i actually do have it. I discoverd it 6 years ago Over the years my eyesight got worse i think i have twenty percent left in one eye and 70 in the next one. my doctor told me to do research about cross linking because I might have to get it. i am 17 years old and just graduated high school. Dispitte my eye condition i was able to pass my csce examinations with a total of 6 subjects and truly hope my eye site doesn't get worse
I got diagnosed in February 2023. I had more images taken in July and then I just had images taken in November. Basically, it’s progressing so I got set up with a specialist to do the cross-linking surgery.
Hi myself shobhit all of 45 years of age and I have been diagnosed with keratoconus and been suggested to go for scleral lense .Pls suggest shell I go for cross-linking surgery or use lenses .pls send me your email adress if I can send my reports .pls revera ASAP
I have keratoconus for about 10 years! Had Cross linking done on both eyes and my eyes are pretty stable. Price is a little pricey but definitely worth it. Went from RGP contacts to sclera contacts! I totally recommend the sclerals for the best vision possible. Don’t be depressed guys we got this 🙏 stay positive
I have also had crosslinking in 1 eye. The second eye still can correct to 20/20 with soft. I got a sclera lens for the bad eye and wear soft in the second. Sclera are very comfy and great vision - so definitely second the recommendation. Canada and mexico both have great options for crosslinking if cost is a concern.
I was diagnosed with Keratoconus in 2012. We had C3R done for both my eyes. Got RGP lenses. Last 9 years I barely used them 50 times. It was extremely irritating. We couldn't really afford Scleral lenses back then and the insurance didn't cover it. I joined college in 2013. Always been a straight A student but with the new eye troubles, I had extreme difficulty studying, driving etc. After graduating in 2017, I started my own garment business. Now we're half a million dollar company and I could finally afford Scleral lenses. Now after 9 years, I can finally see how beautiful the world is and how much I have missed on. No moral of this story. Just sharing mine😅
Great video! I was diagnosed with Keratoconus at the agr of 8. Started on hard RGP lenses. Had a corneal transplant on my left eye at the age of 14. Then I had Crosslinking done on my right eye at 19. I managed to get by with glasses until now, at the age of 30 I have had scleral lenses fitted and have 20/20 vision for the first time in my life!
Thank you for the video. I've had KC for 44 years, I'm 60 now and have learned to navigate life with it. 2 cornea transplants over the years, the first lasted 38 years. Thanks again Dr. Allen.
I know how it feels, sometimes when i think about it, i feel like ill never be the same as other people, it makes me sad too sometimes.... Hard to read, to play games, and hard to do good in school. I also have social anxiety, so it can make standing up for my self pretty tough sometimes, and other times, my teachers just dont understand. I wana be a nurse, but sometimes i think i cant even do that if my eyesight is too bad.
Oh this is a horrible disease, i also feel so depressed especialy now that i broke my sclerol lens. Im now even scared to go back to my doctor cause it broke within a week of me having it😭😭😭 please advice on what to do
@@givenmoody9680 just go do your doctor and make a new lens, i know that they are expensive as fuck, but they will help u, i used for so long and it was the best option... this disease is horrible...
At the age of 25 i was diagnosed with keratoconus, i noticed i had problems before but because because i had no money i didn't get my eyes checked before. That was around 2005. It got worst very quick. In 2008 i had done CR3 and intacts. I worked good for me. I now wear hybrid contacts and my vision is stable. Before my treatment i needed to wear hard contacts. That was hell, it was like literally having a knife in my eye. God bless you all and I hope your vision problems get solved. With my eye problem I learned to appreciate Doctors, nurses and everyone in the health industry.
I was diagnosed with keratoconus a few years ago. My vision got pretty bad, eventually my cornea tore and I ended up getting a corneal transplant. I’m a little over a month post op and my vision is slowly getting better!
@@julz4462 Indeed, the cornea can tear! I have Meibomium Gland Disfunction which causes a version of Dry Eye Syndrome. BEFORE I found LipiFlow treatment, my eyes would get sooo dry my lids would STICK TO my CORNEAS. At one point, upon opening my eyes from sleeping thru the night, one of my corneas DID tear!! It. took about 10 days to heal. Keratoconus, especially in the left eye, seems to be the result.
@@kkrolf2782 oh wow😔...from I've been wearing these contacs my eyes can get dry but i never knew it could get so bad where what you said could happen..that's crazy scary..our bodies jus is do what it wants😔
I was diagnosed with Keratoconus in 1994. I was able to get by glasses until 2023, and I had Corneal Cross Linking done on both eyes. I recently got a Scleral lens for my left eye.
I’ve had Keratoconus for over 15 years now and I’m now actually starting to get this taken care of with corneal cross linking. I have bad allergies and rubbed my eyes ALL THE TIME when I was younger when spending lots of times outside and playing sports.
Currently 54 and was diagnosed with keratoconus at 18. Had a transplant in one eye in 1990. Still wear a RGP lens in each. Moving to scleral next month. Great information you provided, much appreciated.
I’m 37 and have had keratoconus since I was about 19. It progressed really quickly, but has more or less been stable for 7-8 years. I wore glasses for the first 3-4 years, but moved over to hard contacts after that. Night and day. Biggest issue/problem for me is sensitivity to light and getting any dust in my eyes, the pain can be quite a lot, but you learn to deal with it. Driving can be tricky sometime, but for the most part I live a normal life.
Hi! My boyfriend just got diagnosed today (he's 28) and he's so depressed about it and I was wondering, do you have any advice on how I can best support him? I feel so helpless and I hate seeing him so sad
I'm 2 1/2 years from having KXL crosslinking done in my right eye and 1 1/2 years in my left eye. My corrected vision before the procedure was 20/30 with glasses, but now I'm able to see 20/20 with glasses. The goal is to stop progression but in some cases improvement is seen and I was lucky enough to have some improvement in sight. Great video! I wish I would have seen this before my first diagnosis, I believe you will help others avoid the anxiety that comes with hearing you have a vision related disease.
I have keratoconus ever since I was 14-15ish. I'm 23 now, and got a corneal transplant last year on my right eye. It's a different world. Even tho I still have it on my left eye, I'm less stressed about it. End of this year, Dr gonna see if I'm ready to do my last eye. The recovery process was rough the first two weeks bc I was light sensitive, so I stayed indoors . Then little by little it got better . Makes me feel so blessed to have made it this far, because it's tough .
Thank you for sharing your story. I hope you know your bravery and success through a tough surgery can help others facing the same challenge. How are you seeing with the transplant?
@@DoctorEyeHealth thanks! I can see 20/50 out of my right eye as of rn. Which is amazing knowing everything was a blur . I use glasses now , with the right side prescription of course. Just got some hydrogel lenses too. Can't wear them all day bc it tires me out. But made progress day by day.
I have th same illness an it is stressing me out on a diff level im sat on th sofa an th opposit sofa is lile 4ft away an i can see th other persons eye balls so basically wen some1 is looking at me i can see if they are looking at me im from th uk an dnt know hw to go about it im scared
That's really nice. I wish I could get the surgery. No way I could afford it in my country though. It's pretty stressful. I can't imagine you've lived with it for so long. It makes me a little sometimes but trying very hard to stay positive
Wow! So encouraging. I was diagnose a year ago at 37 years old. I'm so new at this and recently my vision got worse. I'm planning on the procedure soon but so scared. Reading these comments is really encouraging me. Thanks for the video!
I was diagnosed with keratoconus over 20 years ago. I was discharged from the Navy for it. I've dealt with it with contacts. It sucked bad till I got the scleral lenses about 5 years ago. Idk if I inherited it or me being irresponsible with my contacts from jr high on caused it.... My keratoconus is pretty advanced, but I won't get corneal transplants until I can't wear contacts anymore. Hopefully it never gets to that point. Good luck with it everybody!
You should make it CLEAR that you ARE or ARE NOT an opthalmologist. If you are just an optometrist or optician say so and discuss what each are qualified to do as a doctor.
@@BrokebackBob from reading his bio at the Buffalo Eye Clinic where he works he is more than just an optometrist as he does eye surgery as well. So I guess he would be more of an opthamologist.
@@kathwes51 I want to hear it from him, thanks. There is no such thing as more of an opthalmologist. You have the two degrees it takes to be one (full MD then Optho specialty) or you don't.
Hey thanks for the great questions/ responses! I completed my Bacholor's in Natural Science from Saint John's University in 2011 and then I received my doctorate of optometry in 2015. I then completed my residency in ocular disease in 2016 through the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. I achieved my Fellowship through the American Academy of Optometry in 2018. I perform non-invasive procedures in the eye clinic but I do not perform invasive procedures such as cataract surgery or keratoconic surgeries such as cross linking or keratoplasty. I co-manage these cases alongside the surgeon. In the US, an ophthalmologist (aka eye surgeon) can be either an MD or a DO (doctor of osteopathy) that then specialized in eye care. Their residency often lasts a minimum of 3 years and is pretty heavily focused on surgical procedures/management. Many ophthalmologist then choose to specialize in subjects such as refractive surgery/ glaucoma/ pediatrics/ retina. Which may take additional 2+ years of fellowship. In the past, there was a larger difference in scope of practice between the two professions (optometry and ophthalmology). But now education is rather similar (optometry more clinic focused and ophthalmology more surgically focused- although some ophthalmologist choose to practice mainly in the clinic as well). But really the two professions work together as a team to help achieve the best results. Optometry is a legislated profession in the US, so the scope of practice is regulated by the state legislature. Most states allow optometry to use therapeatics and diagnostics to treat and manage all forms of eye disease (as we are trained to do), even some states grant us the right to perform more invasive procedures (such as refractive surgery like PRK and other laser procedures)- But be aware that not all states allow doctors of Optometry to practice the same. My ophthalmologist friend and I are planning a video discussing the two professions and education in more detail, should come out soon.
My partner has keratoconus and wondered what criteria is to consider corneal cross linking in the US? Here in the UK we were told the corneal thickness would have to be 375 or lower to be considered. Is this criteria universal?
I have scleral lens and I tell you you feel really relieved with how well you can see with them, I scheduling for cross linking soon kind a nervous tbh
Thank you, Dr. Your informational videos are helpful and i appreciate your bedside manner. This comment section is the first keratoconus support group I've encountered, I'm grateful for it.
I was just diagnosed with Keratoconus during a pre-examination before a LASIK surgery (which got cancelled now), despite having a M.D I actually didn't hear of that before, the information I got from this video are very valuable, thank you!
I have keratoconus. I had the epi off cross-linking procedure done in one eye in Feb. I am now getting fitted with scleral lenses! Stay positive my friends!
@@bigagnixon I have fully recovered from the surgery. I am in the final stages of getting fitted for my scleral lenses. However, I do not think they will be a good option for me. My lenses fog up with 2hrs of wear. We can't seem to find the problem.
I was just diagnosed with keratoconus today. I though I was just going in for a normal eye exam to get glasses but the doctor said that I need to get CXL ASAP and then get scleral lenses. This video gave me so much great information!
