I participate in the online Keratoconus Forum. This forum was set up in order to answer questions and introduce information on research projects that could possibly be helpful for those who have developed Keratoconus (KC).
Most people who first find out they have KC are scared and have a lot of questions. Many times, they have a diagnosis, but their doctor doesn't really know much about KC. So Doc either tells them nothing, or completely scares the wits out of these people by passing on folklore or false information. I am always more than happy to try to help these people understand more about what they can expect from this condition.
There is one type of person that I will not respond to. Invariably this type of person is new to the forum and is writing in because s/he has just found out they have KC. They are also invariably at the beginning stages of KC and still are able to wear glasses to correct their vision. People of this type are not hard to spot because the way they present themselves is with an "I need my eyes more than you do" attitude. Those are the people that include in their message with "I'm a graphics artist/architect/IT person, so I really need to be able to see."
Well, I've got news for those folks. Every one of us on that forum needs our eyes. We are used to being able to see (to a greater or lesser extent). It is a major hassle, and very expensive, for each person to have to go to the eye doctor every week for a couple of months before getting acceptable correction and comfort out of contacts. It has a major impact on any KCer's life when it is found that contacts no longer work and a cornea graft is needed (assuming one has insurance). The long recuperation time needed after a graft can put one out of work for up to a year (or more).
You, as a graphics artist/architect/IT person, do not need your eyes any more than anyone who has developed KC. No matter whether they are hamburger flippers, house wives, hourly workers, management or any other job - every one of the people on the forum needs their eyes. Sure, if worse comes to worse, job training and braille lessons may be the only choice - but for now all those people need their eyes.
You, as a graphics artist/architect/IT person, are not special to demand that we pay additional attention to you because you "need your eyes". In fact you may be luckier than a good portion of the people on the forum. The careers invariable mentioned usually come with higher pay, more flexibility and better benefits than the average person gets. You not only most likely have insurance, but you probably have the income to afford the new contacts every couple of months should your eyes undergo rapid changes. Many people have neither insurance nor the income that allows them this option (which means that they go without being able to see in at least one eye).
You, as a graphics artist/architect/IT person, are most probably able to arrange your schedule so that if you have a "bad eye day", you can rest your eyes and make up work at some other time. Others do not have that luxury (can you say "day off = no pay" and "set shift"?).
I understand that you are scared. I understand that at the moment you feel helpless. I am not insensitive to your plight. But, you must understand that eyesight is precious to every one of us. Do not slight us by implying that your eyesight is more important than ours.
Excellent. You have posted this over in the forum, yes?
How about on the KC-Link email list?
Posted by: Greg | September 24, 2003 at 01:25 AM
No I haven't posted it on the forum because I believe I will do more harm than good - just in the interest of getting it off my chest.
I prefer to think that these people don't really think they need their eyesite more than others, they just come across that way.
Posted by: bogie | September 24, 2003 at 03:10 AM
As a graphic designer with as-yet undiagnosed vision problems, I think you guys are being a little insensitive. I'm sure all people who are first diagnosed are devastated. NOBODY wants to lose their visual accuity. I'm sure it's hard to be patient with someone who seems to think that thier problems are more far-reaching than anyone else's, but the reality is, they're just scared and probably need the support the most.
It's important to understand that not all graphic designers can just "take a bad eye day", deadlines are a big issue, and missing them can cost you your clientelle. Many graphic designers work for small firms or independently and don't have insurance either. Very few graphic designers actually fall under the category of "higher pay", unless you call $12 and hour higher pay. But the most important of all for Graphic Designers: if you can't see color and contrast clearly, you're out of a job. No pay, no insurance, no livelihood. Ultimately, this is why they are so afraid that they ooze the above mentioned "attitude".
Most designers genuinely LOVE their job. It's a very sad proposition to face not only the loss of your vision, but your artistic outlet and creative expression. Think about what it would feel like to lose not only your vision, but your livelihood and greatest joy all in one shot. That's a lot of sh*t to get heaped on you at once. I myself admit to being TERRIFIED of getting a CK diagnosis (or worse!). I have thought of all these things... I have to face it every day when I go to work as I fight with color loss, contrast loss, haloed images and headaches from an inadequate lens perscription. It sucks, and I sure could use some advice.
Nobody wants to loose their vision. Nobody wants the uncertainty, fear and expense of dealing with a disease like Keratoconus. So instead of hanging those guys out to dry, try showing them they aren't alone in their despair.
Posted by: magic frog | June 14, 2006 at 10:48 PM
You missed all my caring and feeling in the post:
"I understand that you are scared. I understand that at the moment you feel helpless. I am not insensitive to your plight"
And guess what? "It's a very sad proposition to face not only the loss of your vision, but your artistic outlet and creative expression." What do you think happens when I lose my sight? I lose my job, my vision and my artistic outlet and creative expression. I fail to see how it is any different between a designer and myself, a hamburger flipper or housewife.
AND, you misunderstand me, I didn't withold comment out of mean-spiritedness (although God knows, I am a very mean person - just check out any of the quizes I have taken and posted), but because I knew I couldn't answer in the sensitive manner they wanted.
However, it doesn't matter any more because that forum is no longer around.
Good luck with getting your condition diagnosed. I truly hope it is something that can be treated (in one manner or another).
Posted by: bogie | June 15, 2006 at 04:06 AM