UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Hello everyone..........

I'll just thrown down a bit of background on my KC first to get things started.
I was diagnosed KC 6 years ago and went from there down the usual route of having RGP lenes prescribed to correct my vision. With the lenses in my vision almost perfect.
The problem is working in a clwan room and wearing the RGP's my eyes dry out and becomes very uncomfortable very quickly and even using wetting drops(Atretlac) doesn't seem to give me any repose from the discomfort. So for the most part over the last few years i just wore my glasses and just about managed.

But over the last year or so the condition has gotten a bit worse and i find myself struggling with the day to day task such as using computers and perfoming inspectins and the like. Sop much so that i have managed to completly mess up my shoulders from bad posture, with leaning forward trying to see better. As time has gone on my eyes have also become less and less tolerant to the RGP's and wear time have been reduce a fair bit.

I finally decided to have CXL done just before Xmas and 2 weeks ago i had the procedure done on my left eye, and so far so good. Just waiting for the vision to settle down and get a lens for that eye, and then have the right eye taken care. They are going to try to fit me with mini sclerals as they shopuld be more comfortable.

Now i'm just wondering is there any KC'ers here that also works in a cleanroom environment wearing there lenses.
Could you offer any tips for keeping eyes comfortable and such?
Sorry for the long winded post.
Also i have really found this forum to be a goldmine of information since i found it. Its much appreicated

Hello and welcome!
I don't know if we have any members who work in a cleanroom - I'm assuming the problem is the very low humidity? There are other wetting drops you could try such as Clinitas or Systane. And mini sclerals should be better for that sort of environment than rgps.
I don't know if you've found the leaflets on our home page about KC at work which you can download www.keratoconus-group.org.uk/sitev3/publications.html
If things continue to be difficult even with your new lenses, there are some suggestions there including getting a workplace assessment through Access to Work to see what reasonable adjustments could be made to make your life easier. Good luck!
Anne

Yes the problem is the lack of humidity. Its 0% in there or so they tell me......
I am hoping the mini-sclerals do provide more comfort than my corneal RGP's. So fingers crossed.
I'll definatly look into the Clinitas or Systane eye drops ans see if they help any with the problem.

I have read the KC at work docs on the front page and they are pretty helpful. Its handy to have a document to show people so i dont have to go through the whole "Well this what KC is speech" anytime someone asks about it.

I'm afraid that the Access to Work programme doesn''t apply to me as i am in Ireland.
But the company i work for are pretty helpful about matters like this so i'm sure we can work something out.

Denis.

Denis

I am pretty sure that the Irish Republic has some equivalent of "access to work' legislation; the EU has been promoting it for many years.

Andrew

Thanks Andrew i'll have a look in to it.

Some good news today too.
Went back for a check up after my CXL. The eye is healing nicely and i gained one line of vision compare to before the CXL.

Getting a new lens fitted for that eye next week.

hi...
when i battle with dryness i take flaxseed oil capsules every day to add oil to your tears which should stop them drying up so quickly...
i can't promise it will help, but they aren't expensive and they are good for your hair and nails too!
melissa

Hi Melissa

I started taking Flax oil just before i had the CXL done.
Had a Tear quality test done and they reccommened i take some.
I'll keep taking it and hopefully it will help with the dryness.
I guess there is no harm in having good nails either
Thanks for you help

Denis

I use an eye bag that is filled with flax; 30 seconds in the microwave and it is hot for five to ten minutes. A good way to end the day: lying down with hot flax seed on your eyes.

Andrew

Cheers Andrew

I'll have a look into that.

Denis.