Tyler's Keratoconus Treatment

Tyler Harbin is organizing this fundraiser.

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Hello, my name is Tyler Harbin. I have a rare eye condition called Keratoconus. Keratoconus is a non-inflammatory eye condition in which the normally round dome-shaped cornea progressively thins causing a cone shape bulge to develop. This results in significant visual impairment. I was first diagnosed with this disease when I was 12 years old. The development of my condition has been progressing slowly over the years. My vision as expected has gotten worse, particularly in my left eye. The typical long-term solution for this disease is typically a cornea transplant. The disease causes me to have numerous prescription changes for eye glasses and contacts. In addition, I also have to deal with an irregular astigmatism which adds to the visual challenges that I have. I have difficulty driving at night because everything tends to glare, which is another common issue with this disease. In particular, my left eye at times is like looking through glass prism. Due to the strain on my eyes I have headaches on a regular basis. I wear hybrid contacts which are a mix of soft and hard contacts, which are supposed to help manage Keratoconus. However, these contacts only have helped to slow the progression of the disease. Hybrid contacts are very expensive and have to be replaced on a yearly basis. I am concerned and fearful that as this disease progresses further that I will lose the correctable vision that I have.

In the past couple of months, I have been doing research and found a solution to stop the progression of this disease. The procedure is called the Holcomb C3-R which is developed by Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler. This is a 30-minute, non-invasive procedure, which stimulates collagen growth within the cornea to help strengthen, stabilize, and halt the progression of Keratoconus. This procedure prevents further loss of vision, as well as the need for a cornea transplant in the future. Ideally, patients seek treatment as early as possible to prevent further progression of the disease. Dr. Boxer Wachler has a success rate of halting the disease and stabilizing eyesight after one treatment is 99.7%. Unfortunately, the cost of this treatment is not covered by insurance. This procedure is expensive and that is why I am asking for your help. There are other options available that are similar to the Holcomb C3-R procedure, however the success rate is not nearly as high.

TOTAL COST: $8,210

The reason why I created a GoFund me was to see if could get some help covering the cost of the procedure. I know that the procedure is a lot of money but in the long run it is going to save my sight and eliminate the possibility of having a cornea transplant. If you don’t have the money to donate your thoughts and prayers are welcomed and appreciated as well. I believe that with faith and your generosity I will be able to get the procedure done in the next several months. I have been saving money myself but the earlier I can get the procedure done the better off I will be!