h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hi.

I've just read the Keratoconus posting; people should be aware of the existance of the UK Keratoconus Self-help and support group.

The web site is at http://www.keratoconus-group.org.uk/ and there's a lively discussion board there too.

John

Just found this, how slow am I? One day operation now? Hmmm, had my left eye done when I was first year at uni, after being on the waiting list for 1 year. So that must be 1991 then. It didn't go terribly well. The graft took, I had the deep lamellar keratoplasty, but the surgeon did it slightly off centre, so my eye apparently now focuses at 6inchs in the horizontal and 3ft in the vertical. Or something like that. Can't be corrected byglasses or anything (well, it probably can but I'd have one lens normal and one lense about the size of a bottle base!).
I shall check out the support group as well. p.s. no others in my family with it and the scarring on the cornea was visible to me in my field of vision. Mind you, I think mine was caught quite late since the gas permeables were no use (kept on falling out on windy days!).

Just found this, how slow am I?

Although I'm credited as author, I actually only contributed some comments, can't even recall who started the entry.

Shame your graft didn't go well. Have you ever thought of having a second one, or trying contact lenses again? Techniques have progressed somewhat since 1991. Certainly where I work, the surgeons & contact lens specialists take on the cases that other hospitals can't manage.

Check out http://www.kcglobal.org If you have the eye condition called Keratoconus.

They have been really great to me learn and understand about Keratoconus and I avoided a Corneal Transplant directly because I found them. I actually only need glasses now after getting Ferrara Rings implanted. (where small rings are inserted so that the eye can focus properly) and in the event of failure (which is a very small risk) I can still try out treatment, as the rings are removable.

I only got support/advice to have a corneal Transplant from other (so called) support groups, because they are run by people WITH a Transplant and have advanced Keratoconus which I want to stress clearly to other about.

Cathy