UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Hi all...

In a few weeks time I'll be off to the Hospital for my next check up on how my KC is progressing. The last time I went there they said that it was nothing really to worry about and that they would be keeping an eye on it (I don't think the pun was intended).

I felt like I had been palmed off as they didn't offer me anything to improve my vision other than a slight change to my prescription. I was told my vision "wasn't that bad" and my glasses should be ok. I agreed with them that my vision wasn't that bad - my major problem is the 'ghosting' that I get from bright objects. Driving at night time is getting close to being dangerous and looking a TV or PC Monitor for long periods can also be painful.

I have been reading a bit about these kerasoft3 lenses and the fact they can help with glare and ghosting. Has anyone who has used them found this to be the case? Who do I have to kill to get them (anywhere near Aylesbury would be good)? How much do they cost?

I sometimes work nights on the mean streets of London and my night vision is very good (thankfully) but when a car turns towards me with dipped lights I'm nearly blinded!!! I'd something to help it out...

Cheers

DAN

Hey Dan, I'm sorry you felt 'palmed off' at the hospital.

Next time you go, make sure that they know of the difficulties you are having with night vision; the standard eye test would probably not pick that up!

Don't know about kerasoft 3. The problem is that with KC, the solution to each of our difficulties have to be tailored to us. It may be that kerasoft 3 will be just the thing for you, but it may equally be that another contact lens would be more appropriate. Go into the consultation with an open mind.

Andrew

went to the hospital and saw a different quack this time who took at quick look at my eyes and near enough instantly set an appointment for me o have a contact lens fitting - excellent!!!

A week later I went for the fitting and struggled with the RGP lenses that I was fitted with. I could wear all of the them with little discomfort which I was suprised at - the problem was that not one of the 5 lenses that I wore had any effect on the ghosting I have although a couple slightly improved my vision. If it weren't for the ghosting my vision would be that bad!!!

Apparently my KC is a very small 'nipple like' lump right in the middle of my eye which makes it diffcult to fit the lens on to because it may rub on the lump and cause scarring. A lens that is too high will have problems with the gap between the eye and the lens - too many tears or not enough can effect the vision.

I was recommended to get a new pair of glasses and try them for a couple of weeks to see if that helps and when I asked about kerasoft 3's I didn't get a positive response I was told "They are not a first choice lens." Having glasses previously I know that they have little effect on the ghosting (I was thinking about getting some form of tint that reacts to light to see if that helps) and light sensitivity. At least I was told to come back in a few weeks if I don't get good results with the goggles...

Is there anything out there that will stop this damn ghosting!!!

Hi Dan
The lenses that deal well with the sort of 'nodule' you describe are scleral lenses - they're the ones that cover the whole eye and don't actually touch the cornea. So that would be the next thing to ask about if your new glasses don't work. They might even help with the ghosting!
Anne

thanks for the advice - seems like there quite a few lenses out there and for the uneducated (like me) it's a minefield!