I’ve had the Crosslinking and Intacs procedure and I wear schleral Lenses. As of now, not getting worse 🙌🏽, I can see at night but not enough to trust myself driving, allergy season is still awful but staying positive allows me to keep moving!
same thing happened with me. But know i need a corneal transplant cuz of scar in my left eye i have Severe allergic reaction I hope everyone doing well 💙 and stay positive
I was diagnosed when I was 18... got a corneal transplant at 24. Had corneal cross linking with Dr.Brian Boxer Wachler in Beverly Hills at 25.i am 31 now, and still struggle with night driving... but am doing a lot better and am so grateful for for the vision I do have and now am a nurse😀
I have had this unfortunate condition for the last ten years or so. It began following laser eye surgery. I had 20/20 vision for about 6 months after, then my sight began to deteriorate. It wasn't too bad at first but now the vision in my right eye is awful, extremely blurry. Thankfully the left eye is somewhat better. My percription has altered dramatically. Eight years ago I did the cross linking but maybe because I suffer from hayfever and used to rub my eyes really badly it hasn't worked for me. Currently in the process of being fitted with hard contact lenses which I tried at the hospital. However they appeared to be uncomfortable on the eyes so I will have to see how it goes. I can't say I'm happy to hear that many others have this condition but it's comforting to know that I'm not on my own. I hope everyone finds a solution that works.
I was just diagnosed at the age of 31. I thought I was going blind as my vision was getting worse and worse and my vision has been so blurry. Thank you for your videos, they have been super helpful.
How are you now? I’m 32 and worried because my vision has been getting blurry. I was diagnosed with a mild astigmatism but I feel the doctor didn’t understand that I haven’t always had blurry vision…
@Fellow Human I was misdiagnosedish. I had extremely dry eyes. Daily eye drops x2 a day solved my issue. I'm sorry to hear about yours. Best thing you can do for yourself is get a second opinion or if you haven't find a specialist.
I was diagnosed with keratoconus on my left eye 20 years ago. I wore rgp contacts for a long time, but they eventually became unbearable. I tried scleral lenses too. They were definitely more comfortable than rgps, but putting them on was a hassle. After a few months of wearing them, I couldn't tolerate the scleral for more than a couple of hours either. I am considering cross linking and intacts now, my right eye is stable, and my prescription hasn't changed much in the last four years, my vision is 2020 with regular glasses. Thanks for your video.
Hi, i have done cxl in my left eye.but damage is 60%. So after cxl doctor gave me rgp which is pretty hard to bear. I felt so discouraged but when i found these comment section, more like im not the one 😀✌️
Just saw an eye specialist yesterday and he said my left eye has severe keratoconus and my right eye is mild. And I got emotional. He said my kids could have it and because of my heritage it is common but also that it is not really a genetic disease but something so simple as to not rub your eyes and just having that knowledge to not rub my eyes that much that maybe it wouldn't have got to this stage and now its a costly procedure just made me upset. I always thought our eyes had a protective barrier that rubbing it would do little to no damage like scratching your arm. Having this knowledge now I want to spread awareness on this topic especially in regards to the eye rubbing part because it happens so often and far to many people don't realize the simple act of rubbing their eyes could cause so much damage. Thank you for your video! It is very informative and helpful. Your example of the picture of the girl wearing the knit sweater really helped visually of what's going on. Just passed half way through your video I thought I would share.
This video was very informative. I was diagnosed 5 years ago. My left eye is the more problematic eye. Scleral lenses changed my life. The regular rgp lenses were super uncomfortable. I also use Pazeo eye drops and take daily allergy meds because my allergies are horrible.
I'm 37 and just found out I have keratoconus a few months ago. My astigmatism has always been terrible (worse in my right eye than left). But after my allergies got worse, I noticed my vision was getting worse - especially the double vision even while wearing glasses. So sadly glasses don't work for me anymore. About to have my 2nd fitting of scleral lenses today. My doc is probably not a specialist and my first appointment went pretty terribly. I was super overwhelmed. Definitely grateful for your content! Your scleral fitting video was very helpful too. Thank you!
Thank you so much for this video. My 14 year old son was just diagnosed with moderate keratoconus. You’ve explained keratoconus very clearly, plus you helped us understand the treatment, and insurance options.
I have been diagnosed with keratoconus for 8 years, progressively worse each year. I finally found a doctor to prescribe sclarel lens and it has changed my life, I am now working towards having cross linking.
I've had it since I was 21 and mine has barely progressed without corrective lenses or treatment for about 50% of that time and I am now about 15 years later. I now have corrective lenses and am taking steps to protect my eye health so I will update if anything changes. Thanks for the video!
I have worn contacts for keratoconus for 45 years. Today, I was fitted with scleral contacts. It has been a revolution for my vision! I haven't seen this well in 50 years!
I have keratoconus and have had it for 11 years. I was diagnosed when I was 15 & I had the cross linking done back in 2008. I was apart of a study at Emory University in Georgia for approval of the FDA. It had regressed the keratoconus in the right eye and somewhat in the left. Ive tried every single one of the contact lens that you mentioned and the sclera lens is by far the most comfortable. All the other contacts would eventually pop out and made my eyes so dry. In 2014, I got a cornea transplant in my left eye. That was the best decision I ever made. I do have to use drops ever day and sometimes my cornea does try to reject but it's all worth it in the long run. Thank you for making this video!
Same, i had kc as long as I can remember..Since 8 Years of age, I had a Kornea transplant on my left eye 13 Years back..I use a hard contact lense on my right eye for about 13 Years now..
I keep asking my ophthomologist if PIG CORNEAS have been approved yet, as a friend of the family has a PIG HEART VALVE … AND does NOT need anti-rejection drugs!!! And this year (2021) doctors at the New York University Langone Health successfully transplanted two PIG KIDNEYS into humans - withOUT REJECTION!! Of course, now we’ll be paying premium prices for PORK CHOPS!! 😉 🤣
I had amazing eyesight up until about the age of 30. From then my sight started to worsen at a slow rate. I avoided going to the dr and getting glasses a little too long... I eventually went at 37 years old. I was diagnosed with Keratoconus and given prescription glasses. The glasses have helped me so much if I am looking at something that doesn't produce light.. such as writing on a sheet of paper. If I am looking at TV screen with white text, the ghosting is still quite bad. The worst is driving at night, especially during/after rain with lights reflecting on the road.
I'm losing my vision and this guy has helped me so much but doctor I need to come see you and get everything else for you. Please help me if you do that.
I went to get a new pair of temporary glasses as I was almost ready for Lasik. Wanted Lasik for 20 years and I was so excited. I was then told I had advanced stage of Keratoconus and I wasn't eligible anymore. I sat there in silence and I told my doc that I felt worse right now then I did during my first relationship break up. It was a kick in the nads for sure. I had CXL on my left eye and right eye will be in Jan. My vision has got so bad the past 2 years. Double vision, cloudiness blurry and everything else. I was also given bad news on one of my followups that the eye I had CXL on looks to be getting worse. I'm almost ready to say screw it all and ask for Corneal transplants. Life is miserable the past couple years. Especially the past few months I can't enjoy movies or watching a hockey game. My monitor is zoomed 200% to be able to read. Seems like the options and outlook are better with the transplant dpepending of course on the success of the surgery.
I was diagnosed 23 years ago. I have had a corneal transplant in my right eye and have a scleral lens for my left eye. The transplant has been great. With a soft contact I see 20/40. Which is pretty amazing from what it was.
Great Video👏 I got diagnosed with keratoconus when I was around 12 years old (I’m now 18). After many eye drops and doctors visits I had Corneal cross linking done on both eyes. The surgery stopped my keratoconus from progressing. My eyesight isn’t very good currently so I’m hoping to get the hard contact lenses next 🙌🏼
Keratoconus really made me feel like I'm a failure. I was already suffering from this condition 5 years ago but I didn't know 'cause the doctors here couldn't figure it out. They just gave up on me saying that I have an extremely blurred vision and that nothing can be done anymore. And it also made me gave up on myself. I stopped doing things that I find enjoyable before such as stargazing, racing videogames, photography, etc. I just accepted that I will never excel in them ever again. I entered college with an eye condition that I couldn't even explain to others. It's hard to keep up with my classes and even with the simple things in daily life. It really killed my dream of becoming an engineer or a digital artist. It was just 2 months ago when I finally encountered a doctor who actually determined my exact eye condition. So now that I know it's called Keratoconus, I finally gained some hope knowing that treatments exist. But I came from a poor country and a poor family, so I don't think I'll be seeing clearly anytime soon. Right now, I'm still trying to figure out how to save enough money for the possible treatment. And I'm stlll trying to retake my failed subjects even though my classmates had already graduated. Yet watching these types of videos gives me inspiration to pursue my dreams once more. I'm hoping that someday, I'll be able to see the world with a normal vision again. It's been so long. To other people who are also suffering from this condition... please don't lose hope. 💜☄️
Thank you for sharing this. I am sad to hear you have struggled getting a diagnosis and that your eyesight has impacted your education. I hope your new doctor can help you. God bless
Diagnosed with Kerotoconus back in 2004. Had Intacs inserted it in my corneas to remedy effects of the disease. Had 2020 vision for about a couple of months. We knew that the 2020 vision was not going to last but the inserts were something that I had to have. Still wear contacts to this very day. More predominantly Hybrid contacts.
@@mitzydelgado4880 The first version by Synergize call ClearKone, I would recommend as opposed to the newer versions called UIltra-Health. Though hybrid contact lenses are the only contact that I’ve been told I can wear as of a result of my Intacts surgery I had a decade ago.
I went to my routine eye appointment today, the doctor said that he was going to recommend me to a specialist because he believed i have keratoconus, so he sent my paperwork to someone else, i also want to thank you for giving me a more in depth explanation of this disease.
Thank you so much for this video, i'm so happy to hear there are different types of lenses to choose, and hopefully they will be accessible here in Serbia soon. I was diagnosed with Keratoconus in 2007 and doctors immediately dismissed glasses and soft lenses, prescribing me GP lenses. Unfortunately I couldn't adjust to them and ended throwing out two pairs in one year, when i finally gave up. My doctor told me that i'm not persistent enough.Trust me, I was! In 2014, i changed my doctor and she suggested cross linking procedure which i have done on both eyes in the same year. Since than i was wearing GP lenses (fully adjusted in one month). At first i was happy with them because i could finally see details i wasn't aware of, letters weren't blurry anymore, i could recognize faces from a distance. But now i wish i could go outside not being afraid if it's windy and if dust or dirt will be caught in my lenses, now i wish i could wear makeup without fear it might get stuck in my lenses in the middle of the day. Sorry for this long comment, i got little carried away, but like i said, i'm soooo happy for these new solutions, at least they are new to me.
Zdravo Iva, da li mozda imas drustvenu mrezu na kojoj bih mogao da ti postavim par pitanja u vezi keratoconusa posto imam isti, pa bi mi bas bilo od pomoci da saznam kakve mere da preduzmem i sta da ocekujem....
