Shortly after my scarring, I asked the ophthalmologist who treated me about the possibility of undergoing PTK in the future. He gave me the impression that it wouldn't be an option for me although he was so rushed and distracted that I don't think he really explained why. Now that it's been a couple of years and my cornea has had a chance to heal, I'm thinking about getting a second opinion - hopefully from someone who has the time to sit down with me and answer my questions.
I think I'm at a point now where I won't be completely devastated if I get an answer I don't want. I've always been scared of surgery and the risks involved but if I could get some of the sharpness back it would be a dream come true. If not, then I'll just keep waiting and hoping for the existing technology to advance. It won't be the end of the world.
If anyone who reads this has had surgery to improve corneal scarring, I'd love to hear about it!
6 months ago, I developed a corneal ulcer which then healed with a corneal scar. The scar was right in the center of my line of vision in that eye. I used prednisone drops for about 5 months. At first the vision in that eye was about 20/100. Driving was not a good experience, and night driving was worse with all the halos I saw. I also could see a white line when I looked at anything. My eye improved little by little to 20/40 on my best day, after about 4 months. My corneal specialist did not think that the risk v. reward of surgery was worth it. He referred me to an optometrist who specializes in prescribing gas permeable lenses. I had never worn "hard" lenses before, only soft lenses. The gas permeable lens is able to smooth the surface of the cornea to the extent that my vision is significantly improved! I am thrilled! I do not know how many people have tried this for corneal scarring. The gas permeable lens is superior to my soft lenses and my monofocal glasses and my progressive glasses as far as my visual acuity is concerned. Even the soft lenses give me better vision than glasses. While my new lenses have taken some getting used to, I am able to wear them for 12 hours a day now after only 10 days of use. It is so great to be able to play tennis and clearly see the ball at a distance and close up and to be able to recognize faces from across a large room. Driving is like it used to be! The hard lenses are expensive ($500 a pair), but they are worth it. I urge anyone who is struggling with their corneal scarring to try them. It is best to get your corneal specialist/ophthamologist to refer you to an optometrist who specializes in these type of lenses. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your experience. I'm so glad to hear you found a solution that works for you!
ReplyDeleteAdding another "success story" for RGP contact lenses.
ReplyDeleteI have a central corneal scar, due to an episode of bacterial keratitis 3 months ago. With the aid of an RGP contact lens, visual acuity in the affected eye has been almost completely restored. I didn't expect this good an outcome at the start of this whole ordeal and I'm hopeful that the scar will fade some more over time.
To anyone suffering from the symptoms of corneal scars: RGP contact lenses may offer an adequate therapy. Best of luck!