UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Hi,
I'm a 24 yr old medical student who has recently been diagnosed with KC(about 4months ago) although looking back I think it all started in the last year. It's been a bit of a shock mainly due to the rapid progresiion in the deterioration of my vision in that time, especially because I've had perfect vision all my life. I was also informed by my opthalmologist that he thinks I may have the start of glucoma like changes in my eye meaning I have to go back for more tests in a few months. I have alot of access to Dr's and Info through my course but I have yet to get first hand account from another KC patient about what it's like living with KC? what kind of things to expect? etc.
I'm in the long NHS process of trying to get some contact lenses and I think those should be available by the first week in Dec(I shouldn't complain seeing that I'm gonna be working for them). I've been coping since then as my glasses don't seem to work anymore(got the prescription 4 months ago) and the variability in vision means most days I get away with it. I have stopped driving too as I realise that I can't see well enough, especially at night. Any help or advice you can give would be appreciated. Thanks

Bruce

I think looking through this site you will see so many posts relating to how various people cope with KC; and how it affects various areas of life.

KC,as you may be aware, is very unpredicatable, and thus its extremely hard to take a long term view on the condition. However, it seems that you are going in the right direction and seem to be in a good position whereby you have direct access to people; being in the field that you are.

There are plenty of opticns available today for treating KC, than there were say 10 years ago. I think once you get your contact lenses it will make a huge difference to yourself; and you may find that some of your worries will soften up. Thereafter its just a case of waiting and getting routine checkups to keep tabs on the KC and its progression.

Hope that helps

J

When I was first diagnosed with KC, they thought it was glaucoma or cataracts. KC was never mentioned, it was the surgeon that confirmed KC and of I went to lenses.

Seems to be a few medical students with KC which can't be a common thing.

Register your details with Anne whose details are on this site and she will send all sorts of information which when used in conjunction with this site give a majority of the commonly used coping strategies.

Regards

Gareth

hi Bruce..it's really nice to know u because me too have KC and am medical student too..
so if there any chance to be friends?
l have written about my fears as to be doctor with KC and l hope u will read it ..it will help u..
don't be worried about ur vision at this stage the contac lenses r good for u..
and as u know KC can stop at any stage..but still it may progress so be in contact with ur ophthalmologist and with this great KC group l hope will find a lot of advices and support..
my best wishes..

hi bruce,

the main thing to remember living with KC is its not the end of the world, as you read through past posts you'll see we all have different experiences/ways of coping and here we share our experiences so you learn your not the only one and we understand what your going through

i'm one of the lucky ones, worn various lenses for over 25 years now, still not needed a graft; yes i have days where the lenses are painful to wear, things like wind, sun, bright light, night driving, sand, lenses falling out, will challenge you along the way.

the main thing is to try and remain positive, lenses will make a big difference, try to go to group meetings they really are great just to know your not alone and you can still live a normal life, family, work, drive, sport etc.