I had perfect vision until high school, when I started having frequent headaches, eye allergies and noticed I had fuzzy vision both up close and far away. I didn’t think much of it until I passed my written exam at the DMV. I knew I would need glasses to correct my vision for driving so I went in to see an optometrist. I went into this appointment excited for the future, but left feeling confused and scared.
I received a diagnosis that would stay with me for the rest of my life. My doctor wrote the word K-E-R-A-T-O-C-O-N-U-S on a sticky note and handed it to my mom. Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that often requires corrective lenses and/or corneal transplants. He explained glasses would not correct my vision and I would have to get fitted for Rigid Gas Permeable lenses and the process would take anywhere from 3-6 months.
The next 6 months were followed by numerous appointments in Ophthalmology and fittings with a contact lens fitter, accompanied by many classes in which I attempted to learn how to insert and remove the RGP lenses. The process was unnerving for me but I persisted, disregarding the discomfort that comes from wearing RGP lenses. My persistence paid off and after 3 classes, I was able to take my lenses home. I was able to see clearly and the headaches finally started to dull.
I am not a medical professional, so I advise you to look up clinical information on this eye disease from a trusted medical source such as the Mayo clinic. What I share here is my personal experience of dealing with this disease, how I’ve stayed positive and accomplished a successful career and active lifestyle despite the challenges that come with this diagnosis.
If you are reading this blog, please know that fear of the unknown is completely normal. However, please do not stay afraid. Allow yourself to mentally prepare for the challenge of getting used to something new. A new routine that may require using Rigid Gas Permeable lenses. While not the most comfortable or easy journey, it will change the quality of your life for the better as long as you stay determined, persistent and patient with yourself.
If you have a friend or a loved one who has been recently diagnosed, encourage them to stay positive and support them as they cross the continuum of eye care. The appointments are long, frequent, and often painful. However, things eventually get better after a treatment plan is created which will usually consist of some type of vision correction whether it be glasses or corrective lenses (RGP’s), routine corneal topographies and routine dilations and eye exams.
Please read the next blog in which I share how I kept it all together as my treatment plan was established and I settled into wearing my corrective lenses.
Keratoconus and Eye 