Trent Johnston, star of TLC’s 7 Little Johnstons, recently received a diagnosis of Keratoconus after undergoing an MRI and subsequent eye exam. This diagnosis comes after experiencing concerning symptoms and seeking medical advice.
In a recent episode of 7 Little Johnstons, Trent consulted with ophthalmologist Dr. Hinson. Dr. Hinson explained that Keratoconus is a condition characterized by an irregularly shaped cornea, the front surface of the eye. Instead of being round, the cornea bulges outward, resembling a cone. This irregularity distorts vision, making glasses less effective in correcting the problem.
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Dr. Hinson likened Trent’s cornea to a balloon that bulges outward when pressed. This bulge creates distorted vision and makes traditional eyeglasses a less effective solution. He showed Trent scans of his eye, highlighting the irregular shape and explaining how it impacts his sight.
Trent revealed that this was the first time a doctor had explicitly explained the severity of his astigmatism and its potential connection to other symptoms like vertigo and eye movement issues. While astigmatism itself might not be the direct cause of these problems, the Keratoconus diagnosis provided a clearer understanding of his overall eye health.
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According to the Mayo Clinic, astigmatism is a common eye condition caused by an irregularly shaped cornea. This irregular shape prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, leading to blurred or distorted vision. Keratoconus is a more severe form of astigmatism.
Dr. Hinson recommended hard contact lenses for Trent. These lenses create a smooth, regular surface over the cornea, effectively correcting the vision distortion caused by Keratoconus. He explained that the hard lenses would essentially reshape his eye, providing clearer vision than glasses. In severe cases of Keratoconus, a cornea transplant might be necessary, but Dr. Hinson was hopeful that the hard contact lenses would be sufficient for Trent.
Initially hesitant about hard contact lenses, Trent ultimately expressed his determination to address the issue and improve his vision. He acknowledged his discomfort with eye procedures but emphasized his readiness to embrace the solution. 7 Little Johnstons continues to air on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on TLC, allowing viewers to follow Trent’s journey with Keratoconus.
