KC and Keratitis

[SOMERSET22]

I am new to this forum and would like to know if anyone has had similar experiences to me. I was diagnosed with KC over 25 years ago but it is only in the past 18 months I have really had problems. I have been suffering with reoccurring keratitis (inflammation of the cornea) each time I tried to wear a left lens so I was then advised to try a mini scleral lens in my left eye and I did this but still had the same problem. I was referred to a corneal specialist who bluntly told me at a ‘brief’ appointment which lasted no longer than 10 minutes, after an hours drive to get there, and with one quick look at my left eye, that it was my age, and that there was nothing they could do, nor any suitable surgery available, and that I would have to rely on either wearing a lens only in my right eye or just glasses, If I wear only glasses I cannot drive and have great difficulty at work. I am now getting inflammation in both eyes, not triggered by wearing a lens, and as much as the GP is supportive, all he can do is prescribe anti-biotic drops when it doesn’t clear up. I have also been prescribed various lubricant drops which don’t seem to really help. I am getting really down and also fear for the future, as it would appear at some point in probably the not too distant future, I am not going to be able to work, yet I am not close to retirement age and have no idea what rights I would have if I can’t work. Would like to hear from people who have had similar issues and how they dealt with it.

[Lia Williams]

Hello Somerset,

Welcome to the forum.

I've not had keratitis myself but a few people have discussed the problem on the forum, if you put keratitis into the search box above you will be able to find these discussions.

as it would appear at some point in probably the not too distant future, I am not going to be able to work,

Do have a look at the Keratoconus at Work leaflet.

http://www.keratoconus-group.org.uk/pub ... ers_A4.pdf

The leaflet can be shown to your employers to explain keratoconus to them and it also has suggestions as to how an employer can make things easier for someone with keratoconus.

each time I tried to wear a left lens so I was then advised to try a mini scleral lens in my left eye and I did this but still had the same problem.

Do ask you optometrist if they have any other lenses you could try. One possibility may be is to try a soft lens in your left it eye. It might not give you the vision of your current left lens but it would be better than wearing only one lens.

Lia

[barbara1984]

Hi Somerset,

I would suggest to go to Moorfields with this. Keratitis is a serious disease, but can be treated. I am currently fighting with it myself. You need antibiotics that will kill the bacteria/fungus - whichever type you suffer from and new lenses - optometrists will know what to do in this case. I have hybrids and they are awesome. I used to have RGPs before, but they are moving and falling out of the eye, the built up protein caused annoying milky vision all the time.

Please don't leave it like that, go to Moorfields and they'll give you antibiotics and you'll be fine.

Take care.

[SOMERSET22]

Thank you for the advice