Cataracts Not Keratoconus!

[AndyMac]

I would like to share the successful outcome of a number of years worrying and trying to get what had been diagnosed originally as a late developing Keratroconus - in the hope that it might help some others out there who go through the same as me.

I developed a problem with having multiple images in both eyes (probably around 10 in the left, 3 clearly in the right), an issue which became noticeable after I turned 50, and which caused me to become concerned about my safety to drive as the condition worsened. Once it was not possible to address through my glasses prescription, my optician (a very well respected one in the area) referred me to the specialist, with the suspicion that it might be Keratoconus. This was agreed and I went into the NHS process for testing and contact lens fittings.

After a couple of years, going through standard RGP lenses to scleral lenses (which improved the situation at first, but which within 6 to 9 months were not giving me the vision I had hoped for, and was resulting in problems in reading, using the computer as well as other activities) I was re-tested, and there was no change in the thickness of my corneas. I was referred to the excellent St Pauls Eye Unit in Liverpool. The results of this confirmed the problems with my sight, but the consultant identified that I also had quite significant cataracts - and that these may be at least contributing to the problem, if not a major cause - and recommended that the first step was to get the cataracts removed.

Having now had both eyes operated on, and the cataracts removed, my eyesight has been restored (and in the case of my left, what has always been weaker, eye - improved over my eyesight in my 20s) to the level at which I should not need any further treatment. It would appear from all that has happened that my short-sightedness, plus some astigmatism PLUS the cataracts - and nothing to do with Keratoconus!

This, obviously, is a major breakthrough for me personally, and I am "over the moon" that I now have my eyesight back - and from what has transpired, that I don't have Keratoconus.

Having been through this all, I certainly feel for all sufferers of this, and hope that many of you will have outcomes (through whatever treatments) as positive as I finally have had.

I post this to remind you that you should do everything in your power to get checked across all aspect of your eyes, and not allow the system simply to get a diagnosis and "run with it" come what may. It was only through getting the "second opinion" through St Pauls, where a holistic view of looking for any and all issues in my eyes brought about the recognition that I had significant cataracts and that these might be a major contributor to the issues I was facing, that eventually allowed me to get a long-term solution to my problems, and a diagnosis that was accurate. With a history of cataracts in my family at a relatively early age, this maybe should have been considered earlier - but that is history now and "all's well that ends well".

[Anne Klepacz]

Many thanks for this salutary tale, though it's a shame you had to wait several years and had to experience the 'joys' of contact lenses before the right diagnosis. It certainly reinforces the value of a second opinion when one hospital's best efforts don't seem to be solving the problem. And of being aware that having KC (or not, in your case!) doesn't make us immune from other eye conditions. All the best for continued good vision and thanks again for taking the trouble to post on our forum.
Anne