Special Interests

I have specific interests that I focus on in daily practice and research:

1. Topoguided PRK and Crosslinking to treat Keratoconus and irregular Astigmatism

For a long time, treatment of Keratoconus was only possible by corneal transplantation with variable results. By introducing corneal UV-Crosslinking, we are now able to halt disease progression in most cases and prevent patients from corneal transplantion. Although slights improvement in topography and sometimes vision are observed, most patients will not gain a high amount of vision. With the introduction of newest excimer laser platforms, we are now able to provide customized treatments for Keratoconus patients, rehabilitating vision at the same time of Crosslinking. This technique is only provided at a few centers throughout the whole world in different variations. Doctor Lange works together with Dr. David Lin and Dr. Simon Holland of Pacific Laser Eye Center (PLEC) in Vancouver, Canada, a pioneering center in this work. At PLEC there is experience in treating nearly 1000 Keratoconic eyes in the last ten years. This has created a huge database from which future treatments can be calculated for greater accuracy. The treatment method developed allows for regularisation of corneal irregularities and improvement of vision. Depending on the severity of your disease, the goal of TG-PRK may allow a better contact lens fit, a transition from contact lenses back into glasses, or remove the need for glasses and contact lens altogether. We are very pleased to provide this innovative treatment to our patients and are convinced that most of our keratoconic patients may be treated by this method in the near future.

2. Customized Crosslinking

Until today, Crosslinking in Keratoconus patients is used on the whole cornea. Newer research methods show that the weak spots in keratoconic corneas are not distributed throughout the whole cornea, but rather localized, depending on the disease subtype. Therefore, more customised treatment options are needed. We have experience in customized crosslinking for specific disease subtypes. Although it will take some more time to conduct more research, this treatment may help more specifically treating only weak areas, providing more improvements in shape and Refraction than the standard protocol used today. New Trials are also using this technique for the correction of Myopia and Astigmatism without removing any tissue, in comparison to TG-PRK.

3. Optical Coherence Tomography in Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) enables us to measure nerve fiber layer in the eyes non-invasively. In my Research Fellowship at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada, we were able to use this technique evaluating different forms of MS. This helps in screening, as well as in evaluating new therapeutic approaches. Together with Dr. Antony Traboulsee, Dr. Lange is still involved in numerous research projects in this area.