A patient shares his Keratoconus story all the way from diagnosis to after his crosslinking procedure. Seeing this process from start to finish through an actual patient’s eyes is so important to share! We know there are a lot of you out there doing research. If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with keratoconus, come in and have a consultation today!
Thank you so much for sharing this, we are so happy to have helped you in your journey! Best of wishes for you and your vision from all of the doctors and staff at Slade & Baker Vision Center!
3/31/2014
I was diagnosed with keratoconus March 2013, after a routine check-up with an Optometrist at a local shopping store. Nothing was explained to me until January 2014 when my vision became distorted with corrective lenses. I went back to this Optometrist, only to find out the disease had progressed significantly. Without much knowledge of the potentially-blinding eye disease, I was devastated. The Optometrist did not provide much information, only explaining that the only treatment available is a corneal transplant. Until then, I can be fitted for R.G.P. contact lenses. Immediately after I got home, I began my research about keratoconus; available treatments, causes, and Ophthalmologist with experience in treating this disease.I came across Slade & Baker Vision Center’s website while doing research about keratoconus. I read the information on the website about the CXL cross linking treatment. This caught my attention quickly, as I feared a corneal transplant. After comparing Slade & Baker to another institution in Texas, I decided to call Slade & Baker to schedule a consultation. From the very first interaction with the staff, I felt comfortable with my decision. The staff were very nice, helpful, and informative. Finally, came the day of my consultation, I had tons of questions for the doctor about my diagnosis. I was greeted as soon as I entered the door, I was a bit nervous but excited that I would finally have answers. I was taken to the back where they performed a series of test on three different machines, I was even given an eye exam. I was truly impressed, as this was only a consultation. After the tests, I was taken to a room where Dr. Baker and an assistant began the consultation and evaluating my eyes more. Dr. Baker along with the assistant answered all my questions, never gave me false hope, but gave me hope, nonetheless. Considering all the information I received during my consultation, I went home to discuss the disease with my family and explain the treatments available. I made my decision after much thought, I chose Slade & Baker to perform my CXL procedure.
March 18, 2014, was the day of the procedure! I decided to have the treatment done on both eyes. A nervous wreck, I was thankful for the very nice and helpful front-desk assistant, Kate, who explained to me what was going to take place that day. Not long after sitting down in the waiting room, I taken to the O.R. where Sandra began to get me ready for my procedure. I felt very comfortable with Sandra, she explained everything that was being done during the procedure. The procedure took three hours, but it seemed shorter because Sandra was there the whole time. Not only do they explain to you what is going on, but they comfort you with conversation, it really makes the time go by fast. After the procedure, my eyes were examined once again. I was given medication for the eyes. They explained to me everything to expect post-op.
I would highly recommend Slade & Baker to anyone diagnosed with keratoconus. They are very knowledgeable about the disease. I cannot say enough about the great staff, they treated me awesome. They went and continue to go above and beyond for me.
Thank you, Dr. Slade & Baker!
– A.L.
