Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

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Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

We are a UK based charity run by a committee all of whom have a passion for helping those with this condition.

We have a Website, Forum, newsletters and Conferences.

19/08/2026

👁️ It’s Contact Lens Health Week!

For many people living with keratoconus, contact lenses are an essential part of everyday life – which makes looking after your lenses and your eyes especially important.

We’ve put together 5 simple reminders for healthy contact lens wear. 👆

And remember, different types of specialist lenses can have different care requirements, so always follow the cleaning, wearing and replacement advice given by your contact lens practitioner.

What’s your number one tip for looking after your lenses? Share it with the KC community below! 💙

05/08/2026

📅 Join us for our next Keratoconus Group Drop-In Zoom Meeting!

On Wednesday 19th August, we're delighted to be joined by Zsuzsanna Szabo, an Employment Specialist from Support4Sight, who will be talking about the support available to help people with keratoconus manage work alongside their condition.

Whether you're currently in work, looking for employment, or simply want to learn more about workplace support and reasonable adjustments, this is a great opportunity to ask questions in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Our drop-in meetings are open to everyone affected by keratoconus, so come along, meet others in the community and join the conversation.

To register your interest and receive the Zoom joining details, please email [email protected]

We look forward to seeing you online! 💙

22/07/2026

For many people with keratoconus, contact lenses aren't just about improving vision -they're what make it possible to work, drive, study and live independently.

Read the full story about why protecting specialist NHS contact lens services matters to so many people in our community:
https://keratoconus-group.org.uk/vital-nhs-contact-lens-service-for-keratoconus-patients-set-to-close/

15/07/2026

What a fantastic few days for the Keratoconus Group in the West Midlands! 💙

Last week, members of our team were delighted to attend Sight Village, where we had the opportunity to meet so many people, raise awareness of keratoconus, and connect with the wider sight loss community.

We also held our West Midlands Meet-Up at Aston University, where we were joined by Dr Waheeda Illahi, who spoke about her recent research involving people living with keratoconus. It was a fascinating discussion, and we're incredibly grateful to Dr Illahi for sharing her insights and taking the time to answer questions from attendees.

A big thank you to everyone who came along and helped make both events such a success. It was wonderful to catch up with familiar faces and welcome new ones to the community.

📸 Pictured: Caroline Dyer, John Thatcher, David Gable, Martin Rubenstein and Dr Waheeda Illahi

We look forward to seeing you at another Keratoconus Group event soon!

10/07/2026

🔬Exciting news for keratoconus research!**

A landmark new eye imaging dataset is set to accelerate research into diseases affecting the front of the eye, including keratoconus.

By giving researchers access to one of the world's largest anonymised collections of anterior segment eye scans, this groundbreaking resource has the potential to improve our understanding of disease progression, support the development of AI-powered diagnostic tools, and ultimately help shape the future of patient care.

Read the full article: https://keratoconus-group.org.uk/latest-research-news-landmark-dataset-to-accelerate-research-on-anterior-segment-eye-disease/

Every breakthrough starts with better data, and this is an important step forward for the keratoconus community. 💙

08/07/2026

At our recent AGM in London, attendees heard an insightful presentation exploring the relationship between keratoconus and a range of other health conditions, and whether there is cause for concern.

We've now published a detailed blog covering the key points from the talk, including current research, known associations, and what people living with keratoconus should know.

Read the full article and learn more about this important topic: https://keratoconus-group.org.uk/keratoconus-and-other-health-conditions-any-cause-for-concern/

03/07/2026

📍 Reminder: Our Birmingham Meet-Up is next Wednesday!

We're looking forward to seeing members of the keratoconus community for our next face-to-face meet-up on Wednesday 8th July at 11:00am.

📍 Venue:
Vision Sciences Building (co-located with Aston University Eye Clinic)
Aston University Campus, Aston Street, Birmingham, B4 7ET
➡️ Please enter via Reception (not the student entrance) and head to Room VS130 on the first floor.

👉 Swipe through the post to see photos of the venue, so you know exactly where to find us!

We're delighted that Dr Waheeda Illahi, Head of Optometry at Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre, will be joining us to share her expertise and answer your questions.

If you're attending Sight Village, why not come along and meet us too? It's the perfect opportunity to connect with others living with keratoconus, hear from an expert, and chat with the Keratoconus Group team.

🎟️ You can still book your FREE ticket for Sight Village if you haven't already here:
https://www.qac.ac.uk/exhibitions/sight-village-central-is-back-in-birmingham-in-2026--dont-miss-it/1915.htm

We hope to see you there! 💙

01/07/2026

July is Dry Eye Awareness Month

Did you know that people with keratoconus are more likely to experience dry eye symptoms than those without the condition?

Research has consistently shown that dry eye disease is significantly more common in people with keratoconus, with studies finding that the majority of keratoconus patients report symptoms such as dryness, irritation, burning, fluctuating vision and eye fatigue.

Why does keratoconus increase dry eye symptoms?

🔹 Tear film instability
People with keratoconus often have a less stable tear film, meaning tears evaporate more quickly and the surface of the eye dries out faster.

🔹 Changes to the corneal nerves
Keratoconus can affect the nerves within the cornea, which play an important role in tear production and maintaining a healthy ocular surface.

🔹 Eye rubbing
Many people with keratoconus also experience allergies and itchy eyes. Frequent eye rubbing can worsen irritation, inflammation and dry eye symptoms.

🔹 Contact lens wear
Specialist contact lenses can be life-changing for vision, but they may also contribute to dryness and discomfort for some wearers.

What can help?

✅ Use preservative-free lubricating eye drops if recommended by your eye care professional
✅ Stay hydrated throughout the day
✅ Take regular screen breaks and remember to blink fully
✅ Manage allergies and avoid rubbing your eyes
✅ Discuss contact lens comfort issues with your optometrist or contact lens specialist
✅ Consider using a humidifier if indoor air is particularly dry

If your eyes often feel dry, gritty or tired, you're not alone. Dry eye is a common part of the keratoconus journey - but there are ways to manage the symptoms and improve comfort.

28/06/2026

It was wonderful to see Susie and Chantelle representing the Keratoconus Group at today's Moorfields Eye to Eye Walk! 💙👣

A fantastic day bringing together patients, supporters, clinicians and the wider eye care community to raise awareness and support vital research into sight loss.

We hope everyone that attended had an amazing day!

22/06/2026

It’s Small Charity Week 💙

While we weren’t selected for this year’s official match funding campaign, every donation, big or small, still makes a real difference to our volunteer-led charity and the keratoconus community we support.

From raising awareness to providing information, support and advocacy, your generosity helps us continue our work for people living with keratoconus across the UK.

If you’d like to support us this Small Charity Week, you can donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/charity/kshsa

Thank you for helping small charities make a big impact 💙

Address

London

Telephone

+442089934759

Website

https://www.keratoconus-group.org.uk/

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