UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Hi to all.

I was recently diagnosed with KC - about 2 weeks ago. I have been given two types of drops to use (Allergan and Opatanol) and told to come back in 4 months. Quite honestly there was so much to take in I came away from the Hospital with more questions than answers.

I have read the threads from this forum's members and am reassured that there are so many people in my position. I guess that everbody's experiences are different and that it is not possible to receive specific information from an internet forum. However, the first line of treatment seems to be contact lenses of some kind. I've never worn lenses before so am nervous at the prospect. These lenses seem quite differnt from the run of the mill type, and I guess are expensive. Can anyone give me an idea of the costs involved in this treatment?

Thanks

Chris.

Hi Chris

Welcome to the Board.

With respect to cost it kind of depends whether you will be getting them on the NHS ot going the private optician route. The cost difference is enormous as you can imagine.

For example, if you are a paitent of Moorefields you pay a fee which covers a whole year....tis amount is nominal....rages from I beleive £60 to £100 a year. The rest of the fittings and visits are free

Private, you have the cost of the Opticians time to fit you (ranges from £30 to £90 an hour deping on wher eyou are in UK) then the lens cost

Lens cost is variable I just bought i hard lens around 3 weeks ago and cost me £180 for one. Sclerals are alot more expensive. Rose K's are around the £200-£250 mark....but I have seen some places sell them cheaper.........the good thing that many manufacturers do is a 6 month alteration policy......as KC is a difficult condition to predict and a slight increase in corneal steepness will render the lens useless more than likely.

I last wore Rose K lenses in 2002, but then I was paying £65 per lens from my local family-run high-street optician.

Seems like it can pay to shop around, as they were excellent with my KC too.