Keratoconus

[Champagne]

I've just found out that I may have the above variation of an astigmatism. Supposedly I have rugby ball-shaped eyes. I don't even like rugby!

Anyone else have or heard of this? Does it mean I'll just wear glasses like everyone else? Or is it worse than that?

[B00]

Never heard of it Ham, so being the nosy cow I am I went and Googled it, found this, hope it's helpful?

http://www.keratoconus-group.org.uk/

[Octavius]

Well either that or gas permeable contact lenses. I use proclear toric lenses as one of my eyes is a rugby ball and other is a� football. Severe conditions may require a corneal transplant but I wouldn�t really look into that!

I presume you are not too fussed on what shape balls you prefer.

[Tiny E. A]

Yeah my sister has the same as Octavius, one football and one rugby ball, don't think it's any thing to worry too much about.

[winny]

i recokn mammar got that Ill post her the link she might have info

[Champagne]

It seems my left eye has deteriorated to a great extent. So much so that if I get glasses, the lens on the left eye will be about 1cm thick!

The Optician has written a letter to my GP suggesting I be referred to an eye specialist.

Not good. :o(

[Octavius]

Aw you poor lamb. An eye specialist will be able to tell you what course of treatment might suit you best and provide subsequent monitoring. Keratoconus usually affects both eyes and at first you can correct vision with glasses. But as the astigmatism worsens and as you have it in only one eye, you might need to rely on specially fitted contact lenses to reduce the distortion and provide better vision. Hence my note above about my using �toric� lenses. They are as normal lenses but provide a better fit for the astigmatism. The specialist will advise and help you decide on this.

In most cases, the cornea should stabilise after a few years without ever causing severe vision problems. But in some cases, the cornea might eventually become too scarred or will not tolerate a contact lens. If either of these problems occurs a corneal transplant (as I also mentioned above) may be needed.

All the best poppet.

O

[lauratee]

I was recently diagnosed with having astigmatism in both eyes - don't be too concerned about it tho -I just have to wear glasses now for watching T.V and driving. It just means the lens of your eye is rugger shaped rather than round!!

[Champagne]

Thanks Octavius. I guess i'll just sit tight and see what the eye specialist has to say then. I just don't really want to go around looking like this:-

http://www2.evergreen.edu/blogs/students/blajo h03/glasses.jpg

I'll ask about toric lenses too. Thanks again.

Onwards and upwards... xxx