Just found out have KC :(

[snowpimp]

Hi there,
noticed my eyesight has been getting worse over the past year but never did anything about it untill today.

Just been specsavers and found out I have KC, didnt know anything about it untill researching on the internet just now. I have a hard lens contact fitting in 2 weeks time but after reading your guys opinions on them it doesnt sound like a very good idea!

im very disapointed to be diagnosed with this problem as i was hoping to get in the fire service and for that you have to pass an eye test.

has anyone had this problem based in the midlands?

all the best


Jimmy

[GarethB]

Hi Jimmy

Welcome to the forum.

Just to set the record straight it is still the case that most here are the extremes of KC. To be honest RGP lenses do a great job of giving us good vision with KC. I know I have had my problems, but by sharing experiences and working with the hospital we have overcome most things.

Where are you based in the Midlands?

I am just outside Coventry and go to Walsgrave Hospital.

There is a local Birmingham meeting coming up in March, I just need to check when it is and it is all about work and KC so will probably be of interest to you.

We have our meetings at the Birmingham Eye Unit just off Dudley Road.

This web site might also be of interest for sight entry to different careers;

Fire Officers Visual Standards September 2006

Hope this helps.

[John W]

Firstly...welcome, its probably quite a shock finding out you have it, but there is a lot of resources available and it is in most cases, nothing but a side effect of living a perfectly normal life.

Can I suggest though that you get yourself referred to a hospital. In my experience high street opticians are not the best at dealing with KC and if...and I itterate IF heavily, it means you need a graft one day, then you will be better placed on the list.

Most of all do not worry, only 10% of people with the condition end up having surgery.

All the best with your appointments, let us know how it goes

[GarethB]

I'm going to give up here.

John, you're knickin my lines

[snowpimp]

Many thanks for the replys guys. Everything you have said makes perfect sense.

Ill let you know how my contact fitting goes but ill also make sure to contact the hospital as my optician said she hadnt even seen anyone with the problem before so I should at least get it checked by someone with experience!

Once again thank-you very much for the info and ill make sure to keep my chin up



Jimmy

[Lynn White]

Also check out our list of KC friendly optoms! This can be very useful as many of them have hospital connections too...

http://www.keratoconus-group.org.uk/optoms/index.php

Once you are diagnosed you do not HAVE to keep attending hospital. There are many specialist optoms who can see you.

Lynn

[Mandy]

Hi Jimmy

I certainly know how you feel. I was only diagnosed in May and it came as rather a shock.

I got fitted with RGP lenses late July and yes they were uncomfortable initially (but not as bad as I thought they would be). You just have to be strong and believe me when I tell you that when you go for that first fitting, you will not believe how much you can see. It will make you determined to perservere with the lenses and after a while you will be so use to them.

I can't be without my lenses, I feel that I was living with the lights off and someone has now turned the switch on.

Good luck with it - you will be fine.

Mandy