One of the most common misconceptions I encounter is the idea that "you just need to wear glasses." However, the reality is much more complex. While glasses can help improve vision—they do make things a bit clearer—keratoconus involves more than just nearsightedness or farsightedness. Vision is a multifaceted experience, and keratoconus relates to how the cornea processes both light and shadow. It reminds me of art or photography, where light influences shape, mood, and clarity. That’s exactly how it feels. Each day presents a different visual experience depending on how my cornea interacts with light.
Glasses assist me, but they don't solve every issue. Some tasks remain challenging, not due to my prescription, but because of the way my eyes perceive the world. For instance, there have been times when I’ve gone to brunch and found it difficult to read a chalkboard menu—not because I forgot my glasses, but because the color of the chalk blended into the board depending on the lighting and my vision that day. Another misconception is that I always need a bright screen. This isn’t true. Some days, I require full brightness; on others, I need the light to be dimmed. My eyes are in a constant state of recalibration. While I generally see better during the daytime, I, like anyone else, need a moment to adjust.
I don’t abruptly throw open the curtains first thing in the morning; my eyes need time to adapt to the daylight. For many of us with keratoconus, vision can’t be easily fixed by a pair of glasses. It’s a delicate dance with light, color, contrast, and time. If you’ve ever struggled to explain your visual experience to others, know that you’re not alone. And if you’re someone trying to learn about keratoconus—thank you for paying attention. We don't all see the same light, and that's perfectly okay.
