UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

I was just browsing and came across a paper that said:
Ophthalmologists have long speculated about the existence of a "keratoconic personality," described as paranoid, anxious, compulsive, and somatically oriented.
To be honest I fit the bill, does anyone else?

Hi
Its funny that you should post on this subject as I was talking to an Optician friend yesterday on this very subject. He told me that when he was at University and learning about KC, one of the things that came up in lectures was the so called "KC Personality." He mentioned that KC personalities tend to be paranoid, anxious and very particular about things...(he wasn't talking about me!....I hope

I don't think I'm more anxious or particular than the next person and I know plenty of paranoid people and they don't have KC!

LOL im biting my lip on this one....but Yes my experience has been that those affected with KC do have issues.....slightly more than the ones you have mentioned!...

I think because you have KC you develop this personality because without sight correction you have so much to overcome. Paranoia (spelling) is not surprising when you can not trust the images that you see!

Perhaps the people who write such papers fully understood what it is like to have KC rather than writting such rubish they would do more to help us live every day with the condition.

I think we probably do have some issues but this is because KC is so dam frustrating!! I think that i could cope better if i couldn't see and nothing could help. Then i would just get on with it, but as it is i KNOW that something can be done to make my vision better so i am striving hard to find it!!!

Sweet X x X

CS Lewis once suggested that when specialists express opinions outwith their field of study, they demonstrate how little they really know!

I am afraid I do not plead guilty to any of the personality traits you list.

Still, its all good fun.

Andrew

Well my wife and kids think you have described me perfectly, though they weren't sure about "somatically oriented" as none of them new what it means. Err what does it mean?

Now come on don't tell me everyone but me knows!

I'm a bit anxious at the moment only because of my KC - but I don't think I have any of the other traits - although I'm not sure about the last one - am I the only one stupid enough to admit that I don't know what it means!

Pat

Hey - you and me are pals Michael! Hadn't seen your post when I wrote mine!

I remember being told by an eminent clinician many years ago that keratoconics were often referred to as "cones" by the outpatients staff in his hospital, mainly receptionists and nurses who bore the brunt of patient complaints! A typical "cone" would be demanding, hard to please, perhaps pedantic, and ready to complain if the clinic is running late, etc! This isnt necessarily my views, but what was apparently the prevailing opinion at the time at this hospital!

In my experience majority are delightful and only a few can be awkward. The main characteristic is they are highly intelligent (there are exceptions though!), and, more importantly, articulate and hence vocal about their problems and frustrations. A lot of it probably stems from the fact that their problems, frustrations, and worries are not always understood and dealt with by the clinicians who might think they are just being "difficult". Busy clinics dont help as there's isnt always time to answer all the questions keratoconics throw at you about their current or possible future problems, or listen to their lengthy descriptions of how exactly their vision is distorted in various light conditions. I hope this isnt offending anyone! As I said earlier, majority are OK as long as you treat them well and dont try to fob them off!