Man I love the info I have keratoconus and I’m about to go through the crosslinking in December. I’m hoping all goes well. Thanks to this video I feel much better about doing it. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Had corneal transplant. I can see better, we are trying to get me in scleral lenses now. Had a eye Dr. Did not know what he was doing. I felt like he put me in glasses and sent me on my way. I have a different eye Dr now he cares and spends the time with me.
I was just recently diagnosed with Keratoconus. The specialist I saw went straight to cross-linking because of my advanced case. It’d been several years since I saw an eye doctor regularly so it was advanced. After seeing this I’ve been able to calm down.
Doctor Eye Health It’s going well for me and my eyes are now stable. I’ve been wearing scleral lenses for about a year and I absolutely love the clarity and comfort.
I have keratoconus I am 33 now I've had it since I was 15 and all that time I had worn RPG lenses, I just got squirrel lenses for the first time yesterday and oh my God I can't believe the difference
Don’t worry. I was diagnosed last September when I got back to China from Chicago. Didn’t have any problems wearing normal classes with my left eye, but I notice a very blurry vision with my right eye. I did the cross linking surgery right away. Now I am wearing RGP contact. Don’t be so stressful!!!
Im 53, had it for 30 years but lately worst(totally steamy vision), living in Phoenix , dont know who to see, and you referral to specialist, thank you
Hi, I am from India. I m 22 years old, having keratoconus from last 4 years. . I have been treated with C3R at Delhi... It basically stopped the bulging , luckily i can see things nearly clear through my left eye. But right eye is not good, which is the reason i searching further treatment to reduce the distortion , i m just frustrated of wearing glasses from last 5 years and having issues .. but. I m grateful for having c3r ...it just helped me alot ... But i just need further assistance., I am using eye lubricants ,since I operated for dryness . I exited about Seleral lenses and I will consult with my doctor ... Thanks Doctor ,this video is very informative .. please keep updating ,if new technology can futher provide the more effective treatments.🤓
Im From india as well. Recently diagnosed with keratoconus. Its at advance stage i think. 6/60 reached already. Going for C3R treatment. Hope it stop the progression.
I’m also suffering from this disease called Karatoconus. I once went for a Lasik eye surgery but unfortunately for me it’s not suitable for me so, the doctor advised me to go for the corneal cross-linking which is very very expensive and i my husband cannot afford. I now depend on wearing glasses till God knows when things will be changed so i can go for it.
Man I wish my ophthalmologist was as informative as you, I was diagnosed when at 19 years and I didn’t really understand how severe this disease is because all I knew was my cornea is now shaped like a dome. 😔I hate this disease with all my heart, attending social events,going to lectures is just a nightmare for me because I can barely see...sometimes it depresses cause no even understands how I feel
Hey Zinhle. Thanks for sharing. I see a lot of people who struggle with Keratoconus and other vision disorders and I feel for you. I can only hope you are able to find a doctor who can help you see better. Are you wearing just glasses? or Have you tried wearing any specialty contacts?
I know what you mean. To my knowledge I wasn't diagnosed, but it first started when I was 12 and it got pretty bad quickly. I went to several eye doctors at that age until high school and they weren't really much help. Now as an adult, it's getting much worse and I have to see someone again. I try to talk about it with friends, especially ones with glasses, but they don't understand and just brush it off. It's tough but just know you aren't alone
Thank you for producing this video. I was just diagnosed with Keratoconus and was told to get a sclera lens and to see a corona specialist. After watching your video I know more about my disease and what to expect. I'll definitely tell my nephew not to rub his eyes.
I have Keratoconus. I was diagnosed at 22, I'm now 50. Two weeks ago I had cross linking done. My vision is blurry but there's already an improvement. I'm in NZ. And yes I do have asthma, eczema and hayfever.
Man I'm 18 and I have eczma and keratoconus, hayfever too and I'm really scared, depressed, and sad I just don't feel normal, I feel like something's wrong with me
Hi, I had astigmatism from I was a child. I just recently found out that I had keratoconus in my 50's... I did have the cross linking done in both eyes, left eye 1st about a year ago and just recently had it done in my right eye early this year.... I am a person of faith, I am said it in the pass and will continue to say it ...I thank God for modern technology.... without these devices, I am unsure how my vision would be.....❤❤❤❤
Hi Doctor, First of all, thank you for your excellent content. I was diagnosed with keratoconus earlier this year and your videos helped me understand this condition. My story is a little unusual and I thought you may like to hear about it. I was diagnosed with Stargardt's disease when I was 14. The central vision loss has progressed to legal blindness. I have also always needed prescription lenses. Earlier this year and at age 28, I was diagnosed with keratoconus. My retinal ophthalmologist discovered the disease unexpectedly during a routine check-up. He speculated that the diagnosis went unnoticed for so long because my vision loss was always assumed to be the result of Stargardt's disease and normal nearsightedness. However, in this appointment vision had decreased substantially and my glasses were no longer seeming to help. I have since had corneal crosslinking and have my first pair of scleral lenses as of several days ago. The scleral lenses neutralise my astigmatism but in correcting that it impairs my ability to read things up close (e.g., text on my phone). That is, because of my macular degeneration, I need to hold things very close to read them (e.g., 1-2 inches from my eyes), but with the scleral lenses, things held that close becomes unfocused. Follow-up appointments are planned to discuss how best to manage both conditions. I suspect the solution might be to accept that I may need to use a magnifier app to read my phone and learn to rely on taking photos of things to read important details and learn not to rely on holding things up extremely close to my eyes anymore. IAgain, thanks for your content. Henry
I'm a little late to the video but I'm glad I found it! I've been diagnosed with Keratoconus in early 2020 and with the help of my school insurance, they helped me get scleral lenses. Today I see 30/20 with them on! Thanks for the video! and Shoutout to Midtown Optometry in Santa Cruz, CA! Love them so much!
Hi Dr. Allen, I just discovered your channel and enjoyed your video! I suffer from keratoconus! I have had the corneal crosslinking done 5 years ago! I live in Canada and thxfully it's a free procedure here! I was just fitted with scloral lenses and I too had the life changing moment when I saw the eye chart without my glasses And could almost read the last line! I cannot wait to get them in 4 weeks! Although they aren't free, they still are a great price to have great vision again! I look forward to watching more of your videos! Thx you, LaVerne
Thanks so much for reaching out! Happy to hear your doing so well! I love sclerals. It's just tough getting them in. Glad to hear your enjoying the videos!
i was diagnosed with KC since childhood i am now 27 and got CT in 2016 for RE and in 2018 for LE , now PRK is the next step hope all goes good still its very nice
Just found out I got it. I remember my left eye being very blurry during high school but when I asked my friends to see if there left eye was blurry they all said " oh yeah" so I thought it was normal lol.
I just got diagnosed and I’m extremely scared for my surgery soo Im trying to understand more of this disease. Thank you for this video I understood more from you than from my doctor 🤷🏻♀️
I have keratoconus. I’ve been diagnosed with this disease for about 8 years (@21 yrs old). When i was first diagnosed my vision was 20/30 In each eye. Currently My left eye is at a 20/80 and my right eye is at a 20/200. Due to the advanced status Iand how fast it was increasing i qualified for cross-linking, however it wasn’t FDA approved so my insurance wouldn’t cover it. Thankfully it got finally approved in 2016, and my insurance started covering the procedure late last year, so i was able to finally have it done last week on my right eye. I already know im going to need sclera lenses with it in order to be able to bring my vision back to at least 20/30. Before my cross-linking my doctor put on a scleral lense for my just to try it, and i was able to see! ( i also cried a little lol). Im so excited to finally be able to drive! I will update you on my results from both. Thank you !!
People take their perfect vision for granted. Vision is everything to survive in this cold world. I am glad for you. I am also a keratoconus warrior like you.
Thank you for your thorough overview. I am a 31 year old woman who has had keratoconus since 12. I started off with a sclera lens (I was way too young) then moved to a RGB lens- if I had been properly coached on the importance of daily removal and cleaning I think I would’ve been great with RGB. Since I wasn’t provided coaching- I now have sever scaring in my left eye from the scratching, keeping it in more than 1 day, not properly cleaning, and eye rubbing. At 20 years old I was a part of the “clinical research” a local provider offered and had Intacts placed in my left eye. I didn’t notice a change but according to him, things had not progressed months later. At 25 I had Crosslinking done on the right eye and was told I had severe scaring and was legally blind in the left eye. After this procedure I was placed in a duet hybrid lens. I should mention that I also suffer from severe allergies. After wearing the hybrid lenses for a day, I’d notice sweeping above the right eye almost daily. For the last year, I’ve only been wearing 1 hybrid contact in my left eye (the pain just got too bad). I played a few rounds of the blame game between my ophthalmologist and allergy specialist. At this point I am trying to figure out how I can continue to live a productive life- and see! I briefly researched the Holcom C3 procedure a doctor in Beverly Hills discovered a few years back on behalf of one of the USA Olympic Bobsledders. Please provide any tips you may have for someone like me. I’m willing to travel, I’m willing to pay, I’m willing to take time off. I am not willing to live with severe pain in my eyes for the rest of my life. Thanks in advance!
Dear Heart, my heart goes out to you!! I know the average person believes that “the doctor” always has a ready solution for every problem. However, they do NOT! And, whether it is hubris, or being SO inundated with too many patients, or being too healthy themselves (!) to be able to relate … whatEVER the case may be!! - we, the patients, often get left with results that leave us unhealed - or worse - and sorely soul-drained. I can relate. And I hope each of us are soon blessed with positive outcomes.
Where are you from and how much is it going to cost you? I’m 33 and have been diagnosed. My Mom had to have a corneal transplant about 10years ago and my uncle (on my mom’s side) has it and used to wear the rbg lenses but only wears glasses now
LeahLston it costs here in the uk around $1900 , cxl doesn’t necessary correct your vision but just slows or stops the deformation process. I recommend getting it done ASAP if it’s getting worse. After your van lenses fitted. If you leave it too long you will be unable to have the CXL procedure and the only option will be the transplant.
I Recently found your channel Dr. Allen! I’m so happy you’ve made a video dedicated to Keratoconus. I got diagnosed with Keratoconus when I was 20 I’m 23 now. My vision has gotten worse sadly. I wear hard lenses & they are definitely a pain in the A** My right eye is worse than my left eye. But both are pretty bad LOL I recently switched eye doctors and man oh man!!!! My new doctor is the best!!!! (Shepard Eye Santa Maria, California) He said my Keratoconus is now severe He suggested I try Scleral Lenses & WOW!!!! Just wow! I’m very very happy. I just went in a few days ago to make my last payment on them. (Very expensive if you don’t have insurance like me BTW) but worth every penny. He said eventually I will have to get Corneal Transplant because I do have a few scars 🥺 I’ll definitely check out the links you’ve provided on you bio. Thanks for the very informative video Dr.Allen
can u use rgp lenses while you are using computer . Do lenses make you uncomfortable . I am thinking about have rgp lenses. Would you give me some information i am computer science stundent i am using computer a lot so your information will help me
@@cihandilsiz5228 yes you can use them while using a computer.... At first they'll be uncomfortable, i wore mine for at least 6 hours a day for about 2 weeks just so my eyes could get used to them. Plus if you're wearing them and it feels like your eyes are straining from looking at the screen, just take a few minutes to adjust your eyes and maybe carry around some eye drops
@@derrickgreen11 thanks for help brother . I have ceratoconus on my right eye , everyhing like blurred when i look with right so i see with my left eye . i use comp alot for this reason my left gets tired if i can see with right to its going to be better for left eye. It will be less tired i really worry about my eyes hopefully everything going to be okey . thanks again
bro plz tell me that is contact lens help to stop the progression of kerotoconus because i have kerotoconus too , my doctor suggest me contact lenc i have ordered it since last monday
Hi! I was just diagnosed yesterday with Keratoconus. I knew that my vision wasn't right, and aftter seeing two other eye doctor who told me that my vision was normal , now i find out about this. Thanks for publishing this video. It's great knowing that about the treatmentt option and about insurance and how they off set tthe expense.
