Living with Keratoconus: My 30-Year Journey
My story of living with keratoconus began in 1976 when I got my first pair of glasses at six. It wasn’t until I turned 18 that doctors officially diagnosed me with this eye condition. By my mid-20s, my keratoconus had become severe, dramatically altering my life’s path
The Early Struggles
At 26, my eye doctor recommended a full corneal transplant for my right eye. This wasn’t to improve my vision but to prevent further complications. The next chapter of living with keratoconus involved a frustrating quest for clear vision.
The Discomfort of RPG Lenses
My first attempt with contact lenses was far from ideal. The smaller RPG lenses gave me clear vision but caused a lot of discomfort. My eyes would often turn red, tear up, and the lenses kept popping out, especially from my right eye where the keratoconus was worse.
Accepting Blurry Vision
Unable to cope with the RPG lenses, I resigned myself to a life of distorted vision. Back in the mid-1990s, I believed there were no other options for living with keratoconus. This belief led me to make life choices based on my limited vision.
Adapting to Life with Low Vision
Looking back, I realize that stepping away from my eye doctor after the transplant was a big mistake. This is why I now strongly encourage others living with keratoconus to stay in touch with their eye care professionals.
Finding My Niche
Despite my vision challenges, I found success as a personal trainer. The up-close nature of my work, combined with my training style in boxing, kickboxing, and resistance training, allowed me to excel. This career became my comfort zone, where my keratoconus didn’t hold me back.
Embracing Change and Facing Reality
Years in the fitness world made me comfortable with my vision limitations. But when I tried to branch out, I faced new hurdles. Simple tasks like viewing a computer screen from a normal distance became huge challenges.
A pre-employment eye exam for group insurance really opened my eyes to how bad my vision had become.
A Life-Changing Discovery: Scleral Lenses
My search for better vision led me Dr. Patrick Simard at Belanger Optometry in Montreal, a renowned keratoconus specialist and one of Canada’s top lens fitters. He introduced me to scleral contact lenses. His confidence in these lenses’ ability to restore my vision gave me hope.
Seeing the World in High Definition
The moment Dr. Simard placed a sample scleral lens in my right eye, my world transformed. The clarity and comfort were incredible. For the first time, I saw reality as I’d never known it before. In August 2017, I got my first pair of scleral lenses, marking a turning point in my journey of living with keratoconus.
How Scleral Lenses Changed My Life’s Trajectory
Regaining my vision in 2017 was more than just seeing clearly; it changed the entire direction of my life. Before, I avoided change and stayed in my comfort zone. Now, with clear vision, I’ve embraced new challenges and pushed myself beyond what I thought possible.
Stepping Into the Digital World
Creating this platform, Living With Keratoconus.org, would have been much more difficult without my improved vision. The scleral lenses have allowed me to learn and implement new technologies, opening up a world of possibilities I never imagined while struggling with poor vision.
Crafting an Inclusive Online Experience
Understanding the challenges of low vision firsthand, I’ve designed Living With Keratoconus.org with accessibility in mind.
From theme selection to font size and color contrast, every element is tailored to ensure a user-friendly experience for those of us with keratoconus and vision impairments.
Living with Keratoconus: A Personal Perspective
My three-decade journey with keratoconus has shaped every aspect of my life. While I’m not a medical expert, my lived experience offers a unique view on what it’s really like living with this condition.
Mission
After regaining my vision, I made a promise to never take it for granted. I committed to learning more about keratoconus, taking care of my health, and helping others on their keratoconus journey.
This led to the creation of Living With Keratoconus.org, a place to share our experiences and remind each other that we’re not alone.
Building a Supportive Keratoconus Community
Living with keratoconus can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. By sharing our stories and insights, we can guide and support others who are just starting their keratoconus journey.
Your Story Matters
Every person’s experience with keratoconus is unique. Your story could be the beacon of hope someone else needs. I encourage you to share your journey, whether it’s triumphs, setbacks, or everyday experiences of living with keratoconus.
Seek Help and Guidance
If you’re struggling with keratoconus, don’t hesitate to seek help. Reach out to qualified eye care professionals who specialize in keratoconus. They can provide the latest treatment options and guide you through your journey.
Moving Forward Together
Living with keratoconus has its challenges, but it doesn’t define us. With the right support, treatments, and mindset, we can lead fulfilling lives and achieve our dreams. Let’s continue to share, support, and uplift each other in this community.
[Disclaimer] The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding keratoconus or other medical conditions.