Keratoconus -devastating news - advice please

Sniggle_2

Hi,

I am 45 and have had a corneal graft in my left eye due to keratoconus and also have it in my right eye.
I had an eye test today as I noticed my sight was worsening (I often have to have prescription changes) but was told that they can no longer give me glasses that will enable me to drive.
Basically, I have been told that I will never drive again. I'm a teacher and keratoconus doesn't affect my work but I need to get there!

If anyone can offer any advice about what I can do now, I would be more than grateful. Thank you.

DomRavioli

Why not see if you can get Access to Work? they can help with getting to and from work for disabled people.

Gov.uk website will have more, a quick google will find you the page.

Sniggle_2

Thank you Fan. I'll do that

lavandergirl_2

Any chance of moving close to work?
Can you consider tutoring? Students can come to your house instead.

Sorry to hear about your news. Goodluck and all the best.

starrystarry

Is it worth getting a second opinion from another optician?

Sniggle_2

I do private tutoring in the evenings. I was about to take on a new role as assistant head in September so tutoring during the day will nowhere be enough money.Our house is on the market because we are downsizing. My partner has children here so he won't move but I work in London anyway and the houses are far too expensive there

theoretica

I second the idea of seeking a second opinion - with a consultant not an ordinary optician. You mention glasses but have specialist contact lenses been explored?

Sniggle_2

We have tried lenses but because I have so many allergies my eyes are extra sensitive and will Not tolerate them

suejb2

I too have Keratoconus and the same age ,which contacts have you tried ?When I was first diagonosed glasses wouldn't rectify it so I was given lenses,hard ones at first bit I couldn't get used to them,now I have a new type (the name eludes me) but they are both hard and soft and my vision is 20/20.

tidus

The poster has had a corneal graft - they are not going to be wearing contact lenses with replaced corneas.

I would get a second sight test with another optician, just in case, and arrange to see your consultant to see if anything further can be done.

Other than that, you're on public transport/taxi etc - did you never consider that perhaps this day would come?

Tombola591

It might be worth asking about scleral lenses. They're a speciality contact lens used for people with keratoconus, and I'm not totally sure but I think they can be used by people who've had corneal grafts.