I was diagnosed a about 4 years ago. I am 28. I use hard lenses so I can see 2020, I could not read the street signs while driving. I feel like it’s getting worse. I wake up with extremely dry eyes every morning and I suffer from a lot of those eye string things.
I have this disease. Diagnosed 2018. I was told it was caused by eye rubbing to the point my eyes would get stuck together when I woke up in mornings. And had to use warm water to open my eyes... I slacked off hospital visits ,.. personal reasons.. vision worsened.. so around March 2021 I went back to hospital.. 3 days ago I finally now have a pair of hard contacts. It is quite life changing. I'm still new to it.i wake and having to make sure I am fully awake before I put on my lenses. Really wish there is a healing process
i'm 29 and was only diagnosed this year. For the past decade i would tell my optician that i think there is more to my eyesight (or lack of) than prescription strength but was told repeatedly either I had large pupils or was expecting too much from glasses. My dad has it but I think it used to be considered a male disease (correct me if I'm wrong) so no one considered it for me. Anyway, I am now in the process of getting scleral lenses and even the tests have been amazing. I cried when i tried my first pair (not even prescriptions ones but they made such a difference). It's taking time to get the right fit but i've seen how much difference it can make and my mind is blown. I didn't realise how little i could see until today (do NOT look in the mirror on your first day) but i saw pores and grey hairs, that's how effective it is. Anyway, if you think you may have this please seek an expert opinion. It makes more of a difference than you think. Naomi P.s sorry if there are spelling mistakes but as yet i can't actually see what I've written.
Naomi THANK YOU SO MUCH! I love hearing stories like yours and thank you for sharing such outstanding motivation. I hope the scleral lenses work wonders for you. Fitting sclerals is a fun challenge in the clinic and yes often it does take time to get the right fit. (I think men do get keratoconus more often)
Thank you for this video. I am currently looking into crosslinking, and trying to find more info. I was diagnosed about 5 years ago, but my vision became noticeably worse in the last 6 months. I'm working on finance and my insurance to try to get treated.
Hi thank you for the video I’m 38 I’ve been dealing with Keratoconus for more than 15 years.. and it took me just last year to find a great doctor that specializes in treating this disease. I use scleral lens now and the comfort is great I get a day of use wearing them.. my left eye is the worst and developed scarring due to previous bad fitting lens ..
I recently found out I may have karataconus your video helped a great deal 👍 and my question is will cross link be a one time procedure..? Or possibly continuous until transplant is needed..?
i have had corneal graft in both eys over 30 years ago. the graft was very good but some years back now my cornea has.started changing again. what treatments fo you have for those who have had a graft?
I have keratoconus having bees diagnosed it during the winter when I realized that I couldn’t see with my left eye I had cross linking done in January on both eyes it was painful however there was improvement in my right eye I Saw the optometrist today and he prescribed semi sclera lenses to me I’m 20 years old
Can you explain what are the long term and short term side effects of wearing the Scleral contacts, getting ready to switch from RGP contacts, I’m feeling nervous and scare of the unknown
Some people get rebound redness of the eyes with sclerals (usually if they suction too much on the eye) dryness of the lenses, there was some interesting research about increase eye pressure while wearing them but that is not necessarily a concern. Otherwise they are safe, just be patient with the process as it will take some time to get the right fit.
Doctor Eye Health ok thank you, I truly appreciate your response, not sure if part of the requirements to be an eye Doctor is to be super awesome, but you are and so is my optometrist, us blind people consider you our heroes. I had my first fitting last Friday and they felt super comfy but the putting them in is what is stressing me out, my poor Dr had to try 4 times before he got my contact in, I kept looking at the contact instead of staring straight down. Your videos have been very informative and helpful. Thank you!
Thanks for the informative video. My son is actually going through the procedure crosslinking right now. Thank god the insurance company covers it. The first night with recovery was quite painful but w in 24hours it is much better. Appreciate all the personal experiences.
I'm 13, just got diagnosed yesterday. So I've probably had it since I was 12. My eye doctor recommended the rigid lenses. My right eye is advanced and left is mild. It is so scary, but watching videos like these make me feel more comfortable. Luckily my eye doctor can do the fitting, but it is so expensive and my parents dont know how much insurance is going to pay. He brought up cross linking. He said he wouldn't and dad didnt seem to interested. Should I get my dad to look more into it? Dad keeps telling me I have a cone eye😥
This information was so amazing I was born with keratoconus my mother had the illness also she pass away in 2009 I have been researching information all my life thank you so much for this Video please keep posting good information 😇😇😇😇
I was recently got diagnosed, I got crosslinking and then got for for sclerals. I went from 20/320 to 20/15 I was frustrated because I had vision had been really bad for 15+ years and glasses stopped working. I literally cried when I put my sclerals in for the first time!
I have keratoconus, and before Lasek (not Lasik) and CXL surgery, I saw worse than 20/200. I couldn’t even read any line on the eye chart, not even with glasses. Got the surgery, I can see 20/40 with slight squinting. However because my astigmatism is so bad, I have to squint to read below 20/70. I went for glasses and now I have a minor prescription of -0.50, and -0.75. It’s a bad feeling not being able to see 20/20 but it does feel good knowing that CXL manages keratoconus, and it feels good now that I can see things better than I did before the surgery.
Thank you for these videos. I was diagnosed with keratoconus just two days ago. I have been told. I am advanced. For many years, I have been telling people my eyesight is getting worse. I felt no one was listening. It endings me having a serious car accident to have my state licence department. I am Australian. To tell me I need a medical check or I will lose my licence for my optometric send me to a specialist. Even though I am still in shock and coming to terms with it, I am relieved all my symptoms make sense. I was told I am advance and will need surgery but in some ways I am relieved as the though of contact lenses scare the living daylights out of my. I'm having a finger near my eyeballs makes me freeze up with fear.
Sir, i have keratoconous from my childhood.. It was detected when i was 14 but it already was moderate so from then i m using hard lenses.... From last 10 years i was on RGP but now my doctor gave me MCGUIREs.... Still i had not been through any treatment...but from some days. I m experiencing some floaters in my eyes... I want to ask you... What should i do to remove these floaters??!
@DoctorEyeHealth I’ve been diagnosed with Keratoconus in 2000. I’ve had a corneal transplant on both eyes. The right eye in 2012 and the left eye in 2018. I’m actually about to start wearing a scleral lens for the left eye for the first time today.
Learn about the Corneal Collagen Crosslinking Surgery for Keratoconus here: ruclips.net/video/7ZpYe-VTEes/видео.html
Does the thickness of the cornea decrease after crosslinking ؟
i actually do have it. I discoverd it 6 years ago Over the years my eyesight got worse i think i have twenty percent left in one eye and 70 in the next one. my doctor told me to do research about cross linking because I might have to get it. i am 17 years old and just graduated high school. Dispitte my eye condition i was able to pass my csce examinations with a total of 6 subjects and truly hope my eye site doesn't get worse
Is it similar or related to keratitis? I’d truly appreciate a fast response🙏 as I’ve keratitis and my vision seems to get worse and worse
I got diagnosed in February 2023. I had more images taken in July and then I just had images taken in November. Basically, it’s progressing so I got set up with a specialist to do the cross-linking surgery.
Hi myself shobhit all of 45 years of age and I have been diagnosed with keratoconus and been suggested to go for scleral lense .Pls suggest shell I go for cross-linking surgery or use lenses .pls send me your email adress if I can send my reports .pls revera ASAP
I have keratoconus for about 10 years! Had Cross linking done on both eyes and my eyes are pretty stable. Price is a little pricey but definitely worth it. Went from RGP contacts to sclera contacts! I totally recommend the sclerals for the best vision possible. Don’t be depressed guys we got this 🙏 stay positive
How much was it?
Thank
I also prefer sclerals lens for better vision
I have also had crosslinking in 1 eye. The second eye still can correct to 20/20 with soft. I got a sclera lens for the bad eye and wear soft in the second. Sclera are very comfy and great vision - so definitely second the recommendation. Canada and mexico both have great options for crosslinking if cost is a concern.
@@19521962 my cross linking was 2500 per eye. Insurance will not help out either
I was diagnosed with Keratoconus in 2012. We had C3R done for both my eyes. Got RGP lenses. Last 9 years I barely used them 50 times. It was extremely irritating. We couldn't really afford Scleral lenses back then and the insurance didn't cover it. I joined college in 2013. Always been a straight A student but with the new eye troubles, I had extreme difficulty studying, driving etc. After graduating in 2017, I started my own garment business. Now we're half a million dollar company and I could finally afford Scleral lenses. Now after 9 years, I can finally see how beautiful the world is and how much I have missed on. No moral of this story. Just sharing mine😅
Bro how much time it will take to adjust in eyes
And what was the cost
Can you help me I can't afford it at all I want to feel free😢
@@MohitSharma-kt9qm 2-3 months 60k for a set
@@daniellerobinson1181 Get Scleral Lenses bro. Nothing better.
This guy took the 20 minutes to explain what my doctor didn't have time for. Thank you, sir.
For real.
Spot on!
When I was diagnosed, i went to my local optometrist and all he did was give a booklet on KC, luckily I treated my keratoconus
Was diagnosed yesterday i really freaked out
Here to learn more
Great video! I was diagnosed with Keratoconus at the agr of 8. Started on hard RGP lenses. Had a corneal transplant on my left eye at the age of 14. Then I had Crosslinking done on my right eye at 19. I managed to get by with glasses until now, at the age of 30 I have had scleral lenses fitted and have 20/20 vision for the first time in my life!
Did the crosslinking improve your vision?
Did you get the cornea transplant once...I heard they last 5 years or something
Thank you for the video. I've had KC for 44 years, I'm 60 now and have learned to navigate life with it. 2 cornea transplants over the years, the first lasted 38 years. Thanks again Dr. Allen.
WOW! Blessed donor! AND pretty FAB ophtholmologist you had back then !!!
I've been so depressed because of mine. Feels like looking out of a steamy window. This video helped
I know how it feels, sometimes when i think about it, i feel like ill never be the same as other people, it makes me sad too sometimes.... Hard to read, to play games, and hard to do good in school. I also have social anxiety, so it can make standing up for my self pretty tough sometimes, and other times, my teachers just dont understand. I wana be a nurse, but sometimes i think i cant even do that if my eyesight is too bad.
I feel the same especially because I want to be a programmer that means reading and typing lines and lines of code
Oh this is a horrible disease, i also feel so depressed especialy now that i broke my sclerol lens. Im now even scared to go back to my doctor cause it broke within a week of me having it😭😭😭 please advice on what to do
@@givenmoody9680 just go do your doctor and make a new lens, i know that they are expensive as fuck, but they will help u, i used for so long and it was the best option... this disease is horrible...
I have been to the doctors for 4 times they said its nothing but i have the exact symptoms, and i fucking can't live like this
Late to this video, but I was just diagnosed with keratoconus today. This video helped me feel a lot better about the next steps. Thank you.
So happy it helped!
When i look a single light in a dark environment, i see double lights. Do you think it's keratoconus?
Got diagnosed today
Diagnosed today
@@Andreyabish Welcome to the club
Thank you so much for this video. I was diagnosed yesterday, at age 18. I couldn't sleep the whole night. Really thank you.
Shikki Shiraishi yes to hear that you have an eye disease is scary. I was crying 😢 now my kids can have it.
At the age of 25 i was diagnosed with keratoconus, i noticed i had problems before but because because i had no money i didn't get my eyes checked before. That was around 2005. It got worst very quick. In 2008 i had done CR3 and intacts. I worked good for me. I now wear hybrid contacts and my vision is stable. Before my treatment i needed to wear hard contacts. That was hell, it was like literally having a knife in my eye.
God bless you all and I hope your vision problems get solved.
With my eye problem I learned to appreciate Doctors, nurses and everyone in the health industry.
I was diagnosed with keratoconus a few years ago. My vision got pretty bad, eventually my cornea tore and I ended up getting a corneal transplant. I’m a little over a month post op and my vision is slowly getting better!
Hello!transplant after your vision got much better?God bless!
hey you made this comment 9 months ago..just checking in...i never knew your cornea can tear omg...how are you now??
@@julz4462 Indeed, the cornea can tear! I have Meibomium Gland Disfunction which causes a version of Dry Eye Syndrome. BEFORE I found LipiFlow treatment, my eyes would get sooo dry my lids would STICK TO my CORNEAS. At one point, upon opening my eyes from sleeping thru the night, one of my corneas DID tear!! It. took about 10 days to heal. Keratoconus, especially in the left eye, seems to be the result.
@@kkrolf2782 oh wow😔...from I've been wearing these contacs my eyes can get dry but i never knew it could get so bad where what you said could happen..that's crazy scary..our bodies jus is do what it wants😔
Hi, how about astigmatsim? i got Astimatism so high after corneal transplant.
I was diagnosed with Keratoconus in 1994. I was able to get by glasses until 2023, and I had Corneal Cross Linking done on both eyes. I recently got a Scleral lens for my left eye.
I’ve had Keratoconus for over 15 years now and I’m now actually starting to get this taken care of with corneal cross linking. I have bad allergies and rubbed my eyes ALL THE TIME when I was younger when spending lots of times outside and playing sports.
what did u do for the eye rubbing and allergies I have the same problem and my scleral contacts are blurry after a while and blur up.
Currently 54 and was diagnosed with keratoconus at 18. Had a transplant in one eye in 1990. Still wear a RGP lens in each. Moving to scleral next month. Great information you provided, much appreciated.
How does the Scleral lenses feel for you. I got only a year before I couldnt take the pain anymore
I’m 37 and have had keratoconus since I was about 19. It progressed really quickly, but has more or less been stable for 7-8 years. I wore glasses for the first 3-4 years, but moved over to hard contacts after that. Night and day. Biggest issue/problem for me is sensitivity to light and getting any dust in my eyes, the pain can be quite a lot, but you learn to deal with it. Driving can be tricky sometime, but for the most part I live a normal life.
bro now you wear contact lenc? or done other treatment?
Hi! My boyfriend just got diagnosed today (he's 28) and he's so depressed about it and I was wondering, do you have any advice on how I can best support him? I feel so helpless and I hate seeing him so sad
Same, I have it as well and I have the same problem LOL just have to learn to live with it
@@marajones1828 u can get him with semi scleral lenses or mini scleral lenses which will surely correct
can you do sport with these lenses ?
I'm 2 1/2 years from having KXL crosslinking done in my right eye and 1 1/2 years in my left eye. My corrected vision before the procedure was 20/30 with glasses, but now I'm able to see 20/20 with glasses.
The goal is to stop progression but in some cases improvement is seen and I was lucky enough to have some improvement in sight.
Great video! I wish I would have seen this before my first diagnosis, I believe you will help others avoid the anxiety that comes with hearing you have a vision related disease.
I have keratoconus ever since I was 14-15ish. I'm 23 now, and got a corneal transplant last year on my right eye. It's a different world. Even tho I still have it on my left eye, I'm less stressed about it. End of this year, Dr gonna see if I'm ready to do my last eye. The recovery process was rough the first two weeks bc I was light sensitive, so I stayed indoors . Then little by little it got better . Makes me feel so blessed to have made it this far, because it's tough .
Thank you for sharing your story. I hope you know your bravery and success through a tough surgery can help others facing the same challenge. How are you seeing with the transplant?
@@DoctorEyeHealth thanks! I can see 20/50 out of my right eye as of rn. Which is amazing knowing everything was a blur . I use glasses now , with the right side prescription of course. Just got some hydrogel lenses too. Can't wear them all day bc it tires me out. But made progress day by day.
Found out I had it back in.september I don’t the money for the surgery sadly
I have th same illness an it is stressing me out on a diff level im sat on th sofa an th opposit sofa is lile 4ft away an i can see th other persons eye balls so basically wen some1 is looking at me i can see if they are looking at me im from th uk an dnt know hw to go about it im scared
That's really nice. I wish I could get the surgery. No way I could afford it in my country though. It's pretty stressful. I can't imagine you've lived with it for so long.
It makes me a little sometimes but trying very hard to stay positive
Wow! So encouraging. I was diagnose a year ago at 37 years old. I'm so new at this and recently my vision got worse. I'm planning on the procedure soon but so scared. Reading these comments is really encouraging me. Thanks for the video!
I was diagnosed with keratoconus over 20 years ago. I was discharged from the Navy for it. I've dealt with it with contacts. It sucked bad till I got the scleral lenses about 5 years ago. Idk if I inherited it or me being irresponsible with my contacts from jr high on caused it.... My keratoconus is pretty advanced, but I won't get corneal transplants until I can't wear contacts anymore. Hopefully it never gets to that point. Good luck with it everybody!
I was diagnosed at 15 I’m 22 now and haven’t found a solution yet this is my first time seeing this video
⚡Eye Health Question of the Day: Do you have keratoconus? Which Treatment is your favorite? Do you have a story to share?
You should make it CLEAR that you ARE or ARE NOT an opthalmologist. If you are just an optometrist or optician say so and discuss what each are qualified to do as a doctor.
@@BrokebackBob from reading his bio at the Buffalo Eye Clinic where he works he is more than just an optometrist as he does eye surgery as well. So I guess he would be more of an opthamologist.
@@kathwes51 I want to hear it from him, thanks. There is no such thing as more of an opthalmologist. You have the two degrees it takes to be one (full MD then Optho specialty) or you don't.
Hey thanks for the great questions/ responses! I completed my Bacholor's in Natural Science from Saint John's University in 2011 and then I received my doctorate of optometry in 2015. I then completed my residency in ocular disease in 2016 through the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. I achieved my Fellowship through the American Academy of Optometry in 2018. I perform non-invasive procedures in the eye clinic but I do not perform invasive procedures such as cataract surgery or keratoconic surgeries such as cross linking or keratoplasty. I co-manage these cases alongside the surgeon.
In the US, an ophthalmologist (aka eye surgeon) can be either an MD or a DO (doctor of osteopathy) that then specialized in eye care. Their residency often lasts a minimum of 3 years and is pretty heavily focused on surgical procedures/management. Many ophthalmologist then choose to specialize in subjects such as refractive surgery/ glaucoma/ pediatrics/ retina. Which may take additional 2+ years of fellowship. In the past, there was a larger difference in scope of practice between the two professions (optometry and ophthalmology). But now education is rather similar (optometry more clinic focused and ophthalmology more surgically focused- although some ophthalmologist choose to practice mainly in the clinic as well). But really the two professions work together as a team to help achieve the best results.
Optometry is a legislated profession in the US, so the scope of practice is regulated by the state legislature. Most states allow optometry to use therapeatics and diagnostics to treat and manage all forms of eye disease (as we are trained to do), even some states grant us the right to perform more invasive procedures (such as refractive surgery like PRK and other laser procedures)- But be aware that not all states allow doctors of Optometry to practice the same.
My ophthalmologist friend and I are planning a video discussing the two professions and education in more detail, should come out soon.
My partner has keratoconus and wondered what criteria is to consider corneal cross linking in the US? Here in the UK we were told the corneal thickness would have to be 375 or lower to be considered. Is this criteria universal?
Diagnosed about 8 months ago. Corneal Cross link done on both eyes, waiting on scleral lenses now
I have scleral lens and I tell you you feel really relieved with how well you can see with them, I scheduling for cross linking soon kind a nervous tbh
Thank you, Dr. Your informational videos are helpful and i appreciate your bedside manner.
This comment section is the first keratoconus support group I've encountered, I'm grateful for it.
I was just diagnosed with Keratoconus during a pre-examination before a LASIK surgery (which got cancelled now), despite having a M.D I actually didn't hear of that before, the information I got from this video are very valuable, thank you!
I have keratoconus. I had the epi off cross-linking procedure done in one eye in Feb. I am now getting fitted with scleral lenses! Stay positive my friends!
You have an update?
Are the sclera lenses more comfortable than RGP
Does crosslinking worsen your vision or make it better?
@@bigagnixon I have fully recovered from the surgery. I am in the final stages of getting fitted for my scleral lenses. However, I do not think they will be a good option for me. My lenses fog up with 2hrs of wear. We can't seem to find the problem.
@@bigagnixon MUCH MORE COMFORTABLE. RGP who? Lol I am serious though. They are a learning curve but I highly recommend if its an option for you.
I was just diagnosed with keratoconus today. I though I was just going in for a normal eye exam to get glasses but the doctor said that I need to get CXL ASAP and then get scleral lenses. This video gave me so much great information!
