Living with Keratoconus

As with so many things in life, lack of knowledge can create fear. Therefore, it's important that you know all you can about keratoconus and how to deal with it. As you would expect, your primary source of information is your eye care professional.

Develop a good relationship with your eye care professional. Visit them regularly, and ask a lot of questions. Make sure you report any changes in your vision or how your lenses fit. Keep your eye doctor informed on your ability to read, and new medications, and so on.

If you experience any blurring, scratchiness, irritation, watering, or discharge, contact your eye care professional immediately. And when you see other medical professionals, such as your internist or dentist, let them know about your keratoconus.

It's important to develop some positive habits to help you cope with KC. Wear sunglasses when driving and goggles when swimming. It's also prudent to wear safety glasses when you're working or exercising. Always carry an extra set of contact lenses in case of an emergency. Take the time to read a map before you travel to minimize your reliance on road signs. And, of course, plan time to remove your lenses and rest your eyes each day.

Sharing your experiences with other KC patients can give you an emotional and psychological lift as well. If you'd like help to find out where they are, contact the National Keratoconus Foundation. The NKCF maintains a registry of KC patients and organizes self-help groups in various communities. The NKCF also supports research, publishes newsletters, and conducts seminars for KC patients. If you wish to register with the NKCF and receive newsletters, send your name and address to:

National Keratoconus Foundation
8733 Beverly Blvd., Ste.201
Los Angeles, CA 90048

Or, visit their web site at: http://www.nkcf.org/