What a beautiful day! This morning, I saw Dr. Solomon, who removed the shield from my right eye and tested me.
He wanted to check my eyes after the surgery yesterday. I scored 100 percent on the reading tests, reading microscopic letters one after another for the first time in years, maybe ever. He said the eye had healed beautifully, and I no longer needed to wear glasses at all unless I wanted to. If I read a lot, I might need close-up lenses for reading. I’ll get some.
But the real explosion in my mind came when I went outside and saw the color—in the sky, in stop signs, in parked cars. I have seen the colors in my photos, but not like I saw them this morning. I feel like one of those poor kids in the movies who runs to his parents and yells, “Look, I can see!”
I know I never suffered like the blind do, but losing the color in my eyes was painful and disturbing, or more. I couldn’t imagine the change.
It’s miraculous and exciting. The second operation comes in three weeks. I have a non-prescription glass lens in exchange for the one I don’t need anymore, and I can drive without glasses now, probably for good. I might wear glasses because I like them and am used to them; I have to figure it out.
Maria and I were both stunned. The procedure could not have been better or made me happier. It turned my world upside down.
Once again, it is a healthcare procedure that makes me better, happier, and healthier. I’m swamped with work and tech issues today, and I need to send out my pantry help request and get my blog showing up on Facebook, which has been a while since it has been done. I also need to rest my eyes.
Thanks to those who told me this would end or begin this way. I appreciate your support and can’t wait to experiment a bit with my flower photos. Dr. Solomon said he would prefer I take very few pictures for a few days, not in bright light, until next week. I might not last that long, but I will try to take it easy and soak up my gratitude and joy. Thanks again. Many good people are out there, and they are the ones to listen to.
I’ve had several surgeries, and everyone has made me better. More later, I need to sit in the quiet and absorb this.
I’m so happy for you! And your night vision may astound you.
As I said before – I walked around for a month sounding like I had dropped acid. (Or so someone told me.) I was just so delighted!
Hooray for your successful cataract surgery! I had the same wonderful experience and am happy that you are having a new look at life. What amazed me most was the vibrant colors that I clearly had not seen for years. It is wonderful isn’t it ?
Yes it is
I am thrilled for you and glad surgery was a success. Take it easy and enjoy all the color nature can offer!
Please, follow the Doctor’s instructions.. you don’t want to screw your beautiful sight up for a magnificent flower picture in the sun. The sun will come up tomorrow, flowers will grow. This surgery has provided you a future of many glorious photos to come. Go easy on yourself. You have a lot of people rooting for you. We will be patiently waiting for your eye(s) to heal . God bless.
Jon, I believe in my heart that attitude and intention matter for the outcome of anything. Whenever you’ve written about having had a procedure done, your attitude and intentions were always that things would be for the better; no moaning or groaning about it. You gathered your info, chose your medical people well, and made good decisions, and for the most part, followed instructions. Having a partner like Maria to assist in your healing is a treasure. Your unique vision is now enhanced; we will get to see how much more fun you will have with light and color!
Excellent news!
I can’t imagine how your fotos will improve. The colors and shapes you capture are already beautiful. Will they be different? Do you see fuzziness like impressionism that the camera doesn’t of course “see”?
I was told 2 years ago I had beginning cataracts. Age 79. .There is some lack of focus now but I still read and drive. What made your doctor decide it was time for surgery? (I also have macular degeneration and can’t see from the center of one eye.)
I second what Gwen said about following doctor’s orders but then I would because I’m a nurse. Many beautiful flowers and tomorrows lie ahead. I couldn’t be happier for you! You can imagine what it will be like after your other eye is done. Years ago my mother-in-law had the same results you share here post cataract surgery. It was funny that she went home and couldn’t believe how dirty her carpets looked. My husband was afflicted with a life changing (for both of us) rare genetic eye disease (Stargardt’s disease) late onset in his 50’s. This has caused early retirement for both of us, he no longer drives and the condition is deteriorating. By follow up yesterday he was told that his left eye has microscopic central vision. His peripheral vision will be spared though his acuity will range between 20/200 (legally blind) – 20/400.
Give the short term recommendations the credit it’s due. You won’t regret it! Patience is a virtue.
When my mom had cataract surgery, she said, “now I can see all the spots on my clothes!”