Living and Working with Keratoconus: Navigating Vision Challenges in the Workplace

Understanding Keratoconus in the Workplace

Keratoconus is an eye condition in which the cornea gradually becomes thinner and develops an irregular, cone-like shape.

This change can affect the way light enters the eye and may result in blurred or distorted vision, glare and sensitivity to bright light. The condition can affect people differently, and its impact may change over time.

Living with keratoconus can create challenges in the workplace, particularly when tasks involve computer screens, detailed documents, bright lighting or extended periods of visual concentration.

However, keratoconus does not automatically prevent someone from building a successful and productive career.

With appropriate support, suitable technology and practical workplace adjustments, many people can continue performing their roles effectively.

Common Workplace Challenges

The experience of keratoconus varies between individuals.

Some people may experience challenges such as:

• blurred or distorted text
• difficulty recognising fine details
• glare from windows or overhead lighting
• sensitivity to bright screens
• difficulty working in low-light environments
• eye strain after extended periods of concentration
• frequent changes to vision correction
• difficulty recognising people from a distance

These challenges may be more noticeable during computer work, reading, driving or tasks that require precision.

The support required should therefore be based on the individual, their role and the barriers they experience.

Vision Correction and Clinical Support

People with keratoconus may use different forms of vision correction depending on the progression and characteristics of their condition.

These may include:

• prescription glasses during earlier stages
• rigid gas-permeable contact lenses
• scleral contact lenses
• other specialised contact lenses
• corneal cross-linking
• corneal transplantation in some advanced cases

Corneal cross-linking may help slow or stop progression in suitable patients, while a corneal transplant may be considered when other forms of correction are no longer effective. Treatment decisions should always be discussed with a qualified optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Practical Workplace Adjustments

Small adjustments can make a meaningful difference to comfort and productivity.

Display Adjustments

Computer settings can be adjusted to make digital content easier to view.

Helpful options may include:

• increasing text size
• using browser zoom
• adjusting screen brightness
• increasing colour contrast
• using dark mode where suitable
• changing font size and spacing
• using a larger or additional monitor

The best display settings will vary depending on the person, their vision and the work being completed.

Lighting and Glare

Bright overhead lighting, direct sunlight and reflections from screens can create discomfort.

Possible adjustments may include:

• repositioning the workstation
• reducing direct glare
• using blinds or window coverings
• adjusting overhead lighting
• using a suitable desk lamp
• applying an anti-glare screen filter

Lighting should be adjusted in consultation with the person rather than assuming one setup will work for everyone.

Flexible Breaks

Tasks requiring prolonged visual focus can contribute to eye strain and fatigue.

Short, regular breaks may help reduce discomfort and allow the eyes to rest.

Where possible, employees may also benefit from alternating between screen-based and non-screen-based tasks.

Flexible Work Arrangements

Depending on the role and individual needs, flexible working arrangements may help manage visual fatigue and travel difficulties.

This might include:

• remote or hybrid work
• adjusted start and finish times
• additional short breaks
• scheduling visually demanding tasks at suitable times
• flexibility for medical appointments

Assistive Technology

Assistive and built-in accessibility tools can support people who experience difficulty reading or navigating digital content.

These may include:

• screen magnification
• text-to-speech software
• voice control
• high-contrast display settings
• operating-system zoom tools
• larger monitors
• keyboard navigation
• customised browser settings

The most appropriate tools depend on the person’s needs and the systems used in their workplace.

Clear Communication With Employers

Open communication can help employers better understand the barriers an employee experiences.

An employee may choose to explain:

• which tasks are difficult
• how lighting affects their vision
• which tools or adjustments help
• whether visual fatigue changes during the day
• whether flexibility is needed for appointments or treatment

The focus should remain on practical support and the employee’s ability to perform their role.

People should not be expected to share more medical information than is reasonably necessary to discuss workplace adjustments.

Designing More Accessible Workplaces

Employers can support people with keratoconus and other vision-related access needs by improving the accessibility of workplace systems.

This may include:

• using accessible documents
• providing clear headings and layouts
• maintaining suitable colour contrast
• ensuring websites and internal platforms support zoom
• making forms keyboard accessible
• providing meaningful labels for controls
• supporting assistive technologies
• offering information in alternative formats

Accessible workplace technology can benefit employees with permanent, temporary and situational access needs.

My Experience With Keratoconus

Living and working with keratoconus has shaped how I approach technology, design and digital accessibility.

Vision challenges can make ordinary digital tasks more demanding. A poorly structured page, low-contrast text or unclear navigation can create unnecessary barriers.

These experiences have helped me understand why accessibility requires more than automated testing.

It also requires human observation, lived experience and an understanding of how people interact with digital systems in real situations.

How This Influences TechDefined

TechDefined was created with a strong focus on better digital experiences.

Our accessibility work involves identifying accessibility barriers observed during testing within the agreed testing scope.

We provide:

• clear findings
• relevant WCAG references
• practical recommendations
• implementation support where agreed
• retesting of relevant areas after updates

We do not claim that one assessment can make a digital service accessible to every person or guarantee legal compliance.

Instead, we focus on helping organisations understand the barriers present in agreed areas and identify practical opportunities for improvement.

Supporting Employees With Vision Challenges

A supportive workplace begins by listening to the individual.

People with keratoconus may have different levels of vision, use different forms of correction and experience different barriers.

Employers should avoid making assumptions and instead discuss which adjustments would be helpful.

A practical and flexible approach can support:

• greater independence
• improved comfort
• clearer communication
• more effective use of technology
• stronger participation in the workplace

Final Thoughts

Keratoconus can affect the way a person reads, works and interacts with digital content, but it does not define their ability, ambition or professional contribution.

Suitable vision correction, assistive technology, accessible systems and thoughtful workplace adjustments can help reduce barriers.

For organisations, creating a more accessible workplace starts with understanding the needs of employees and reviewing the digital systems they rely on.

TechDefined supports organisations by identifying accessibility barriers within agreed digital environments and providing practical recommendations for improvement.