NBA Star Stephen Curry Speaks Out About Living with Keratoconus
Twelve-time NBA All-Star Stephen Curry, revered for his pivotal role in leading the Golden State Warriors to four NBA championships, is shedding light on a personal health matter that many may overlook—keratoconus, an eye condition that can significantly affect vision.
Curry’s journey with keratoconus began somewhat unconventionally. He wasn’t aware that his blurry vision was not just a part of life but a sign of an underlying condition. The realization came when former Warriors general manager Bob Myers noticed Curry squinting during a game. Concerned for his teammate’s vision, Myers encouraged Curry to seek an eye examination, leading to his diagnosis in 2018.
Keratoconus is characterized by the thinning and bulging of the cornea into a cone shape, which can result in distorted vision, sensitivity to light, and frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions. Symptoms can vary widely, and many individuals, like Curry, may not recognize the extent of their condition until it is pointed out by someone else.
“I didn’t know anything about it before I went to the doctor,” Curry shared. “For whatever reason, I didn’t ask the questions or go have an eye screening until Bob pointed it out.” His condition can worsen over time, making early diagnosis crucial to preventing irreversible vision loss, according to eye health experts.
Curry’s eye care specialist, Dr. Randy McLaughlin from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, explained that keratoconus might complicate everyday activities, including driving and working. Treatment options typically involve the use of rigid contact lenses or corneal cross-linking therapy to halt the disease’s progression. After finding the right lens prescription, Curry described the improvement in his vision as life-changing, revealing, “I could actually see clearly and stop squinting.”
To raise awareness about keratoconus and the importance of regular eye exams, Curry has partnered with Glaukos for the “Could it be KC?” campaign. This initiative aims to target communities disproportionately affected by the condition, especially among Black and Hispanic populations. Curry’s personal narrative serves as an authentic testament to the importance of eye health.
In an effort to connect with younger audiences, Curry recently participated in an educational event at Madison Park Primary in Oakland, where he introduced a picture book titled “Eye on the Ball.” This book is designed to facilitate discussions about eye health in a relatable manner for children, helping to destigmatize visits to eye doctors.
Curry emphasizes the importance of awareness and encourages anyone experiencing vision issues to seek professional help. “If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to ask questions and get checked,” he advises. By sharing his experience, Curry hopes to inspire others to prioritize their eye health and seek the care they need for conditions like keratoconus.
