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Three years ago, I was in the process of completing my last year at the University at Albany, diligently working on earning my graduate degree in Education Administration. It was the last of 6 years of hard work and dedication and I was so excited to be on the verge of fulfilling my dreams of concluding my coursework and looking forward to my future. Never in my wildest dream did I imagine that I would be hit with the devastating news that would change my life!
I remember wearing regular contacts wondering why they just seemed to stop working. I decided to go to an eye specialist to get tested, and they gave me an extremely strong prescription for eyeglasses, so strong that I couldn’t wear my glasses without getting headaches. I went for a second opinion and it was then that I was diagnosed with Keratoconus, a progressive non-inflammatory disorder of the eyes that causes thinning and cone–like steepening of the cornea. This steepening results in distortion of vision, increased sensitivity to glare and reduction in visual acuity. When I was informed about the disorder, I was told the only treatment that would cure my condition would be a cornea transplant, where my corneas would be removed and replaced with a donor’s. This left me feeling helpless and depressed because I was losing my sight and there was nothing I could do to stop it. I was told that I could no longer wear glasses and that I needed special contacts. Initially fitted for hard contacts, we learned that they did not work for me. I wear soft contact lenses now but because my vision changes daily, the soft lenses are not assisting me with my vision. Presently, I am unable to see out of my right eye and just recently it was discovered that the condition has progressed to my left eye.
I live in fear that one day I will wake up and no longer have the ability to see. At 25 years old, I have difficulty reading, focusing on day to day tasks, driving—especially at night and cringe at the thought that I could one day lose my sight and become blind. I do not want to even imagine not being able to see the sun rise, sun set, flowers in bloom, and the faces of my loved ones or the children I have yet to have.
After countless doctor appointments and hours of independent research…. there is hope. I discovered that there exist medical procedures that can help to restore my vision in my right eye and likely stop the progression of the disorder in the left. Located 6,000 miles away, the only doctor: Brian S. Boxer Wachler, MD that performs this potentially sight—saving procedure is located in Los Angeles, California at the Boxer Wachler Vision Institute. Unfortunately my insurance will not cover the 4 procedures it has been determined that I would need: Holcomb C3-R Proprietary, Non-Invasive Corneal Collagen Crosslinking (for both eyes) and CK for Astigmatism and Intacs (lenses that will be placed permanently inside my cornea) for the right.
As a recent college graduate, glad to be working and searching to find my place in this world do not have the funds to cover the procedures, estimated at $17,000, even with what I have managed to save and with the assistance of my family. Any support no matter how small would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for reading my story and hope you consider helping me before my lights go dark forever.
I remember wearing regular contacts wondering why they just seemed to stop working. I decided to go to an eye specialist to get tested, and they gave me an extremely strong prescription for eyeglasses, so strong that I couldn’t wear my glasses without getting headaches. I went for a second opinion and it was then that I was diagnosed with Keratoconus, a progressive non-inflammatory disorder of the eyes that causes thinning and cone–like steepening of the cornea. This steepening results in distortion of vision, increased sensitivity to glare and reduction in visual acuity. When I was informed about the disorder, I was told the only treatment that would cure my condition would be a cornea transplant, where my corneas would be removed and replaced with a donor’s. This left me feeling helpless and depressed because I was losing my sight and there was nothing I could do to stop it. I was told that I could no longer wear glasses and that I needed special contacts. Initially fitted for hard contacts, we learned that they did not work for me. I wear soft contact lenses now but because my vision changes daily, the soft lenses are not assisting me with my vision. Presently, I am unable to see out of my right eye and just recently it was discovered that the condition has progressed to my left eye.
I live in fear that one day I will wake up and no longer have the ability to see. At 25 years old, I have difficulty reading, focusing on day to day tasks, driving—especially at night and cringe at the thought that I could one day lose my sight and become blind. I do not want to even imagine not being able to see the sun rise, sun set, flowers in bloom, and the faces of my loved ones or the children I have yet to have.
After countless doctor appointments and hours of independent research…. there is hope. I discovered that there exist medical procedures that can help to restore my vision in my right eye and likely stop the progression of the disorder in the left. Located 6,000 miles away, the only doctor: Brian S. Boxer Wachler, MD that performs this potentially sight—saving procedure is located in Los Angeles, California at the Boxer Wachler Vision Institute. Unfortunately my insurance will not cover the 4 procedures it has been determined that I would need: Holcomb C3-R Proprietary, Non-Invasive Corneal Collagen Crosslinking (for both eyes) and CK for Astigmatism and Intacs (lenses that will be placed permanently inside my cornea) for the right.
As a recent college graduate, glad to be working and searching to find my place in this world do not have the funds to cover the procedures, estimated at $17,000, even with what I have managed to save and with the assistance of my family. Any support no matter how small would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for reading my story and hope you consider helping me before my lights go dark forever.