Sunday, June 21, 2009

Sunday Scribblings - The Gift of Vision

I think that I have always taken my vision for granted. I guess I thought it would always be there. I never imagined my life without the gift of sight. In the last few weeks I have come to realize that vision certainly is a gift, never to be taken for granted.

If I gave my eyesight any thought at all over the years is was to acknowledge that as I grew older I would probably need glasses. I didn't get glasses until I turned 40, bi-focal's at 45, I was right on schedule. I lost the vision part of my health insurance so from 48 to 53 I did not have an eye exam.

This spring I noticed that things in the distance didn't seem as sharp and that when reading or doing close up work it took longer for things to focus and become clear. I sucked it up and made the appointment. That was 3 weeks ago.

In less than a month I am having cataract surgery on my right eye. Before the year end I will also have it done on my left eye.

My doctor has reassured me that he has done this many,many times, as has his associate. Thousands of times. I don't have any doubt of his credentials. I know he is a wonderful doctor. My fear is in the what-if factor.

Should I contact the Society for the Blind? Should I start taking Braille lessons? Should I move closer to town where public transportation is available?

Am I going nuts? Probably. Am I panicking? Most definitely.

I do know that from now on I will not leave my home without sunglasses on my face. I don't have any of the other factors that might cause cataracts. I have just never worn sunglasses. I didn't know their importance.

I have learned that when you have been given a gift, you don't ever take it for granted.

4 comments:

  1. Hey thanks for the tip. I'm going right out to buy a pair of sunglasses tomorrow!

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  2. i had mine removed in my early 40's--and, it was the most amazing thing ever in my life. not only did i realise how brown things had been looking (with one eye at a time, you see clear and sharp and so very, very white and colourful) but, my doctor, being a swell guy, did rk on my eyes, thus, delivering me from glasses for the first time in my life.

    sure, i wear readers...but, to wake up every morning to a crisp clear view of the world is well worth it.

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  3. All the best with your surgery - vision is truly a gift that we don't appreciate until it is at risk.

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  4. I don't think there is anything abnormal or crazy about being nervous about surgery as long as you go on and have it done. I look forward to you posting about how much better you can see and how wonderful it is to have it behind you :)

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