I’ve had the Crosslinking and Intacs procedure and I wear schleral Lenses. As of now, not getting worse 🙌🏽, I can see at night but not enough to trust myself driving, allergy season is still awful but staying positive allows me to keep moving!
same thing happened with me. But know i need a corneal transplant cuz of scar in my left eye i have Severe allergic reaction
I hope everyone doing well 💙 and stay positive
I was diagnosed when I was 18... got a corneal transplant at 24. Had corneal cross linking with Dr.Brian Boxer Wachler in Beverly Hills at 25.i am 31 now, and still struggle with night driving... but am doing a lot better and am so grateful for for the vision I do have and now am a nurse😀
I have had this unfortunate condition for the last ten years or so. It began following laser eye surgery. I had 20/20 vision for about 6 months after, then my sight began to deteriorate. It wasn't too bad at first but now the vision in my right eye is awful, extremely blurry. Thankfully the left eye is somewhat better. My percription has altered dramatically. Eight years ago I did the cross linking but maybe because I suffer from hayfever and used to rub my eyes really badly it hasn't worked for me. Currently in the process of being fitted with hard contact lenses which I tried at the hospital. However they appeared to be uncomfortable on the eyes so I will have to see how it goes. I can't say I'm happy to hear that many others have this condition but it's comforting to know that I'm not on my own. I hope everyone finds a solution that works.
I was just diagnosed at the age of 31. I thought I was going blind as my vision was getting worse and worse and my vision has been so blurry. Thank you for your videos, they have been super helpful.
How are you now? I’m 32 and worried because my vision has been getting blurry. I was diagnosed with a mild astigmatism but I feel the doctor didn’t understand that I haven’t always had blurry vision…
@Fellow Human I was misdiagnosedish. I had extremely dry eyes. Daily eye drops x2 a day solved my issue. I'm sorry to hear about yours. Best thing you can do for yourself is get a second opinion or if you haven't find a specialist.
I was diagnosed with keratoconus on my left eye 20 years ago. I wore rgp contacts for a long time, but they eventually became unbearable. I tried scleral lenses too. They were definitely more comfortable than rgps, but putting them on was a hassle. After a few months of wearing them, I couldn't tolerate the scleral for more than a couple of hours either. I am considering cross linking and intacts now, my right eye is stable, and my prescription hasn't changed much in the last four years, my vision is 2020 with regular glasses. Thanks for your video.
I hope things go well with the cross linking and intacts!!
Hi, i have done cxl in my left eye.but damage is 60%. So after cxl doctor gave me rgp which is pretty hard to bear. I felt so discouraged but when i found these comment section, more like im not the one 😀✌️
Just saw an eye specialist yesterday and he said my left eye has severe keratoconus and my right eye is mild. And I got emotional. He said my kids could have it and because of my heritage it is common but also that it is not really a genetic disease but something so simple as to not rub your eyes and just having that knowledge to not rub my eyes that much that maybe it wouldn't have got to this stage and now its a costly procedure just made me upset. I always thought our eyes had a protective barrier that rubbing it would do little to no damage like scratching your arm. Having this knowledge now I want to spread awareness on this topic especially in regards to the eye rubbing part because it happens so often and far to many people don't realize the simple act of rubbing their eyes could cause so much damage. Thank you for your video! It is very informative and helpful. Your example of the picture of the girl wearing the knit sweater really helped visually of what's going on. Just passed half way through your video I thought I would share.
This video was very informative. I was diagnosed 5 years ago. My left eye is the more problematic eye. Scleral lenses changed my life. The regular rgp lenses were super uncomfortable. I also use Pazeo eye drops and take daily allergy meds because my allergies are horrible.
I'm 37 and just found out I have keratoconus a few months ago. My astigmatism has always been terrible (worse in my right eye than left). But after my allergies got worse, I noticed my vision was getting worse - especially the double vision even while wearing glasses. So sadly glasses don't work for me anymore. About to have my 2nd fitting of scleral lenses today. My doc is probably not a specialist and my first appointment went pretty terribly. I was super overwhelmed. Definitely grateful for your content! Your scleral fitting video was very helpful too. Thank you!
I appreciate that! I hope everything goes well with the fitting!
Thank you so much for this video. My 14 year old son was just diagnosed with moderate keratoconus. You’ve explained keratoconus very clearly, plus you helped us understand the treatment, and insurance options.
I have been diagnosed with keratoconus for 8 years, progressively worse each year. I finally found a doctor to prescribe sclarel lens and it has changed my life, I am now working towards having cross linking.
I've had it since I was 21 and mine has barely progressed without corrective lenses or treatment for about 50% of that time and I am now about 15 years later. I now have corrective lenses and am taking steps to protect my eye health so I will update if anything changes. Thanks for the video!
Thanks for watching Adrian! I have a new video series about KC coming very soon! Hope everything continues to go well for you!
Are you okay now, have you had surgery? Has your disease progressed after wearing lenses?
@@misanthropy1216no progression of KC and I'm about to dive into the only contacts lenses they offer for the condition so ill let you know!
I have worn contacts for keratoconus for 45 years. Today, I was fitted with scleral contacts. It has been a revolution for my vision! I haven't seen this well in 50 years!
I am in a similar boat. Am getting fitted for scleral lenses shortly. Am very hopeful for similar results! Very happy for you!
I have keratoconus and have had it for 11 years. I was diagnosed when I was 15 & I had the cross linking done back in 2008. I was apart of a study at Emory University in Georgia for approval of the FDA. It had regressed the keratoconus in the right eye and somewhat in the left. Ive tried every single one of the contact lens that you mentioned and the sclera lens is by far the most comfortable. All the other contacts would eventually pop out and made my eyes so dry. In 2014, I got a cornea transplant in my left eye. That was the best decision I ever made. I do have to use drops ever day and sometimes my cornea does try to reject but it's all worth it in the long run. Thank you for making this video!
Same, i had kc as long as I can remember..Since 8 Years of age, I had a Kornea transplant on my left eye 13 Years back..I use a hard contact lense on my right eye for about 13 Years now..
I keep asking my ophthomologist if PIG CORNEAS have been approved yet, as a friend of the family has a PIG HEART VALVE … AND does NOT need anti-rejection drugs!!! And this year (2021) doctors at the New York University Langone Health successfully transplanted two PIG KIDNEYS into humans - withOUT REJECTION!! Of course, now we’ll be paying premium prices for PORK CHOPS!! 😉 🤣
I had amazing eyesight up until about the age of 30. From then my sight started to worsen at a slow rate. I avoided going to the dr and getting glasses a little too long... I eventually went at 37 years old. I was diagnosed with Keratoconus and given prescription glasses. The glasses have helped me so much if I am looking at something that doesn't produce light.. such as writing on a sheet of paper. If I am looking at TV screen with white text, the ghosting is still quite bad. The worst is driving at night, especially during/after rain with lights reflecting on the road.
Hell yeah I exactly know what you mean. It’s good to see there are people out there like me who understand how we feel due to keratoconus.
I only want to say thank you! Everytime I think I'm gonna get blind soon watching your videos reassures me thanks again
I'm losing my vision and this guy has helped me so much but doctor I need to come see you and get everything else for you. Please help me if you do that.
Diagnosed with keratoconus yesterday, at age 43.
I went to get a new pair of temporary glasses as I was almost ready for Lasik. Wanted Lasik for 20 years and I was so excited. I was then told I had advanced stage of Keratoconus and I wasn't eligible anymore. I sat there in silence and I told my doc that I felt worse right now then I did during my first relationship break up. It was a kick in the nads for sure. I had CXL on my left eye and right eye will be in Jan. My vision has got so bad the past 2 years. Double vision, cloudiness blurry and everything else. I was also given bad news on one of my followups that the eye I had CXL on looks to be getting worse. I'm almost ready to say screw it all and ask for Corneal transplants. Life is miserable the past couple years. Especially the past few months I can't enjoy movies or watching a hockey game. My monitor is zoomed 200% to be able to read. Seems like the options and outlook are better with the transplant dpepending of course on the success of the surgery.
I was diagnosed 23 years ago. I have had a corneal transplant in my right eye and have a scleral lens for my left eye.
The transplant has been great. With a soft contact I see 20/40. Which is pretty amazing from what it was.
Hows the vision still.
Great Video👏 I got diagnosed with keratoconus when I was around 12 years old (I’m now 18). After many eye drops and doctors visits I had Corneal cross linking done on both eyes. The surgery stopped my keratoconus from progressing. My eyesight isn’t very good currently so I’m hoping to get the hard contact lenses next 🙌🏼
Did the corneal cross linking improve your vision?
@@nkob6666 no, it didn’t improve my vision, but it certainly stopped it from getting any worse.
@@jacobdavies1463 a lot of people said it improves there vision just not everyone
Keratoconus really made me feel like I'm a failure. I was already suffering from this condition 5 years ago but I didn't know 'cause the doctors here couldn't figure it out. They just gave up on me saying that I have an extremely blurred vision and that nothing can be done anymore. And it also made me gave up on myself.
I stopped doing things that I find enjoyable before such as stargazing, racing videogames, photography, etc. I just accepted that I will never excel in them ever again.
I entered college with an eye condition that I couldn't even explain to others. It's hard to keep up with my classes and even with the simple things in daily life. It really killed my dream of becoming an engineer or a digital artist.
It was just 2 months ago when I finally encountered a doctor who actually determined my exact eye condition. So now that I know it's called Keratoconus, I finally gained some hope knowing that treatments exist. But I came from a poor country and a poor family, so I don't think I'll be seeing clearly anytime soon.
Right now, I'm still trying to figure out how to save enough money for the possible treatment. And I'm stlll trying to retake my failed subjects even though my classmates had already graduated.
Yet watching these types of videos gives me inspiration to pursue my dreams once more. I'm hoping that someday, I'll be able to see the world with a normal vision again. It's been so long.
To other people who are also suffering from this condition... please don't lose hope. 💜☄️
Thank you for sharing this. I am sad to hear you have struggled getting a diagnosis and that your eyesight has impacted your education. I hope your new doctor can help you. God bless
@@DoctorEyeHealthGreetings. I need your help. How can I contact you privately?
Diagnosed with Kerotoconus back in 2004. Had Intacs inserted it in my corneas to remedy effects of the disease. Had 2020 vision for about a couple of months. We knew that the 2020 vision was not going to last but the inserts were something that I had to have. Still wear contacts to this very day. More predominantly Hybrid contacts.
Do you like the hybrid contact lenses ?
@@mitzydelgado4880 The first version by Synergize call ClearKone, I would recommend as opposed to the newer versions called UIltra-Health. Though hybrid contact lenses are the only contact that I’ve been told I can wear as of a result of my Intacts surgery I had a decade ago.
I went to my routine eye appointment today, the doctor said that he was going to recommend me to a specialist because he believed i have keratoconus, so he sent my paperwork to someone else, i also want to thank you for giving me a more in depth explanation of this disease.
Thank you so much for this video, i'm so happy to hear there are different types of lenses to choose, and hopefully they will be accessible here in Serbia soon. I was diagnosed with Keratoconus in 2007 and doctors immediately dismissed glasses and soft lenses, prescribing me GP lenses. Unfortunately I couldn't adjust to them and ended throwing out two pairs in one year, when i finally gave up. My doctor told me that i'm not persistent enough.Trust me, I was! In 2014, i changed my doctor and she suggested cross linking procedure which i have done on both eyes in the same year. Since than i was wearing GP lenses (fully adjusted in one month). At first i was happy with them because i could finally see details i wasn't aware of, letters weren't blurry anymore, i could recognize faces from a distance. But now i wish i could go outside not being afraid if it's windy and if dust or dirt will be caught in my lenses, now i wish i could wear makeup without fear it might get stuck in my lenses in the middle of the day. Sorry for this long comment, i got little carried away, but like i said, i'm soooo happy for these new solutions, at least they are new to me.
