At this point, I’m well on the way to recovery I think. On day three I took a drive. I went on roads that I know to places I know. I could tell that my eyes were still dilated. I knew this because when I’ve had them dilated normally during a regular checkup, I can’t tell what color the signals are when I try to drive home. I can’t tell that there’s even a light in them until I get close enough. And close enough is very close. I experienced the same thing on day three. I also could not read the signs until they got close enough to almost touch them. That didn’t matter so much since I drive this on a regular basis and know what all the signs say. I did a little shopping and headed home.
I go over this stuff in case someone is reading who has not been through cataract surgery. If you’ve been there, this is all repetition. Of course, you also have to make allowance for the fact that everyone is different, every doctor has different procedure, and there are radically different ways to deal with it. Evidently, if you have the laser approach, then you walk out one hundred percent ready to go. Very quick. Replacing the lens takes more time to adapt.
Day four I went driving again and at this point, I could see the signals and tell what color they were from a reasonable distance. It seems I’m gradually making progress.
I don’t plan on going on with day five or beyond. At this point it’s a matter of making adjustments in lifestyle. For 76 years I’ve been wearing glasses. The first thing I would do in the morning is put them on. The last thing I would do at night is take them off. It is very hard to convince myself that I don’t need to put glasses on. For reading it is better every day after this point. I think I finally settled down. I’m beginning to understand why people tuck their sunglasses in the collar of their shirt. For many it’s still to look cool, for most it’s probably just the best way to keep track of your sunglasses when you’re taking them off and putting them on.
I have a half dozen sets of reading glasses from the dollar store of various magnification. The adventure right now is trying them on and seeing what works for different things. I’m starting to lay the groundwork for flexibility in life and laying a set of glasses in a certain place where I know I will need them. I put one by my music stand for playing my guitar. I put one by my reading chair. I plan to put one in the car. Sometimes I can read things on the computer and iPad, other times not so much. I don’t know how much more change there will be, but I think we’re starting to settle down.
I still have this residue of 76 years of habit. I may just have to get a pair of frames with no lens so I can feel like life is complete. My grandchildren are worried that they won’t recognize me without glasses.
Technology can be frustrating, but it also can make getting old easier.
homo unius libri
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Comments are welcome. Feel free to agree or disagree but keep it clean, courteous and short. I heard some shorthand on a podcast: TLDR, Too long, didn't read.