Living with Keratoconus: A Survival Guide

You Are Not Alone

Keratoconus affects approximately 1 in 2,000 people (new studies suggest it may be as common as 1 in 400). It can be isolating to see the world differently from everyone else, but with the right management, you can live a completely normal life.

Practical Tips for Daily Life

• Hydration: Drink more water. It helps tear production, which makes contact lens wear more comfortable.
• Sunglasses: UV protection is crucial, but also helps with the light sensitivity (photophobia) characteristic of KC.
• The "rubbing" Rule: Never, ever rub your eyes. Use artificial tears (preservative-free) if they itch. Rubbing is the enemy.

Navigating Insurance

Many patients are denied coverage initially because insurance companies classify contact lenses as "cosmetic."

The Loophole: You need a provider who bills them as "Medically Necessary Contact Lenses". Because glasses cannot correct your vision to a functional level, these lenses are not cosmetic—they are a prosthetic necessity. Our office specializes in these types of prior authorizations to maximize your benefits.