Thank you so much for the awesome comment! Happy to hear your doing well after the cross linking and your doing well with the contacts!
Zdravo Iva, da li mozda imas drustvenu mrezu na kojoj bih mogao da ti postavim par pitanja u vezi keratoconusa posto imam isti, pa bi mi bas bilo od pomoci da saznam kakve mere da preduzmem i sta da ocekujem....
@@lakoprosto7244 ista prica
@@lakoprosto7244 kontaktirajte mene slobodno na Facebook profilu,ja se borim sa keratokonusom 7 godina.
Man I love the info I have keratoconus and I’m about to go through the crosslinking in December. I’m hoping all goes well. Thanks to this video I feel much better about doing it. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Very informative!
I'm hyped about getting me a pair of Scleral lenses. Hope i get a good fit 😁
Had corneal transplant. I can see better, we are trying to get me in scleral lenses now. Had a eye Dr. Did not know what he was doing. I felt like he put me in glasses and sent me on my way.
I have a different eye Dr now he cares and spends the time with me.
I was just recently diagnosed with Keratoconus. The specialist I saw went straight to cross-linking because of my advanced case. It’d been several years since I saw an eye doctor regularly so it was advanced. After seeing this I’ve been able to calm down.
I've had this for about 6 years and it's pretty bad but I get 20/20 with sclarel lenses! Life changer for sure!!
I was diagnosed with keratoconus back in 2010 and I had crosslinking done on both of my eyes.
How are things going for you now?
Ummm maybe there was some miscommunication. Perhaps they were talking about keratoplasty?
Doctor Eye Health It’s going well for me and my eyes are now stable. I’ve been wearing scleral lenses for about a year and I absolutely love the clarity and comfort.
I have keratoconus I am 33 now I've had it since I was 15 and all that time I had worn RPG lenses, I just got squirrel lenses for the first time yesterday and oh my God I can't believe the difference
I just got diagnosed January 2020!!! So scared 😱 I have had lasik back in 2011... I have super bad allergies in Texas for years!!! I am 32 years old
This was my worry as well. It's definitely gets better over time. When is your surgery?
Don’t worry. I was diagnosed last September when I got back to China from Chicago. Didn’t have any problems wearing normal classes with my left eye, but I notice a very blurry vision with my right eye. I did the cross linking surgery right away. Now I am wearing RGP contact. Don’t be so stressful!!!
Im 53, had it for 30 years but lately worst(totally steamy vision), living in Phoenix , dont know who to see, and you referral to specialist, thank you
Hi, I am from India. I m 22 years old, having keratoconus from last 4 years. . I have been treated with C3R at Delhi... It basically stopped the bulging , luckily i can see things nearly clear through my left eye. But right eye is not good, which is the reason i searching further treatment to reduce the distortion , i m just frustrated of wearing glasses from last 5 years and having issues .. but. I m grateful for having c3r ...it just helped me alot ... But i just need further assistance., I am using eye lubricants ,since I operated for dryness . I exited about Seleral lenses and I will consult with my doctor ... Thanks Doctor ,this video is very informative .. please keep updating ,if new technology can futher provide the more effective treatments.🤓
Im From india as well. Recently diagnosed with keratoconus. Its at advance stage i think. 6/60 reached already. Going for C3R treatment. Hope it stop the progression.
Bro I am also from India and I am also in this problem plzz share. Your experience in
Bro even i went through the same situation and Underwent C3R from delhi as well!!
Keratoconus sucks
I’m also suffering from this disease called Karatoconus. I once went for a Lasik eye surgery but unfortunately for me it’s not suitable for me so, the doctor advised me to go for the corneal cross-linking which is very very expensive and i my husband cannot afford. I now depend on wearing glasses till God knows when things will be changed so i can go for it.
Man I wish my ophthalmologist was as informative as you, I was diagnosed when at 19 years and I didn’t really understand how severe this disease is because all I knew was my cornea is now shaped like a dome.
😔I hate this disease with all my heart, attending social events,going to lectures is just a nightmare for me because I can barely see...sometimes it depresses cause no even understands how I feel
Hey Zinhle. Thanks for sharing. I see a lot of people who struggle with Keratoconus and other vision disorders and I feel for you. I can only hope you are able to find a doctor who can help you see better. Are you wearing just glasses? or Have you tried wearing any specialty contacts?
I know what you mean. To my knowledge I wasn't diagnosed, but it first started when I was 12 and it got pretty bad quickly. I went to several eye doctors at that age until high school and they weren't really much help. Now as an adult, it's getting much worse and I have to see someone again. I try to talk about it with friends, especially ones with glasses, but they don't understand and just brush it off. It's tough but just know you aren't alone
Thank you for producing this video. I was just diagnosed with Keratoconus and was told to get a sclera lens and to see a corona specialist. After watching your video I know more about my disease and what to expect. I'll definitely tell my nephew not to rub his eyes.
I have Keratoconus. I was diagnosed at 22, I'm now 50. Two weeks ago I had cross linking done. My vision is blurry but there's already an improvement. I'm in NZ. And yes I do have asthma, eczema and hayfever.
Man I'm 18 and I have eczma and keratoconus, hayfever too and I'm really scared, depressed, and sad I just don't feel normal, I feel like something's wrong with me
@@michschweiger8180 I wanna die dude, all this shit makes me feel like I’m not normal
Hi,
I had astigmatism from I was a child. I just recently found out that I had keratoconus in my 50's... I did have the cross linking done in both eyes, left eye 1st about a year ago and just recently had it done in my right eye early this year.... I am a person of faith, I am said it in the pass and will continue to say it ...I thank God for modern technology.... without these devices, I am unsure how my vision would be.....❤❤❤❤
Thank you for sharing this!!
Hi Doctor,
First of all, thank you for your excellent content. I was diagnosed with keratoconus earlier this year and your videos helped me understand this condition.
My story is a little unusual and I thought you may like to hear about it. I was diagnosed with Stargardt's disease when I was 14. The central vision loss has progressed to legal blindness. I have also always needed prescription lenses. Earlier this year and at age 28, I was diagnosed with keratoconus. My retinal ophthalmologist discovered the disease unexpectedly during a routine check-up. He speculated that the diagnosis went unnoticed for so long because my vision loss was always assumed to be the result of Stargardt's disease and normal nearsightedness. However, in this appointment vision had decreased substantially and my glasses were no longer seeming to help. I have since had corneal crosslinking and have my first pair of scleral lenses as of several days ago. The scleral lenses neutralise my astigmatism but in correcting that it impairs my ability to read things up close (e.g., text on my phone). That is, because of my macular degeneration, I need to hold things very close to read them (e.g., 1-2 inches from my eyes), but with the scleral lenses, things held that close becomes unfocused.
Follow-up appointments are planned to discuss how best to manage both conditions. I suspect the solution might be to accept that I may need to use a magnifier app to read my phone and learn to rely on taking photos of things to read important details and learn not to rely on holding things up extremely close to my eyes anymore.
IAgain, thanks for your content.
Henry
(( Thank you for your input. Gives me reason to look in the mirror, and say “Knock off the pity patty!! ))
I'm a little late to the video but I'm glad I found it! I've been diagnosed with Keratoconus in early 2020 and with the help of my school insurance, they helped me get scleral lenses. Today I see 30/20 with them on! Thanks for the video! and Shoutout to Midtown Optometry in Santa Cruz, CA! Love them so much!
Hi Dr. Allen,
I just discovered your channel and enjoyed your video! I suffer from keratoconus! I have had the corneal crosslinking done 5 years ago! I live in Canada and thxfully it's a free procedure here! I was just fitted with scloral lenses and I too had the life changing moment when I saw the eye chart without my glasses And could almost read the last line! I cannot wait to get them in 4 weeks! Although they aren't free, they still are a great price to have great vision again! I look forward to watching more of your videos! Thx you,
LaVerne
Thanks so much for reaching out! Happy to hear your doing so well! I love sclerals. It's just tough getting them in. Glad to hear your enjoying the videos!
i was diagnosed with KC since childhood i am now 27 and got CT in 2016 for RE and in 2018 for LE , now PRK is the next step hope all goes good still its very nice
Just found out I got it. I remember my left eye being very blurry during high school but when I asked my friends to see if there left eye was blurry they all said " oh yeah" so I thought it was normal lol.
Omg same ....my left eyes just like that due to karetaconus
Me too, the left eye
I just got diagnosed and I’m extremely scared for my surgery soo Im trying to understand more of this disease. Thank you for this video I understood more from you than from my doctor 🤷🏻♀️
Same
I have keratoconus. I’ve been diagnosed with this disease for about 8 years (@21 yrs old). When i was first diagnosed my vision was 20/30 In each eye. Currently My left eye is at a 20/80 and my right eye is at a 20/200. Due to the advanced status Iand how fast it was increasing i qualified for cross-linking, however it wasn’t FDA approved so my insurance wouldn’t cover it. Thankfully it got finally approved in 2016, and my insurance started covering the procedure late last year, so i was able to finally have it done last week on my right eye. I already know im going to need sclera lenses with it in order to be able to bring my vision back to at least 20/30. Before my cross-linking my doctor put on a scleral lense for my just to try it, and i was able to see! ( i also cried a little lol). Im so excited to finally be able to drive! I will update you on my results from both. Thank you !!
People take their perfect vision for granted. Vision is everything to survive in this cold world. I am glad for you. I am also a keratoconus warrior like you.
@@unknownsource4359how is your vision now
Thank you for your thorough overview. I am a 31 year old woman who has had keratoconus since 12. I started off with a sclera lens (I was way too young) then moved to a RGB lens- if I had been properly coached on the importance of daily removal and cleaning I think I would’ve been great with RGB. Since I wasn’t provided coaching- I now have sever scaring in my left eye from the scratching, keeping it in more than 1 day, not properly cleaning, and eye rubbing. At 20 years old I was a part of the “clinical research” a local provider offered and had Intacts placed in my left eye. I didn’t notice a change but according to him, things had not progressed months later. At 25 I had Crosslinking done on the right eye and was told I had severe scaring and was legally blind in the left eye. After this procedure I was placed in a duet hybrid lens. I should mention that I also suffer from severe allergies. After wearing the hybrid lenses for a day, I’d notice sweeping above the right eye almost daily. For the last year, I’ve only been wearing 1 hybrid contact in my left eye (the pain just got too bad). I played a few rounds of the blame game between my ophthalmologist and allergy specialist. At this point I am trying to figure out how I can continue to live a productive life- and see! I briefly researched the Holcom C3 procedure a doctor in Beverly Hills discovered a few years back on behalf of one of the USA Olympic Bobsledders. Please provide any tips you may have for someone like me. I’m willing to travel, I’m willing to pay, I’m willing to take time off. I am not willing to live with severe pain in my eyes for the rest of my life. Thanks in advance!
