This is very personal to me and I wondered if I was ready to openly share my experience. Nevertheless, here I am. From a very young age, I was very short-sighted. My poor vision was discovered by my favorite elementary school teacher around the age of 7 years old. As sometimes happens, it was not immediately apparent to my family. Teachers observe you in the classroom all day and are more apt to observe if a child is having difficulty seeing the blackboard etc., especially from a distance.
My parents were advised of my vision problems and I was taken to an optometrist who prescribed glasses. From that day onward, I wore spectacles. I hated wearing glasses because like most youngsters, I just wanted to fit in. Because I had severe myopia, my glasses never looked as pretty, once the prescription lenses were fitted. This was before all the latest technology in eyewear was developed. So somewhere in my teens, I  decided I wanted contact lenses. My whole adult life involved getting a new prescription every 2 or 3 years, for both eyeglasses and contact lenses.
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I viewed this as the norm, (for me anyway) and never gave it much thought, other than the fact, it was a huge expense. Especially at times when I did not have medical coverage at work. I was vigilant in visiting my optometrist annually or at least every 2 years. My eyes got progressively worse as I got older. It became more difficult to fill my prescription. I was somewhat worried, because deep inside, I always knew my eyesight would be something I had to take very good care of and pay special attention to. Hence the reason I kept up my doctor’s visits.
A few years ago, I visited my optometrist after not going for over 18 months. He did all the usual tests and then some. By his line of questioning; it was apparent to me he was concerned. I was referred to an ophthalmologist at the end of that visit. This was during a particularly traumatic time of my life. My father was very ill and I was having a very bad year overall. This news just added to my worries. To quote Queen Elizabeth, that year was my “annus horribilis.” Everything that could possibly go wrong seemed like it did. The day of the visit with my ophthalmologist came and I went to my appointment. I felt I was in the twilight zone. Most of the patients were much older than myself. When the surgeon advised me, I had to have surgery to repair my vision, I asked him “What would happen if I did not?” Not that I had any intention of not doing the surgery, but I ask questions such as this, to get a comprehensive picture of where I stand. I never forgot the doctor’s response, “Without a doubt, you will go blind.” As can be imagined, that was an unforgettable day. I left the office with surgery being scheduled for a few weeks time for my right eye. The other eye would be scheduled for a later date.
Fast forward a few weeks later and my surgery was completed. I remember it being a cold Spring day, but beautiful with brilliant sunshine. When I got home and took off my dark sunglasses and looked through the window of my apartment and saw the sun streaming though the window, I was amazed. It had never looked that bright to me before. In that instant, I realized I had missed out on decades of seeing the world as most people with normal vision saw it. Every-time I awoke from sleeping, my vision was stronger, as my eye healed. I was in awe of everything because I saw clearly for the first time in my life. Eventually I had my second surgery and that was also successful. I had a very gifted surgeon and I am forever grateful.
Years have since passed and I am still in wonder of sight, the ability of the human body to heal, and the miracle of medicine and science. This post is just a fragment of everything I have experienced in the years since that eventful day starting in my optometrist’s office. It has been a long journey. I share this story to reinforce I suppose, how important vision is in every area of our life; it also affects how we view people and the world. There are subtle non-verbal signals you pick up from someone when you can see them clearly. I missed out on that for a long time.
My advice to anyone out there – protect and take care of your eyes and get regular eye exams. That way you will be aware of any changes to your vision from your last appointment. I am not going to specify what type of surgery I had or go into any more details. Everyone’s case is unique and that is something you discuss with your doctor. Eye check ups are particularly important, if like myself, you have worn glasses for most of your life. Give it as much priority as your annual physical.
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