negative side effects of KC

[clifton ngungu]

I was diagnosed with KC 5 years ago and was prescribed a pair of spectacles as the condition had begun to impact negatively on my academic performance. I was 17 years at the time. as the years progressed the condition worsened and started to impact heavily on my academic performance. I always used to excellently and was the top student at all the institutions I attended. however these days when I read or try to study I fail to connect the information so that it makes sense and struggle to read ( especially long paragraphs and questions ). I have noticed that words seem to have shadows and I have a great sensitivity to light and have short sight. as a result my academic performance has declined dramatically to the point where I despise school especially because of the confusion that results from failing to read and understand text. I am currently at university and seriously need help. I recently stopped wearing spectacles as I noticed no improvement from wearing them. can my predicament be a result of the keratoconous? what can be done to correct it? please I seriously need help!!!

[Anne Klepacz]

Hi Clifton and welcome!
Yes, KC and your worsening sight sounds very much responsible for the difficulties you're having. Were you using the same specs throughout the 5 years, or have you had new prescriptions over that time? It may be you're at the point where you need contact lenses for best vision. Do get yourself referred to a hospital eye department where you can be assessed and sort out your vision.
And you should be able to get help at uni. Print off the leaflet about Supporting Students with KC from our homepage www.keratoconus-group.org.uk/sitev3/publications.html and take it to the disability unit at your uni.
Hope that helps.
Anne

[clifton ngungu]

hi anne. I ve had two other sets of spectacles but the last pair was absolutely useless. it strained my eyes and that resulted in exhaustion and I would fall asleep trying to study. they didn't improve any defects and as a result I resorted to not wearing them as I was better off without them. thanks for the help you offered I will definitely print the note and visit an eye specialist as soon as possible. for a moment I thought I was losing my mind with all the difficulties I m experiencing.

[Anne Klepacz]

Let us know how you get on, Clifton. Contact lenses should make a big difference to your vision. But in the meantime, your uni needs to know that it's not your fault you're struggling and offer all the help it can.
Good luck
Anne

[TristanHolmes]

Hi There!!!

I know exactly what you are going through. I had all the same issues whilst i was at school and was accused of laziness because nobody could understand why KC was not helped with glasses. In my opinion spectacles do not work for KC they just magnify the problem associated with it such as glare, shadows and haloed vision, unless you are wearing a contact lens that corrects the shape of your actual cornea. I have been wearing sclero lenses from my early teens into my mid twenties and have changed my life. I still have to stay close to the front of the class whilst at conferences and can manage a few hours of reading before my eyes start to hurt, but with patients, consistence and determination you will achieve your goal even if it takes a little longer than expected. I have been in full time education for three years followed by full time employment with part time education at the same time and now have a very good career thanks to sclero lenses and only now at twenty six some 13 years of wearing them are considering corneal transplant on my left eye. I'm not going to pretend that it wont be tough, because from experience i know that it is but you will get where you want to be. If you ever want to chat please do get in contact. I have lots of experience with issues that KC can bring with education and employment and am happy to share. I am very busy at the moment so please don't be disappointing if i cant get back to you right away if you reply to me!

Regards

Tristan Holmes

[Ian Anderson]

Something to try in the interim
Try looking at the "board" and move your head up and down or side to side.
In effect concentrating the vision through a different area of your eye.

So if your "rugby ball" protrusion is off to the bottom of your cornea usint the top half may give you better vision (Nose down) or vice verca (With your nose up)

It got me through all sorts of lectures etc - head pointed at the desk and looking through top of my eyes

Ian

[kieran19685]

Hi Clifton

Glasses are only effective in the early stages of KC, i would recommend getting a referral to a eye hospital who will provide you with RGP contact lens, they will massively massively change your life, they can be uncomfortable at the begaining though. I too had vision issues at University where i couldnt see the screen in the lecture room. But managed to get a Business Management degree. I now need contacts to be able to work at a PC and have a backup set incase, all KC patients are different but most people manage fine with lens

Thanks

[clifton ngungu]

thanks guys.. I ll be getting my contact lenses in a few weeks time.. am glad to have your support guys...

[Anne Klepacz]

All the best with the contact lenses, Clifton. I hope they make a real difference for you.
Anne