Dear Heart, my heart goes out to you!! I know the average person believes that “the doctor” always has a ready solution for every problem. However, they do NOT! And, whether it is hubris, or being SO inundated with too many patients, or being too healthy themselves (!) to be able to relate … whatEVER the case may be!! - we, the patients, often get left with results that leave us unhealed - or worse - and sorely soul-drained. I can relate. And I hope each of us are soon blessed with positive outcomes.
Very informative , I am 44 and just been diagnosed . I am due to have the cxl procedure this month.
Terry Tibbs Keep is updated man
Where are you from and how much is it going to cost you? I’m 33 and have been diagnosed. My Mom had to have a corneal transplant about 10years ago and my uncle (on my mom’s side) has it and used to wear the rbg lenses but only wears glasses now
LeahLston it costs here in the uk around $1900 , cxl doesn’t necessary correct your vision but just slows or stops the deformation process. I recommend getting it done ASAP if it’s getting worse. After your van lenses fitted. If you leave it too long you will be unable to have the CXL procedure and the only option will be the transplant.
LeahLston also glasses wont work if you have KC
Just got diagnosed with a mild case of keratoconus. 29 years old watching your video for more information
I Recently found your channel Dr. Allen!
I’m so happy you’ve made a video dedicated to Keratoconus.
I got diagnosed with Keratoconus when I was 20 I’m 23 now.
My vision has gotten worse sadly.
I wear hard lenses & they are definitely a pain in the A**
My right eye is worse than my left eye.
But both are pretty bad LOL
I recently switched eye doctors and man oh man!!!! My new doctor is the best!!!!
(Shepard Eye Santa Maria, California)
He said my Keratoconus is now severe
He suggested I try Scleral Lenses
& WOW!!!! Just wow! I’m very very happy. I just went in a few days ago to make my last payment on them.
(Very expensive if you don’t have insurance like me BTW) but worth every penny.
He said eventually I will have to get Corneal Transplant because I do have a few scars 🥺
I’ll definitely check out the links you’ve provided on you bio.
Thanks for the very informative video Dr.Allen
Do cornial transplant has been done on your eyes?
How much it cost you?
Really terrific video. Thank you very much for spending the time to produce this.
Hey thank you! Happy to hear you got some value out of it!
I've had keratoconus since 2013 and I just got my rgp hard contacts a few weeks ago
can u use rgp lenses while you are using computer . Do lenses make you uncomfortable . I am thinking about have rgp lenses. Would you give me some information i am computer science stundent i am using computer a lot so your information will help me
@@cihandilsiz5228 yes you can use them while using a computer.... At first they'll be uncomfortable, i wore mine for at least 6 hours a day for about 2 weeks just so my eyes could get used to them. Plus if you're wearing them and it feels like your eyes are straining from looking at the screen, just take a few minutes to adjust your eyes and maybe carry around some eye drops
@@derrickgreen11 thanks for help brother . I have ceratoconus on my right eye , everyhing like blurred when i look with right so i see with my left eye . i use comp alot for this reason my left gets tired if i can see with right to its going to be better for left eye. It will be less tired i really worry about my eyes hopefully everything going to be okey . thanks again
bro plz tell me that is contact lens help to stop the progression of kerotoconus because i have kerotoconus too , my doctor suggest me contact lenc i have ordered it since last monday
Hi! I was just diagnosed yesterday with Keratoconus. I knew that my vision wasn't right, and aftter seeing two other eye doctor who told me that my vision was normal , now i find out about this. Thanks for publishing this video. It's great knowing that about the treatmentt option and about insurance and how they off set tthe expense.
I was diagnosed a about 4 years ago. I am 28. I use hard lenses so I can see 2020, I could not read the street signs while driving. I feel like it’s getting worse. I wake up with extremely dry eyes every morning and I suffer from a lot of those eye string things.
I'm using hard lenses I've had that kind of problems if you need any help call me :- 7993941424
I have this disease.
Diagnosed 2018.
I was told it was caused by eye rubbing to the point my eyes would get stuck together when I woke up in mornings. And had to use warm water to open my eyes...
I slacked off hospital visits ,.. personal reasons.. vision worsened.. so around March 2021 I went back to hospital.. 3 days ago I finally now have a pair of hard contacts.
It is quite life changing. I'm still new to it.i wake and having to make sure I am fully awake before I put on my lenses.
Really wish there is a healing process
i'm 29 and was only diagnosed this year. For the past decade i would tell my optician that i think there is more to my eyesight (or lack of) than prescription strength but was told repeatedly either I had large pupils or was expecting too much from glasses. My dad has it but I think it used to be considered a male disease (correct me if I'm wrong) so no one considered it for me. Anyway, I am now in the process of getting scleral lenses and even the tests have been amazing. I cried when i tried my first pair (not even prescriptions ones but they made such a difference). It's taking time to get the right fit but i've seen how much difference it can make and my mind is blown. I didn't realise how little i could see until today (do NOT look in the mirror on your first day) but i saw pores and grey hairs, that's how effective it is. Anyway, if you think you may have this please seek an expert opinion. It makes more of a difference than you think. Naomi
P.s sorry if there are spelling mistakes but as yet i can't actually see what I've written.
Naomi THANK YOU SO MUCH! I love hearing stories like yours and thank you for sharing such outstanding motivation. I hope the scleral lenses work wonders for you. Fitting sclerals is a fun challenge in the clinic and yes often it does take time to get the right fit. (I think men do get keratoconus more often)
Nami Bear i got my scleral lenses 2 days ago and Oh God they are sooooo good i see everything now lool
Been diagnosed with keratoconus 2 years ago. Have had collegen cross linking surgery. Also wear hard lens with a soft piggyback lens
Thank you for this video. I am currently looking into crosslinking, and trying to find more info. I was diagnosed about 5 years ago, but my vision became noticeably worse in the last 6 months. I'm working on finance and my insurance to try to get treated.
Happy to help Janina. I hope everything turns out well for you. Are you currently wearing contacts?
Hi thank you for the video I’m 38 I’ve been dealing with Keratoconus for more than 15 years.. and it took me just last year to find a great doctor that specializes in treating this disease. I use scleral lens now and the comfort is great I get a day of use wearing them.. my left eye is the worst and developed scarring due to previous bad fitting lens ..
I recently found out I may have karataconus your video helped a great deal 👍 and my question is will cross link be a one time procedure..? Or possibly continuous until transplant is needed..?
i have had corneal graft in both eys over 30 years ago. the graft was very good but some years back now my cornea has.started changing again. what treatments fo you have for those who have had a graft?
I was 20 years old when diagnosed. I have had a corneal transplant and now I am getting scleral lenses 20 years later.
Oh my! I wish you the best! I hope you see great! How did the transplant go?
I have keratoconus having bees diagnosed it during the winter when I realized that I couldn’t see with my left eye I had cross linking done in January on both eyes it was painful however there was improvement in my right eye I Saw the optometrist today and he prescribed semi sclera lenses to me I’m 20 years old
Can you explain what are the long term and short term side effects of wearing the Scleral contacts, getting ready to switch from RGP contacts, I’m feeling nervous and scare of the unknown
Some people get rebound redness of the eyes with sclerals (usually if they suction too much on the eye) dryness of the lenses, there was some interesting research about increase eye pressure while wearing them but that is not necessarily a concern. Otherwise they are safe, just be patient with the process as it will take some time to get the right fit.
Doctor Eye Health ok thank you, I truly appreciate your response, not sure if part of the requirements to be an eye Doctor is to be super awesome, but you are and so is my optometrist, us blind people consider you our heroes. I had my first fitting last Friday and they felt super comfy but the putting them in is what is stressing me out, my poor Dr had to try 4 times before he got my contact in, I kept looking at the contact instead of staring straight down.
Your videos have been very informative and helpful. Thank you!
Thanks for the informative video. My son is actually going through the procedure crosslinking right now. Thank god the insurance company covers it. The first night with recovery was quite painful but w in 24hours it is much better. Appreciate all the personal experiences.
I'm 13, just got diagnosed yesterday. So I've probably had it since I was 12. My eye doctor recommended the rigid lenses. My right eye is advanced and left is mild. It is so scary, but watching videos like these make me feel more comfortable. Luckily my eye doctor can do the fitting, but it is so expensive and my parents dont know how much insurance is going to pay. He brought up cross linking. He said he wouldn't and dad didnt seem to interested. Should I get my dad to look more into it? Dad keeps telling me I have a cone eye😥
Bless you and I pray you be healed
This information was so amazing I was born with keratoconus my mother had the illness also she pass away in 2009 I have been researching information all my life thank you so much for this Video please keep posting good information 😇😇😇😇
I was recently got diagnosed, I got crosslinking and then got for for sclerals. I went from 20/320 to 20/15 I was frustrated because I had vision had been really bad for 15+ years and glasses stopped working. I literally cried when I put my sclerals in for the first time!
Amazing story! Thank you for sharing! Hearing that makes me happy I do what I do. God bless Robert
Robert, so youre having a good experience with the Scleral lense? Getting fitted soon…
I have keratoconus, and before Lasek (not Lasik) and CXL surgery, I saw worse than 20/200. I couldn’t even read any line on the eye chart, not even with glasses. Got the surgery, I can see 20/40 with slight squinting. However because my astigmatism is so bad, I have to squint to read below 20/70. I went for glasses and now I have a minor prescription of -0.50, and -0.75. It’s a bad feeling not being able to see 20/20 but it does feel good knowing that CXL manages keratoconus, and it feels good now that I can see things better than I did before the surgery.
I recently found out I had it in one eye more severely than the other a year ago, I’m 26. It’s stressing me out lol
Same, I have an appointment coming up next month. I'm a bit scared of the procedure being done
My left eye is far worse than my right eye but I didn't even notice for years
Thank you for these videos. I was diagnosed with keratoconus just two days ago. I have been told. I am advanced. For many years, I have been telling people my eyesight is getting worse. I felt no one was listening. It endings me having a serious car accident to have my state licence department. I am Australian. To tell me I need a medical check or I will lose my licence for my optometric send me to a specialist. Even though I am still in shock and coming to terms with it, I am relieved all my symptoms make sense. I was told I am advance and will need surgery but in some ways I am relieved as the though of contact lenses scare the living daylights out of my. I'm having a finger near my eyeballs makes me freeze up with fear.
Sir, i have keratoconous from my childhood.. It was detected when i was 14 but it already was moderate so from then i m using hard lenses.... From last 10 years i was on RGP but now my doctor gave me MCGUIREs.... Still i had not been through any treatment...but from some days. I m experiencing some floaters in my eyes... I want to ask you... What should i do to remove these floaters??!
@DoctorEyeHealth I’ve been diagnosed with Keratoconus in 2000. I’ve had a corneal transplant on both eyes. The right eye in 2012 and the left eye in 2018. I’m actually about to start wearing a scleral lens for the left eye for the first time today.