UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

I have long been planning an exit from my current employ with the Royal Navy. KC has limited some of my options within the RN but not significantly. I am a seaman by trade which requires good standards of eyesight but since my corrected eyesight is very good, it is a practical issue more than anything else and I am not allowed to go into field conditions anymore. This is not however, my reason for leaving, I am just in need of a change.
I have been pursuing a new career path in Port Management. Specifically, I am required to train as a Pilot for this task. This means berthing ships, driving them through harbours, rivers & docks for want of a better job description. It is a highly specialised profession but one that really interests me. However, I have just been told the application is in jeopardy as the professional body in charge of these things has stated a career with KC might not be advisable. This means not only could I loose this job but also not be able to apply for others in this field. I desparately disappointed becsause I know that I can do the job from a visual acuity point of view. My corrected eyesight is good enough to support it and I can keep my lenses in for long periods of time. I have learned to cope with one lens and always carry spare etc etc.
The two main issues are:
My uncorrected eye sight is below the required standard (6/120(L) & 6/36 (R)

The condition is degenerative therefore what happens in 5/10 years time?

The company I am dealing with have suggested I go back to a consultant to seek support. I am worried however that the fact is that my uncorrected eyesight IS below standard and a consultant cannot help this. He/She also cannot state the condition is stable as this is unknowable.

I actually don't see any reason why my uncorrected eyesight is at all relevant but hey! Also KC progression ought to be dealt in most cases by refitting lenses. Having developed the condition at 35, I am unlikely to be a graft candidate but of course it cannot be ruled out!

I am going back to speak to the Eye Hospital tomorrow but I wonder if anyone has any advice? My gut feeling is that a consultant is not likely to answer these questions although my KC is designated as 'mild'. I am not sure it truly is 'mild' as I think I have an element of Posteria KC (like my brother) which is not immediately obvious by looking at the surface of the cornea.

I know operations like C3R can stabilise KC, so perhaps that is an option.

I am also trained as a diver, which doesn't require brilliant eyesight, so I have a fall back but I have my heart set on this career.

Perhaps I just have to let it go...

Matthew,

Not the news you wanted to here.

How will anyones eye sight be 5/10 yeasr down the line. Even if you have good eye sight now an injury can make a normally sihted person blind. I feel such questions are irrelevant unless put in a different context.

Will KC progress in 5/10 years? Any decent specialist will say 'I don't know'; it will either be worse or just the same. Like mine has not changed in nearly 3 years now!

I am a few years older but KC came back at about the same age you were diagnosed.

I do understand about the unaided vision being important in jobs like the police and fire when I first looked into these jobs. They are high risk and there is a potential of being hit on or near the head so dislodging a lens. In dangerous situations you do not have time to sort your eyes and then get to safety.

No harm in asking why there is an uncorrected standard, all I can think of is when I did life boat service prior to my KC being really bad as a teenager. Travelling at speed in normal sea conditions, the water in your face is still like looking up to the clouds in a hail storm! Being thrown against the side of the boat woud dislodge a lens, thankfully never lost one.

However being a harbour pilot, not sure what sea conditions you would encounter.

good luck with your quest for answers.

Matthew

I am with Gareth on this. None of us knows what will happen to our eyesight; most people just presume that nothing will change.

I know that some jobs do just need an uncorrected standard for eyesight; HGV drivers as well as harbour pilots etc.

I'd be disinclined to give up on a serious ambition to enter a profession where my skills and interests were a good match for the job. All the best with your consultation. You know that you re in our thoughts.

All the best

Andrew

Matthew, I am sorry to read about your disappointing news. I do hope that you are successful with the job application.
Have you actually resigned from the Navy?

Hi Matthew,

Just wanted to add good luck and don't give up!

Ed

Guys, thanks very much for all your encouragement. I am not about to give up just yet although I am on shaky ground. If I thought the KC was a genuine barrier (rather than the rules) I would not apply and so I shall fight on a bit longer.

Sorry, forgot to answer a question. I will resign when/if I have a job offer. I am hovering at the moment!

Guys,
I was turned down, just found out!
In the end it was the stability issue. It cannot be helped and I have to recognise that KC is a barrier to some professions. As a professional seafarer, KC is a particular problem but as one shuts another opens.

Matthew_Offord wrote:but as one shuts another opens.

Matthew, this is exactly what I wanted to say to you but i wasn't sure how you would take it; but i do firmly believe this.

Thanks!