Keratoconus: Gabe's - USA

Gabe's Keratoconus Story

By Gabe in The USA

I was diagnosed with Keratoconus in 2000. Keratoconus is a disease that causes the degenerative thinning of the cornea and usually starts with astigmatism. Many people don’t even realize they have the disease. One in five people with keratoconus will need to have a corneal transplant at some point in their lives. Fortunately, I am one of those who will not.

I’ve worn glasses regularly since 2000 and switched to a new eye doctor a year ago. The doctor who initially diagnosed me with Keratoconus gave me a prescription that was way too strong — about twice the prescription I currently have. I learned today (May 9th, 2003) that my eyes are actually getting better — and I’m going to be able to further reduce the strength of the prescription in my left eye (the really bad one) by an additional 25%. (So I’ll get brand spankin’ new glasses just in time for the wedding.)

Of about 10,000 Keratoconus patients, my doctor told me, I’m one of two whose eyes are actually improving, rather than getting worse. And on a Keratoconus scale of 1-20, where 20 is the worst, my eyes are in the 2-4 range. Not too shabby, eh?

I decided 3 years ago when I was diagnosed with the disease that I never wanted to go through a corneal transplant surgery — even later in life. My doctor told me today that I will not have to. That’s the power of positive thinking.

We are happy to report that Gabe continues to this very day the same with his Keratoconus.

All content is subject to change from first appearing and is intended as an informational series and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice.