back to it’s natural shape - those individuals such as myself who could not be corrected to 20/20, can still, post surgery, further enhance their vision more precisely with traditional corrective measures (glasses or contacts), should they so wish. Though I am pleased to say that I do not use glasses or contacts.

DUE TO THE AMAZING RESULTS AND RELIEF THIS PROCEDURE HAS HAD ON MY LIFE, I COULD TALK FOREVER on this subject, and since I kind of already have, let me just say, in sum, I would, without hesitation, strongly urge anyone seeking to improve their eyesight, especially those with (KC), to speak with Dr. Gulani about their individual options; and should you be a candidate for this procedure, I would unequivocally recommend it. It goes without saying that this procedure has changed my life, without measure, and I hope in some way that my words on this forum can in some way help other who suffer from KC.

In fact, if anyone wants to talk to me more directly about (KC), or in more detail about Dr. Gulani and his Advanced Corneal Laser Surgery, please feel free to email me at sumrallr@hotmail.com Sorry for the long read. Best of Luck to Everyone! Rod

PS – For those of you who are not familiar with Dr. Gulani and the Gulani Vision Institute, his website is http://www.gulanivision.com/ Rod has since referred his mother to Dr.Gulani to correct her Astigmatism with Advanced Laser Vision surgery following her cataract surgery done elsewhere.

I have (or had) severe keratoconus in my right eye and slight keratoconus in my left. Dr. Gulani performed my INTACs surgery (Jacksonville, FL USA). For my right eye, having intac surgery made a huge difference. My vision went from 20/400 to 20/40 (uncorrected). My left eye is a different story. With contacts I have 20/20 vision. Dr. Gulani said that since my keratoconus was not as severe in my left eye I was eligible for laser correction. It is only because my condition is drastically less severe in my left eye that Dr. Gulani suggested this option. I'm anxiously awaiting this procedure this summer, confident that should my condition in my left eye worsen in the future, I can always have intact surgery - which once again, has made a huge difference in my vision. I hope that my situation helps to alleviate anyone's concern about laser correction on a eye with slight keratoconus. James Demps Jacksonville, Florida

JACKSONVILLE, FL (Nov 1st, 2008). We are all geared up for one of the most pitched, profiled and rivaled, season game of the year. In a destined coincidence of time, Georgia eye surgeon Dr. Johnny Gaton visited with Florida eye surgeon, Dr. Arun Gulani at the Gulani Vision Institute in Jacksonville, Florida yesterday.

As the nationwide patient clientele of Gulani Vision Institute left Jacksonville to fly back home to Chicago, Texas, Pennsylvania and Oregon yesterday, fans of the Florida Georgia game continued to pour into Jacksonville for the much awaited game.

Both world renowned eye surgeons sat together in the state of the art facility of Gulani Vision Institute as they shared their teachings and experiences and thoughts for mutually propelling advancements in eye surgery to combat world blindness.

“It is my privilege that Dr. Gayton visited our institute. I think he is one of the most brilliant innovators and free thinkers in ophthalmology”. Dr. Gulani

“First time in twenty years have I seen something so exciting as the work being done by Dr. Gulani at Gulani Vision Institute. This is the future”. Dr. Gayton.

With certain rivalry in this coincidental Florida-Georgia game setting; yet mutual admiration for each other’s work, both doctors discussed future trends and innovations as they gear up to teach at the world’s biggest conference for eye surgeons – The American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting to be held in Atlanta next week.

As a marketing specialist for ophthalmologist for over 15 years, I can say that I have rarely worked with a surgeon of Dr. Gulani's caliber. Not only is he a brilliant surgeon, he combines genuine patient care and a passion to improve their vision. I think, more than anything, it is this passion that sets him apart. If you are considering any eye surgery, particularly laser vision surgery or LASIK, I encourage you to take the time to closely compare practices and surgeons, before you make your decision. In fact, I encourage you to have consultations with more than one surgeon before you choose the procedure and the provider. Bill Fukui Chief Operating Officer

To all who have been suffering from the heartbreaking news (like myself) that nothing can be done about your dry eye irritations, the removal of scar tissue or your desire for crystal clear vision… you do not have to suffer anymore. I have finally found a doctor who is committed to and is on the cutting edge of ophthalmic medicine, to resolving these (and many other) eye issues.

