UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Hi all,

I suffer from high levels of anxiety (and show some symptoms of OCD).

I think much of it is down to KC (or that is what I have attibuted it to).

Anyone else in the same boat and do you have any tips?

Best regards
Ian

Ian, personally no but I don't think you are alone by any means. It is also easy to see why KC would lead to anxiety in the first place: compromised vision, frustration with lenses, unable to drive, lead a wholly normal life etc.
I am sure you will hear from someone with personal experience but I wish you well with the KC and the anxiety.

Hi Ian
I have sufferd both with anxiety and depression due mainly to my keratoconus and unfortunatley kept having panick attacks on the way to work but with support of friends of family i soon returned back to work part-time and am feeling alot healthier and happier as a result. I do hope you will conquer your anxiety which i'm sure your will take care and keep us posted
luv
martwoman

Hi

I too am very anxious, but then again so is my mum, who does not have KC!

I posted, in Jan, regarding a paper that suggested a "KC personality" it caused an avalanche of responses, you'll find it in my posts if you are interested (Do you fit this description?). I'm not saying I agree withit!

Edit: you can find Val's original thread here.
John

I've had anxiety issues too related to KC. I think the reason I do is because my eyes don't work well together, so I have a hard time focusing, and I feel out of it a lot, leading to anxiety. I was just fitted for my first pair of RGP's however, and I pray that they will help. They'll be here in 2 weeks. It's a hard thing dealing with all of the side effects of KC, i feel like some anxiety is normal. My anxiety was much worse about 6 months ago or so. One thing that really helped me is exercising. I know it has nothing to do with the eyes, but before that I sat at my desk all day at work and got very little exercise. My anxiety became pretty bad. But running regularly has helped me feel more energetic and better physically.

I think a lot of us have experienced anxiety in relation to KC and grafts. Sometimes you just have to go with the flow of it, have a good cry, rant, or whatever you need to do. Let it all out!