UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

After recently being diagnosed and informed that I have KC I have been told that I will need lenses. Now whilst the main reason for getting these is finally having good sight something else came to me that lenses would help me to do (sight related).

So I thought if we shared these thoughts people facing this for the first time may be eased of any stress that they could potentially be going through.

So I'll start and you'll get the idea.


My reason for getting lenses is that I will finally be able to enjoy foreign subtitled films as I will finally have my old reading speed back, especially Japanese and Korean.

My reason for getting lenses is so I can watch Dr Who. Not really, I'm not quite that sad. But they do let go for long bike rides without getting run over!

My original reason for getting lenses was so that I could recognize people without having to be right up beside them.

..so I can read reasonably well again - and drive my car!! I have missed that so much!

Well I got my lenses before I was diagnosed.

Without them I would be unable to see the subtitles in "Heroes" when one of the main characters speaks in his native Japanese; even with the lenses in I can barely keep up (series on Living tv)

So I can drive, work and read books.

So I can see my daughter grow up.

so I can see well enough to identify plants properly - for personal interest and my job! (and less risk of running people over in my car)

My reason is so that I can work! While I can potter about at home and manage well without lenses, I am unable to work as a nurse as I can't read the drug charts or medications that I need to give! I also can't see the board well enough to see patients names!

I am also legal to drive so can be independent and get about.

Why did I get lenses?

To try to remain as 'normal' as possible and support my husband child and family.

I can't say it has been an easy time however, I now feel it could have been far worse. I am still here my friend whose husband was diagnosed with cancer at the same time I started to really struggle is now on her own, sadly he passed away. I just lost the ability to drive and with today's advances in medical science who knows what is around the corner.

I have found my biggest hurdle has been other people. Obviously not everyone is a challenge however, since I have not been able to see properly I have come across quite a few who have no idea how to treat you. I often feel like getting a sign which I can wave at opportune moments stating " Visually Impaired, does not mean stupid!"

PS lenses not too bad at moment so touch wood thats the way they will stay!

take care

Susan