Early Stages

[Baz]

Hi folks, got diagnosed with that Kera'thingy' today and to be honest I am a tad concerned. I have never worn glasses, never had problems with my eyes at all until about a year ago. Visited optician, who referred ,e to a hospital who then referred me to an Eye Clinic, who said today my eye is buggered!! Tried a hard contact lens and not a fan of it at all as it didnt even make that much of an improvement for the annoyance it caused. My main concern is will it get worse???? My job as a cop means good eyesight is a necessity (spot the baddies from the goodies I suppose) and I'm worried that when I tell my bosses then I might be scuppered. Anyone been in a similar situation??

[Sue Ingram]

Hi Baz, Welcome to the KC Discussion Page. Unfortunately, KC is a condition that does usually deteriorate. The speed of this seems to vary from person to person. Most people start off with it in just one eye but at a later stage the other eye is often affected too.

I feel I am one of the lucky ones as I was diagnosed at 15 (probably having had KC for at least 2-3 yrs before that) - I am now 43 and feel that my KC has probably progressed very slowly, although it has definitely progressed. This has meant that my lenses have not had to be changed TOO often and that so far (fingers crossed) I have not needed a corneal transplant - my vision is still good enough that it does not stop me doing anything, including driving.

Not sure of the situation regarding your job, but assuming that you will have to tell them. Hopefully, someone else can help you with this -I know there have been some similar posts in the past.

Good luck and hopefully you will find the right solution for you - don't forget everyone with KC is completely different and what helps one person is not always the answer for someone else. We all have to find what's right for us and our own lives (sometimes this can take some time, though, especially on the NHS!). See my previous post to Nathan regarding various contact lens options.

I am sorry that this is probably not the answer that you were looking for but continue to post any queries on the site as everyone is always very willing to help.

Take care. SUE

[Dave Dale]

Sorry to hear the news but welcome anyway!

I was in the Special Constabulary at the time my KC was diagnoised at 22 andf had been since I was 18 with a view to joining as a 'regular' officer when I graduated from uni.

Once I informed force personall Dept, they did'nt have a clue about it...I had to go and see the Force Dr at HQ..who if I am honest did'nt have a clue either, but he wrote a report anyway saying that I would not be fit for duty!

I was then asked to leave the SC for personal insurance/accident reasons I was told, and by this time it was clear I was'nt going to get into the regulars so left and chose a new career teaching.

Sure you will get much more help and assitance than I did by the very fact that you already have the permanent paid job and I was trying to get in!

Hope it all goes well.

Dave.

[Valeri]

We have to learn to live with K, so find experienced optometrist, let them make the tests and get good lens. It is very important that you get the best lens as this is the primary weapon against K. The fact that you felt uncomfortable with lens in the eye clinic does not mean that lens are not good for you. It may mean that the optometrist couldn find the right lens for you. The K cases are very complicated and you need special people to deal with it. So, a doctor may be great specialist, but if he/she does not have experience with K and does not know the new technologies and trends then you will need to search for better people.

Best Regards
Valeri

[Paul Morgan]

Hi folks, got diagnosed with that Kera'thingy' today and to be honest I am a tad concerned.

Hi Baz

Just thought I'd say hello.

I like the style of your post...your attitude to KC seems to be about the same as mine. It's a pain in the a**e, but one way or another you're gonna have to deal with it.

I'm sure the feelings of apprehension you are going through are exactly what we all felt when we found out we had it (still feel to be honest).

Your situation does sound a bit of a sod...I think the only thing you can do is be honest. My employer has been absolutely brilliant. Nothing too much trouble, any kit I've needed(not much) has been supplied, but then it is a desk job...so it's a tad different.

Anyway just wanted to say good luck and keep us up to date.