UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Can anyone help me with trying to decide whether problems I am having are related to my (as it now turns out very premature and unnecessary) Cataract surgery or my newly diagnosed KC?
I had my cataract surgery (not at Moorfields) in August (under local but didn't get a lollipop for being brave Sarah!) and now have several problems I didn't have before but which - having spent hours last night trawling back through old forum entries - many of you seem to have suffered from eg. permanently watery eye , a "flickering" sensation at the outside corner of my eye when I try to read or use my PC, and quite noticeable sensitivity to light. When I was at Moorfields recently they didn't seem bothered by any of them - but I am! Any ideas? I'm back at Moorfields in the new year to get my first RGP lenses so would like to know whether I should be "pushing" about these problems or not.

Thanks
Pat
PS. GarethB - I'm an ex rally driver and navigator although probably before your time and not as good as you - must reminisc sometime!! I still love motorsport!

Hi Pat,

It has been reported by many that their KC has worsend or was diagnosed after eye trauma. I was diagnosed after getting 2 black eyes playing a rather visceous game of rugby.

Therefore it is not beyond the realms of possibility that cataract surgery caused a change in the cornea so that sub-clinical KC became diagnosable.

I know of many people who have had laser surgery for myopea to suffer light sensitivity for a week or so afterwards. However as the surgery was back in August it seems to me that this is more likely to be due to KC. Surprisingly, one of the symptoms of dry eye can be watering eyes!

My favoured eye drop for dry eyes is Systane and it helps with my lens comfort and wear time.

When you get your RGP's, ask about Kerasoft, if you can wear them you are welcome to be my co-driver anytime. I started rallying in late 1987 after being done for speeding, the copper that caught me ripped the ticket up when I arrived at the local motorsport club at Croft and did my stuff on the rally cross circuit.

Thanks Gareth - can I buy systane over the counter? And do you know if I can use it with my current (soft) lenses - not sure what they are as I can't read what's on the label! I know it's made by Ultravision & is a hydrophilic lens if that helps!
What an embarrasment though - I started navigating in 1969 before I was even old enough to drive, and before road rallies were banned! And in the most amazingly modified Morris Minor before we moved on/up to an even more amazing Mini! I'll have to dig some photos out sometime, scan them in and post them to the "non KC " forum! Those were the days!

Happy motoring (if Only I could at the moment!)

Pat

Hi Pat,

Systane made by Alcon is available over the counter, but I find it cheaper and easier to get from Post Optics

Most chemists will be able to get it in for you if necessary.

For best results you have to remove your lenses, but as soon as the drops are in you can put the lenses back in.

The other drops that helped me a bit were Blink by Amo but the effects only last a few hours. With Systane the effects took a couple weeks to take effect, I used the drops every few hours and after a couple of weeks I was using then 3 or 4 times per day. Now I use them before putting my lens in and again in the evening when I take them out.

If you like the old cars visit Classic Car Show where my carwas voted car of the month last month. In 2004 after I had owned the car for 5 months I drove it to the Nurburgring where I did and endurance event before driving the car back again. It has been featured in Classic Ford Magazine, Duke Video on The Capri and it will soon be in Practical Classics Magazine. The car has also been on display every year for the past three years by invitation at the Classic Car Show held at the NEC every autumn

I use systane - its incredibly relieving even compared to its competitors. Apart from that i cant really make any input cos im ignorant you see.

Hi Pat

If your home PC has a CRT monitor (i.e. not a flat screen) you can check the "refresh rate." if its 60Hz, then that could be what's causing the "flickering" you describe. Changing that to 75Hz or more will get rid of the flickering which should help.

regards
Graeme

Pat

Just wanted to agree with Gareth, and to give you my own best wishes.

Andrew

Thanks to all of your for all your help.
I've bought some Systane - thought I'd just get one bottle to start with so ordered thro' Tesco's pharmacy- £6.50!!! I'll go to Post optics next time!But my watery eye is already much improved after just one day's use.
I've got a flat screen monitor but I've tried altering the scren from 72Mhz to 75 anwyay - but no difference I'm afraid. I wonder if because I get this horrible flickering when I'm not using the PC as well, whether it's a muscular thing possibly? It does drive me mad at times although its not there all the time. Doesn't seem to make any difference whether I'm wearing my lenses or not.
And a positive move on the Motoring front Gareth - I have made contact with my old Motor club (GBMC - Green Belt Motor Club - don't know if you have heard of it?)since I first posted this topic, and I'm hoping to go to a clubnight in the new year - even if I can't Rally anymore it will be great to meet up again with some of my old rivals - though some are almost ready to draw their pensions - but are still competing!!!And your Capri looks great - and brings back fond memories!

And in case I don't get a suitable oportunity again beforehand - May I take this one and wish everyone a Happy Christmas - and hope that 2007 is a good year for you all.

Pat

Good news.

Just noticed you hail from Herts, I am originally from Bishop Stortford

On day I know I will be on trak in the old Capri will be around Saturday 7th july at Castle Combe which you are welcome to be chauferd round (provided my friends are not getting married that weekend and they get Saturday 14th july their preferd date).
on the monitor front, my flat screen one is at 60Hz so I do not see flickering (I do at 75Hz), wheras work with fluorescent tubes I have it set differntly, will check at work first thin tomorrow.

Glad the drops are giving releif already.

Regards

Gareth