UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

I got my appointment through for my very first visit to hospital, its the 1st May.
What happens? Can you remember your very first visit?
All info would be helpful, to say I am nervous is an understatment lol
Thanks, Donna

DONNA

All the best for May 1.

It was a long time ago, but on my first visit to an ophthalmology clinic I was called into the consulting room where the ophthalmologist looked at my eye though a slit lamp and gave me my diagnosis. he also said something about the prognosis.

He then sent me to an optician for a refreaction and to have lenses fitted.

There was nothing to fear. Actually I quite enjoyed it.

Andrew

Hi there,

It's totally painless, from what I remember.
As Andrew says, you will most likely have your eyes examined through a slit lamp, which is a type of equipment that looks a bit like a complicated microscope.

You will also have to read letters on a chart at distance, as well as writing on a page held on your lap.
The chances are you might be asked to view the same stuff again through pinhole specs.

You might want to take a note of any questions you have. If you are nervous, quite often it helps to have a written note of things in case they go out of your mind. You may also want to take a pen to write anything down.

Let them know whether you have any allergies, including hayfever, asthma or eczema. Also let them know about other medication your are taking, be it inhalers, steroids for other things, any previous serious illnesses, etc.

They don't try to fit contact lenses at your first appointment, so don't fret about that!

The type of questions you might want to ask are things like what your options are, depending on what you are diagnosed with.

For example, you might want to know whether your condition can be managed with glasses, or if you definitely need contact lenses. You can also ask if you might be a suitable candidate for grafting, and if so, would he do the graft, or do you need to be referred to another specialist.

Just try to write everything down to see if it makes things clearer for you.

All the best,

Lyndsey

Thanks fpr the advice xx
I dont know why I am so nervous, its silly really!

Donna,

Write down all your questions before hand and if possible take someone with you to take notes.

The first visit sometimes means having to take in loads of infomation, especially if it is all new.

My first visit was basically taking measurments of the cornea and determining what I could see. Then given some dilating eye drops (which is why it is good to go with someone as these drops last for ages and you will not be able to see much, less than usual so don't drive there) and the surgeon had a good look to confirm the diagnoses, made his recomendations.

Then it was a couple fo weeks for a contact lens fitting.

I didn't know what to expect either on my first visit to the hospital.

I recall I started by answering a few questions about allergies and my general health. This was followed by reading the eye chart. (or not reading it)

Then onto the slit lamp and finally some drops whilst my doctor took a closer look at my eye.
He showed me my eye on a big screen, measured it and then discussed my options.

I had to read an eye chart first without glasses then glasses. Then i had an obscan where they took scans of each eye. It was weird because i had to really try not to blink yet that was this red flashing light right in front of my eye. The pictures are amazing just a circular mass of bright colours.
Then i saw the specialist who looked into my eyes with the scope, he then put dye in and i had to look up down left etcc. He then put together what he could see, with what the scan showed and diagnosed the KC. Not at all worrying or painful , it was quite a pleasent hospital visit. he/she will will then refer you to the contact lens speacialist if thats what he/she feels you need.
good luck!!

Donna,

I agree with everyone here!! The point Gareth made about eyedrops is important as they might dilate your eye so that they can see the back. Your vision will be blurry and you won't be able to drive home!

The worst part of a hospital appointment is waiting!! Looking at your eyes shouldn't be painful and you will get a chance to ask loads of questions. It is a good idea as said before to take someone with you as they can remember things in case you get lost in the medical world!!

Take care and hoping it all goes well for you!

hi donna
i agree with everything that has been said.
try and go with an open mind and enjoy the experience. i go to manchester royal eye hospital which is a teaching hospital and i recall many occasions where i faced a line up of many enthusistic students all dying to take a peek at my eyes , it can be very entertaining also you will find that you can be very interactive with whats happening , with the optoms only too willing to show you various pieces of equipment and what it does etc and to show you pretty pictures of your eyes from computer screens and printouts etc . in fact i usually ask for a copy of pics they printout which they are always happy to give me. despite the reason you have to be there you can make it a fun experience
good luck
mike