I must have been 10 years old when a local optician came to our school to give us a free eye examination. I was called up and after examining me, he informed me that I have only 30% vision and he was concern that I might have keratoconus. He suggested that I go see an Ophthalmologist (an eye surgeon or specialist).
That evening I gave my parents the letter I was given from the school. My parents didn’t seemed concern. Till this day I don’t know why. Two years passed, but wasn’t that the worse days of my live. Children can be monsters. I was called many things and none of my friend would play with me. I used to frequent the principal’s office because; my books were never up to date. This was because I was unable to copy from the chalk board. This combination was ‘deadly’.
Eventually, my parent came to realize and they finally made an appointment with the Ophthalmologist, DR Krouse. He did a full examination and confirmed I had a hereditary condition called Keratoconus. Looking through the family, there was nobody that ever had eye problems. He feather explained keratoconus simple means a cone-shaped cornea, that causes the clear layer of the eye to bulge forward just like a cone. The cornea is the focal layer of the eye and this cone shaping blurs ones vision. If unattended to,it will frost up the cornea and total vision can be lost.
At the time we had 2 options and 1 so called solution.
I could wear hard contact lenses that will improve my vision and it would prevent the cornea deteriorating feather.
I needed to have a cornea graft (cornea transplant) done
Bought these options were not possible as my age at that time would not warrant it. Technology was against me. So I was forced to opt for the so ‘called solution’ of wearing spectacles. At first this was great as my vision improved from 30% TO 50-55%. I was ontop of the world. Sooner or later I would realize that this was a makeup solution.
By the time I reach 14 year I needed better solution. Finally at the age of 16 years I was fitted with contact lenses. This was the best thing ever. My vision improves to almost to 85%. Once again this was a temporary. It lasted much longer the spectacles.
The lenses became unbearable to wear as the cornea deteriorated. I needed the cornea graft and I was placed onto a waiting list. Four months later I had the graft done to my right eye.
The cornea rejected. I was at the Ophthalmologist rooms daily. Dr Krouse tried all he could. He during one appointment decided to inject steroid into my eye. Imagine a needle coming for your eye and piecing the eye .................................. I operation needed to be redone with a new cornea. Changes where staked against me. All thanks to the Almighty this time I had no problem.
However, the left eye needed to be done. All went well .Both my eyes healed .I do still need to wear contact lenses, its lots more comfortable.
Most people have an opportunity to see a miracle every now and then .I live a miracle ever time I open my eyes.