I was diagnosed with Keratoconus when I was 25. That was 27 years ago. I am a musician and teacher and had trouble reading, and trouble reading musical notes. Driving was scary. Sunlight, glare, ghost images were troubling. This was not good. Christmas lights were amazing though!
Before the diagnosis, my optometrist said that I had astigmatism. After going back for multiple glasses prescriptions, a fellow musician friend of mine insisted that I go to an eye hospital and see a professional ophthalmologist. I did.
The diagnosis was troubling. I went from one contact lens after another until the Rose K and piggy back system opened up my world to see again. I was teaching music, playing in orchestras and was able to make extra money performing at weddings. After years of success, the frequent use of lubricating drops started to injure the skin around my eye.
The diagnosis was troubling. I went from one contact lens after another until the Rose K and piggy back system opened up my world to see again. I was teaching music, playing in orchestras and was able to make extra money performing at weddings. After years of success, the frequent use of lubricating drops started to injure the skin around my eye.
My vision could not be corrected well enough to do my job as a musician and teacher. Very depressing. I had my first transplant in 2010. After months of gradual stitch removal, my vision could be corrected to 20/20 with a special RGP. Awesome. A great doctor and lens specialist is absolutely necessary with this disease.
After a few years, I had similar trouble with my other eye. Now with great vision in the first transplanted eye, I felt confident and ready for a transplant in the second eye. All is good. Vision is gradually changing and the eye is healing. I look forward to gradual stitch removal. It will take a year before all stitches are removed and vision is restored in my new eye. I can' t imagine that I might have 20/20 vision in my future!!! I can't wait to be able to see which 5th grader is throwing paper balls in my class again!
After a few years, I had similar trouble with my other eye. Now with great vision in the first transplanted eye, I felt confident and ready for a transplant in the second eye. All is good. Vision is gradually changing and the eye is healing. I look forward to gradual stitch removal. It will take a year before all stitches are removed and vision is restored in my new eye. I can' t imagine that I might have 20/20 vision in my future!!! I can't wait to be able to see which 5th grader is throwing paper balls in my class again!
I encourage all of you newly diagnosed that it is not easy. Others will not understand your symptoms of dry eye and frequent use of drops. Fight to get your lenses and fittings covered under your insurance. Use of the words "medically necessary" is annoying. Go for it. Your vision is most important.
By Ken Laskey
By Ken Laskey