The last time I went to the opticians, I told them that my vision had been worsening a little. It’s not that I couldn’t see things nearby or far away, but I experienced a lot of vision blurring without any other worrying symptoms like feeling faint or dizzy. It was frustrating because until my mid-twenties, I hadn’t experienced any vision issues. However, over the past decade, I noticed that my eyes were struggling to focus, and without my glasses, it was near impossible for me to even read a book. Everything else was still crystal clear, which made it even more frustrating.
After some tests, my optician told me that my cornea had morphed into a cone shape, and I had developed a degenerative eye disease called keratoconus in both eyes, with my right eye being more affected. I was shocked and didn’t know what to say. According to Specsavers, keratoconus often affects both eyes, and the symptoms can vary from person to person. In its early stages, it can cause mild blurring or distorted vision, increased sensitivity to light and glare. However, in some cases, it can progress, leading to very blurry and distorted vision, eye pain, and increased near-sightedness or astigmatism. In some cases, people may not be able to wear contact lenses anymore due to the changes in their cornea.
My optician also informed me that she believes I have had this condition for decades without being diagnosed. The technology to detect keratoconus was not available in my area until recently, which is quite spooky. One of the questions she asked me was if I often rub my eyes, and the answer was yes. I have hayfever during the sunnier months, and I also have Dyspraxia, which causes me to rub my eyes quite heavily. Little did I know that this habit could both cause and worsen keratoconus.
According to Prescription Vision London, chronic eye rubbing is one of the most significant risk factors for developing keratoconus. The constant rubbing can distort the cornea, leading to permanent vision loss. This was a wake-up call for me, and I realized that I needed to be more mindful of my eye rubbing habit.
So, what are the treatment options for keratoconus? In the early stages, corrective contact lenses can help improve vision. However, as the condition progresses, other treatments may be necessary. Eye Clinic London suggests corneal cross-linking, which involves using B2 drops in the eyes and activating them with UV light to slow down the progression of keratoconus. Another option is Intacs, which are small plastic rings inserted into the peripheral cornea to flatten the cone and improve vision and contact lens tolerance. In severe cases, a corneal transplant may be the only option when vision cannot be corrected with lenses or when the cornea becomes dangerously thin or unstable.
As for me, I am not sure what the future holds, but I am determined to take care of my eyes and follow my optician’s advice. I have learned the importance of regular eye check-ups and not taking my vision for granted. I am grateful that my condition was detected early, and I have the opportunity to explore different treatment options.
In conclusion, keratoconus is a degenerative eye disease that can affect anyone, regardless of age or previous vision history. It is essential to be aware of the symptoms and seek medical attention if you experience any changes in your vision. Remember to take care of your eyes and avoid habits like chronic eye rubbing, which can cause or worsen this condition. Let’s all make a conscious effort to prioritize our eye health and ensure that we can continue to see the world clearly.
