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4/ TheBucknerClarion.com August 14, 2014 By Faith, Not Sight McSwains' steadfast faith keeps them strong whatever he can to help others in need." There is no cure for keratoconus. However, the McSwains have researched the condition extensively and with the help of family friends provided Zach with cutting edge treatment. "We were under the impression by our local doctors that hard contact lenses could stop the keratoconus from progressing," Kelli said. "But Zach's disease was too aggressive. After researching on our own, we found Dr. Brian who is referred to as a 'genius' or the 'Steve Jobs of eye surgery.'" Kelli warns that it is imperative for patients to receive treatment as soon as they are diagnosed at the first stage of the disease to prevent it from damaging the cornea. "We wish that we would have had the knowledge of Holcomb C3-R® Crosslinking at the beginning of Zach's diagnosis, but we are grateful that we were able to – at this point – prevent him from having to go through corneal transplants." As for ongoing treatment, Kelli said By Tonia Wright (Continued from page 1) Kelli, a school teacher at Buckner Elementary School, has been candid about the fact that keratoconus has also been life altering for not just Zach, but for the entire family. "In the beginning, it was very life changing and depressing," she said. "As parents, you want your child to be more successful, so it has been challenging on how to help Zach succeed with limitations and help him begin a path for his future." As a result, they have learned to set small goals that work toward bigger goals. Most importantly, she said, is they use their faith to help them stay focused on what's important. "We count our blessings and realize that it could be worse." One blessing to add to the list is recent successful corrective eye procedures. Earlier this summer, Zach had what's called the Holcomb C3-R® Crosslinking, Intacs® and Conductive Keratoplasty, or CK®, to help improve his vision. To put these procedures in layman's terms, Holcomb C3-R® Crosslinking is a one-time, non- invasive, proprietary procedure developed by Brian S. Boxer Wachler, M.D. The procedure strengthens the cornea and addresses the underlying causes of keratoconus and weakened collagen fibers. Collagen is a primary structural protein in connective tissues which support, connect or separate different types of organs and tissues in the body. The cornea is rich in collagen. Holcomb C3-R® Crosslinking strengthens collagen fibers by creating new crosslinks in the cornea to increase strength and maintain shape. Intacs® are plastic rings placed under the surface of the cornea to alter its shape. The main purpose of this procedure is to help flatten the cornea area that is irregularly shaped to improve quality and to more optimally correct vision with glasses or contact lenses. CK® helps to reduce some of the astigmatism and further improves vision and quality of vision with the help of contacts and glasses. "Zach's surgeries were successful," Kelli said. "Dr. Brian is confident that he was able to stop the progression of keratoconus and is hopeful Zach will not need corneal transplants." Kelli added that Zach is recovering well and seems to smile more and more. "He is keeping the faith and so happy to have the surgeries behind him," she said. Zach, now 21, has a few general education courses behind him. A former student at Blue River Community College, he was disappointed that it was taking time to earn credits since he could only take one or two courses at a time. "We calculated that it would take 10 years for him to earn an associate's degree. So, as a family, we felt it would be beneficial for him to attend a trade school," Kelli said. Last fall, Zach attended the Fort Osage Firefighter & Emergency Medical Technician Academy. "He did a great job and is now preparing to take the state tests," she said. "One of the drawbacks is obtaining a driver's license for EMT, but Zach wants to do " We would like to thank all of you for your support in helping our family raise money for The Zach McSwain Keratoconus Foundation at our first BBQ event last June. Your love and friendship have deeply touched us and we are forever grateful. Thank you." The McSwain Family A look at keratoconus, a degenerative eye disease that causes vision loss. Zach's vision can fluctuate due to healing and cornea changes for the first six months. He will visit his ophthalmologist and optometrist as directed to monitor his progress and healing. Currently, Zach is implementing a vitamin regimen to promote healing and moisture for his eyes. With the success of the corrective procedures, Kelli said he is also ready to start looking for employment to build up his resume. Pharmacy & Your Health What can be done for Cushings? Cushing disease is caused by an abnormally excessive growth of the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is a gland in the brain responsible for producing a lot of hormones. Specifically with this disease, there is too much production of a hormone that makes cortisol, a stress hormone. Cortisol is normally made in the body as a response to stress, but it is not made in a large amount all of the time. Cortisol helps the body utilize proteins, carbohydrates, and fats for energy and reduce swelling in the body. Some of the symptoms of Cushing disease include obesity in the waist, thin arms and legs, round and red face, short stature, thin purple marks on the skin, mental changes, and fatigue. Complications of Cushing disease may include bone fractures, diabetes, kidney stones, and mental issues. If Cushing disease is caused by taking steroid medications such as glucocorticoids, then symptoms should stop upon discontinuation. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to help severe cases when the brain is extensively involved. Some treatments are available to help reduce the amount of cortisol in the body. Mifepristone may help decrease the effects of cortisol on the blood sugars, when taken for a short period of time. Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication that can reduce high levels of cortisol.