As we look forward to the final of ITV’s Dancing on Ice, it’s inspiring to see one of the celebrities performing despite living with a long-term eye condition.
Michela Strachan, 58, known for her work on shows like The Really Wild Show, Countryfile, and Springwatch, has openly shared that she suffers from a condition called keratoconus. This condition causes the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, to thin and become more cone-shaped. This can lead to blurred vision, light sensitivity, and glare in some cases.
Michela has managed her keratoconus with rigid contact lenses, which, while effective, can sometimes be uncomfortable. In 2021, she shared a happy milestone with her followers on Instagram. After 15 years of wearing rigid lenses, she was able to switch to soft lenses.
She described the change:
“Yesterday was an eye-opener, literally. After 15 years of wearing hard contact lenses for my eye condition, keratoconus, I’ve now been prescribed soft lenses, and only for my right eye.
It’s like swapping stilettos for slippers! It’s a game-changer! I’m in such a good mood now! (This will probably only resonate with anyone else who’s had eye issues!)”
Keratoconus affects around 1 in 3,000 to 1 in 10,000 people. While there may be a genetic link, it’s more commonly found in people with allergies. It is often detected during routine eye tests, and optometrists can refer patients to specialists for treatments like special contact lenses or corneal crosslinking. In rare cases, a corneal transplant may be necessary.
Regular eye exams are crucial—not just to help you see your best, but to catch any changes early. If issues like keratoconus arise, early detection means your optometrist can offer treatments or referrals before the condition progresses.
