Posted: Fri 30 Aug 2002 4:20 am
Dear Cleopatra, I feel the same way as you about surgery. I had worn rgp corneals for over 20 years and also had a new lease of life when sclerals were recommended 3-4 years ago now. I now swap between sclerals and corneals - have you tried this?
My advice is that if you are coping fine with the sclerals, keep on with these for as long as you possibly can - there is no reason to have surgery if you can do everything you need to do in your daily life with the sclerals. I have had KC for over 25 years now and have seen a surgeon twice in that time (both different). Moorfields Eye Hospital recommended it the first time after about ten years due to the fact that my right eye had become extremely conical and was probably a case for a graft. However, the first thing the surgeon asked me was 'Are you coping with the rgp corneals and was KC stopping you doing anything?' My answer was YES and NO! He therefore advised that if that was the case, then he did not feel any need to start mucking around with my right eye and possibly causing problems that weren't there at the time, plus the fact that there is no guarantee as to how good your vision will be after the graft.
The second time I requested to see a surgeon myself about 2 years ago - this was when my eyes would not let me wear the rgp corneals any more; my life stopped and I wanted to look at all the options, including scleral lenses. The scleral lenses do not correct my vision quite as well as the corneals (this has since been corrected by wearing glasses as well), however, at the time the surgeon I saw explained all about the graft and also the fact that if there is a complete rejection and they have to do a second graft, the chances of rejection are even higher etc, etc. He recommended that a graft was the answer when ALL other options had been tried and you really cannot continue your life because nothing is working for you. I fully agree with this and have been lucky to have seen two surgeons with the same opinion. I am able to manage extremely well now with my sclerals and glasses and this also gives my eyes a rest so that I can again wear the corneals. Again, like you, I feel quite lucky that I do not experience some of the problems that other KC sufferers go through.
Don't be press-ganged into anything you don't agree with - find out as much as you can with regard to your own situation and definitely get a second opinion from another surgeon if you are not happy. There is no going back once you have started down the route of surgery. If you feel happy with how you are managing KC, then why open up a can of worms?
Do remember though, KC is different for every one of us so what works for one, may not work for another. Please find the best solution for you by ensuring you are armed with all the information and options that there are. If you have any more queries, let us know and keep us posted as to your progress with the surgeon. Good Luck! SUE
My advice is that if you are coping fine with the sclerals, keep on with these for as long as you possibly can - there is no reason to have surgery if you can do everything you need to do in your daily life with the sclerals. I have had KC for over 25 years now and have seen a surgeon twice in that time (both different). Moorfields Eye Hospital recommended it the first time after about ten years due to the fact that my right eye had become extremely conical and was probably a case for a graft. However, the first thing the surgeon asked me was 'Are you coping with the rgp corneals and was KC stopping you doing anything?' My answer was YES and NO! He therefore advised that if that was the case, then he did not feel any need to start mucking around with my right eye and possibly causing problems that weren't there at the time, plus the fact that there is no guarantee as to how good your vision will be after the graft.
The second time I requested to see a surgeon myself about 2 years ago - this was when my eyes would not let me wear the rgp corneals any more; my life stopped and I wanted to look at all the options, including scleral lenses. The scleral lenses do not correct my vision quite as well as the corneals (this has since been corrected by wearing glasses as well), however, at the time the surgeon I saw explained all about the graft and also the fact that if there is a complete rejection and they have to do a second graft, the chances of rejection are even higher etc, etc. He recommended that a graft was the answer when ALL other options had been tried and you really cannot continue your life because nothing is working for you. I fully agree with this and have been lucky to have seen two surgeons with the same opinion. I am able to manage extremely well now with my sclerals and glasses and this also gives my eyes a rest so that I can again wear the corneals. Again, like you, I feel quite lucky that I do not experience some of the problems that other KC sufferers go through.
Don't be press-ganged into anything you don't agree with - find out as much as you can with regard to your own situation and definitely get a second opinion from another surgeon if you are not happy. There is no going back once you have started down the route of surgery. If you feel happy with how you are managing KC, then why open up a can of worms?
Do remember though, KC is different for every one of us so what works for one, may not work for another. Please find the best solution for you by ensuring you are armed with all the information and options that there are. If you have any more queries, let us know and keep us posted as to your progress with the surgeon. Good Luck! SUE