UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Sorry, I know we have been here before but couldn't find the old posts
I have pretty bad photofobia and I coming to the conclusion that I need glasses indoors and out. I have tried reactalite (or whatever they are called) years and years ago. But they were pretty slow and didn't go dark enough. Have things improved? A few years ago I wore prescription sunglasses and had to swear on a stack of bibles I wouldn't use them for driving so they would darken the tint sufficiently. The fact that I couldn't see at all with 'driving friendly' tints seemed academic to them...
Point is that I can't wear glasses anymore, or I can but they don't work! RGPs seem to have my KC covered but I am still very light sensitive. So I thought a pair of plain spectacles ie non-prescription but able to react to the light conditions. Ideally, good value for money. Has anyone tried this or have have any good ideas, makes etc?

Hi Matthew

I know how you feel i suffer very bad not only do i have KC i have photo-sensative epilepsy and dread the spring/summer months as i spend most of my time indoors with my curtains closed and wearing shades . The advice i would give you is to go and buy a decent pair of sunglasses i have a pair of Qiucksilver they cost about £110 but well worth it

Hope you get sorted

luv
Emma

Matthew

Visit Tiso in Glasgow. At this time of the year they have a wondeful variety of sunglasses designed for the harsh-shunshine-on-white conditions of the piste.

I got a pair of all singing, anti-glare polorized sunglasses that wrap around my eyes so that there is no 'light ;eak' at the sides.

Andrew

Thanks a lot guys!
Tiso is a dangerous place for me to visit, all that shiny walking and climbing gear...
But good direction, thanks.

Matthew

I know what you mean about the dangers of Tiso. but then life involves taking risks! I daresay that Nevisport or North Face would sell you a nice pair of sunglasses, but then they are dangerous places, too!

Andrew

hi mathew
the glasses i wear have a progressive tint on them from top to bottom and they have a reflective mirror like coating on them, this seems to work well as light is reflected out before it enters the eye, this seems to work very well in flourescent lighting conditions and i can wear them at night too . they reduce the flare from street lighting.
i actually got them from the glasses shop at MREH and the nice man there was very helpful in the advice and time he gave me, as i must have tried every pair twice before choosing
i dont know if other hospitals/clinics have a glasses shop

mike

I use Ray Bans when I need full black out

I find no glasses react quick enough so I always have at least two pairs of glasses with differing tints.

The best I found was to visit the optom and try different tints going outside in the sun to see who well they worked. Got one set for outdoors and another for indoor use.