UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

I found out a week ago that I have mild KC. I'm 30. It had never been diagnosed before.

I was due to have laser vision correction at the London Vision Clinic and had gone through all the preliminary tests OK. I then had their Artemis scan the day before the scheduled surgery and they called me back at 3pm to say that the surgery would have to be cancelled as they had diagnosed KC. I was due to have the op the following morning. I was completely heartbroken as I had really wanted to get my eyes treated. I hate wearing glasses and really didn't want to have to wear contacts. Surgery was a better option for me than contacts !

But, now I know I can never have lasik. Its really got me down since then. I'm due for an opticians appointment next week to discuss it all, with a view to trying contacts and seeing how that will all go.

Reading the internet about KC is really scary.

I've been told Toric (sp?) lenses would be the most viable start point and if it got worse to go on to Kerasoft. The info is all a little hard to take in right now.

Hi Steve and welcome to the forum!
Sorry about your disappointment about the laser surgery - not a good way to find out about KC! But that's the way quite a few people find out these days - in the past, they would probably gone happily through life without ever knowing they had it. The topograhies done at laser clinics can detect 'sub-clinical' KC and given your age and the fact that you're managing with glasses, it sounds as though that's what you have. So please don't get alarmed by all you read on the net - the chances are that your KC will stay mild and you can either continue with glasses, or be fitted with the special soft lenses for KC. And more options are becoming available. If your KC does start progressing, you could think about collagen crosslinking which, although it's designed to stop progression, does sometimes improve the vision too.
Good luck with your contact lens appointment and do come back here with any questions.
Anne

Hi Steve

I think my KC is like yours. I had problems with my left eye for 8 years. Because i have Rheumatiod Arthritis and had to have an eye test before I started a new drug last July - this is when I found out the problem was KC, I knew I had a problem with my left eye they confirmed it was in the right as well but sub clinical in the right. It was a bit of a shock.

Yours sounds a bit the same, I have been able to manage very well and the KC seems to have stablised I just have a yearly eye test to monitor the condition.

All the best with your contacts.

I was 24 when KC began.

Joy

Steve-182

Welcome to the forum.

If your KC was only identified at age 30 as you were being assessed for laser treatment, it is likely that it will not develop much beyond its present stage. You may have to wear glasses or even lenses but will probably not ever need any surgical treatment.

Still, it would be worth going along to an ophthalmology clinic to have your eyes checked by a proper eye surgeon and then you will know exactly where you stand.

Andrew