Hello, my name is Geraldine, and I have been suffering from chronic dry eyes, as well as deteriorating vision, that eventually aided in the formation of a yellowish growth on the whites of my eyes called pinguecula.Growing up in Puerto Rico (during my pre-teen and teenage years) where the sun was always shining and the winds picked up during hurricane season, one can only imagine great fun; however because of the lack of protection it was inevitable that my eyes would somehow loose their brilliance. It wasn’t until I went away to college in northern Texas (where again the sun shines brightly and the wind storms kick in) that I started noticing the whites of my eyes no longer white, but red. I decided it was time for an eye exam in hopes that something could be done about the bothersome dryness and appearance of my eyes. I came away with a routine eye exam and a bottle of artificial tears. I applied for a job at an optical store (to support myself thru college and gain some knowledge of the eyes) when I decided to further educate myself by becoming a certified optician. It was then that I met and worked for several doctors (optometrists in particular) who all prescribed numerous eye drops telling me that I was suffering from allergies. When returning to the doctors over and over again, I was eventually informed all that could be done has been done. Talk about disappointing. My husband & I have moved 8 times since leaving Texas 15 years ago, we currently reside in Florida. During the summer of 2006, people were constantly asking if something was wrong, my eyes were in a constant state of irritation therefore red. I could not take the discomfort or appearance of my eyes any longer and searched for yet another doctor in hopes that modern medicine had made a breakthrough.

A local optometrist suggested that I call an ophthalmologist by the name of Dr. Arun Gulani, who he knew would be better suited for tackling this issue.In such desperation I called Dr. Gulani at Gulani Vision Institute in Jacksonville, FL and an appointment was made promptly. I met Dr. Gulani who was not only enthusiastic and personable with a deep concern for my problem, but also honest. Dr. Gulani immediately informed me that I suffered from pinguecula and that my eyes were severely dry. The first correction would be to plug the tear ducts (in the inside corners of my eyes) so that any moisture naturally occurring on account of my blinking would remain on the eyes for a longer period of time. The result was instant relief. During that very same visit, Dr. Gulani educated me on what COULD be done to correct ALL the problems I was having with my eyes. I was amazed by his understanding of the situation, and the “yes, I shall strive to help you with these problems” pledge.I walked away from Dr. Gulani’s office without feeling any pressure in making a decision regarding surgery.

He insisted that I explore all options before making any surgical decision. More importantly, I walked away knowing that I had finally found a Doctor who was caring (despite his World Renowned status), willing and able. Surgery was scheduled for Nov 2006. Dr. Gulani performed his advanced surgical technique using amniotic tissue with glue (No Stitches) to replace the discolored portion of my eye where the pinguecula had formed. Only one day after surgery, I was asked to look into a mirror Success!!!!!!! The white of my eye was white once again. Once I had healed, I was ready to tackle the next problem---Advanced Laser Vision Surgery (to correct my vision and to eliminate the use of contacts or glasses). February 2007, the above surgery was performed in Dr. Gulani’s state of the art medical facility (Gulani Vision Institute). Now, I can actually say I have crystal clear vision (my vision today is better than 20/20. It is actually 20/15). My eyes have not looked or felt this good in over 15 years. It has been a year and a half since my surgeries and all I can say is thank you to Dr. Gulani for giving me the vision that allows me to not only see better, but look and feel better than I have in a long time. I wish to share my story as I have seen many of your postings online. If you are suffering from any or all of these similar symptoms, take the first step to change your life by contacting Dr. Gulani in Jacksonville, Florida at 904-296-0393/ www.gulanivision.com. Believe me, he is there for your individualized need.

Ms. Geraldine Janzen

Message Posted 08/17/08: My Fuchs dystrophy was diagnosed and tracked by an ophthalmologist with extensive corneal training and experience. Since my eyes are unusually sensitive, I dreaded and postponed an inevitable transplant even though my lifestyle was greatly impaired. When my disability became too severe for further delay, I was dismayed to find my doctor no longer performed transplants because of the difficult recoveries and poor results for many patients. Fortunately, he thought I might be a candidate for the innovative work of Dr. Arun C. Gulani, who in 2006 was introducing DSAEK as KeyHole Transplant surgery to Jacksonville, FL. After benefiting from his quality care and surgical skill, I feel blessed to have waited until Dr. Gulani was available! The outcome of my surgery was extraordinary: I have gone from being legally blind to achieving 20/20 vision. When both my retina specialist and a low vision specialist at Mayo Clinic examined my new cornea, they used the same term, "spectacular"! They saw none of the scarring or other ill effects of traditional transplant surgery. Although I have had a multitude of surgeries to correct various maladies, none before has had such a beneficial effect on my quality of life. Jacksonville is indeed fortunate to have Gulani Vision Institute available for qualified cornea patients. Sincerely, Anne Ingram

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