Rich Waxman

Condition: Post-LASIK Complications

When Rich Waxman came to Boston Foundation for Sight in 2009, he was ready to apply for permanent disability due to his deteriorating vision. After 30 years of contact lens use, Rich underwent LASIK surgery in 2004. Unfortunately, a family history of keratoconus was not revealed at that time and a severe astigmatism was not discovered during pre-surgery testing, both of which are contraindications for LASIK. About 18 months after LASIK, Rich noticed problems with his eyesight.

“I was doing computer training and a colleague handed me a pair of bifocals, saying I needed them more than he did. I didn’t realize I was squinting so badly.” His vision began to fluctuate wildly, affecting his ability to work and drive. “I would wake up in the morning and be able to see fine; then by noon my vision would be 20/400.”

Struggling to find an appropriate diagnosis, many eye doctors ultimately said that nothing could be done to help him. But Dr. Chris Owens persevered, assuring Rich that he would do everything he could to get to the bottom of his problems.

Both Rich’s brother Lee and his sister Robin had been diagnosed with keratoconus in their early teens. Lee, a BFS patient, suggested PROSE treatment. Dr. Owens agreed that it might be able to help Rich’s post-LASIK ectasia. Soon after, Rich made the trip from North Carolina to Needham and completed treatment with Dr. Lynette Johns.

“The day I walked in there, there were eight new patients in the waiting room, and six of them were blind in some way. All of them could see when they left.”

Today, Rich is grateful for his PROSE devices and the improved vision they have given him.

“You guys have been a lifesaver. I wear my [PROSE] devices all day.”