How to overcome keratoconus anxiety. Dealing with keratoconus can be challenging, especially when it comes to managing anxiety. Here, I’ll share my journey of living with severe keratoconus for over three decades, including undergoing a corneal transplant.
This post is not meant to be taken as medical advice but to offer support and guidance from someone who has walked this path.
From Someone Who’s Been There
My journey with keratoconus started when I was diagnosed at 18 in 1988. Over the years, my condition progressed to severe keratoconus, leading to a corneal transplant at 26.
After over 20 years of low vision, my vision was restored with the aid of my practitioners and scleral lenses in 2017, changing my life from being legally blind to having near-perfect vision in an instant with these lenses.
I’ve lived through the highs and lows of this condition and understand the anxiety that comes with it.
Over Coming keratoconus Anxiety Starts with Finding the Right Practitioner
One of the most important steps in managing keratoconus anxiety is finding a practitioner who specializes in keratoconus treatment. The right practitioner, whom we trust and feel comfortable with, can help alleviate feelings of anxiety.
Knowing that our practitioners are skilled and have our best interests at heart can go a long way in relieving our mental anxiety.
Overcoming Keratoconus Anxiety Means Attending All Medical Appointments
Regular monitoring is essential for managing keratoconus progression and keeping us engaged in our condition.
Skipping appointments can lead to increased anxiety about potential vision changes and isolation. Staying on top of your eye health can provide peace of mind.
Personal Experience
Personally, keeping my regular appointments was something I should have done earlier in my diagnosis, which I did not.
Our vision can change from one day to the next depending on what stage of keratoconus we are in.
Educating Ourselves
Educating ourselves about keratoconus is crucial for managing anxiety.
Reliable sources like Living With Keratoconus.org and similar websites offer accurate information and resources from those experienced with the disease.
Personal Experience
For me, educating myself and creating content about the disease has been one of the best relievers of anxiety. Being able to explain what keratoconus is to anyone and having them understand goes a long way to keeping our sanity..
Exercise and Meditation
Exercise is a great way to help cope with anxiety due to keratoconus. Regular physical activity can reduce stress and improve overall mental health.
Meditation and mindfulness practices can also be beneficial in managing anxiety and promoting relaxation.
Finding the Right Treatment
Finding the right treatment for keratoconus will add to our quality of life especially in the vision restoration phase of our treatment.
Personal Experience
My scleral lenses changed my life from being legally blind without my lenses to having near-perfect vision with them. Patience is important during treatment.
If prescribed specialty lenses, allow time to gradually adjust and build up wear. Lenses can significantly improve vision with keratoconus but may take some getting used to.
Seeking Out Support Groups
Support groups like Reddit can provide emotional and mental support for those with keratoconus. If anxiety becomes overwhelming, don’t hesitate to seek professional counseling or therapy.
A mental health expert can provide coping strategies tailored to your needs.
Key Takeaways
- Finding a trusted keratoconus specialist can reduce anxiety.
- Regular medical appointments are crucial for managing the condition.
- Educating yourself about keratoconus can be an effective anxiety reliever.
- Exercise and meditation can help with anxiety.
- Finding the right treatment is essential for improving quality of life.
- Support groups and professional counseling can provide much-needed emotional support.
To Summarize
Living with keratoconus can be challenging, but managing anxiety is possible with the right strategies.
Finding a specialist, attending regular appointments, educating yourself, exercising, seeking the right treatment, and finding support are all crucial steps.
Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and there are resources and communities available to help you.
Discover More About Keratoconus
Want to see what’s inside? Click the book cover to read a free sample on Amazon. Learn how the Clear Vision Window concept can help you manage life with keratoconus more effectively