Silver lining
image from www.Eyedoctorguide.com
I failed the vision test for my driver’s license renewal. This was not as great a shock as you may think since I have been saying for the last couple of years that I couldn’t see. My vision has never been great. I’ve been wearing glasses since the third grade after enduring a mortifying patch for lazy eye which didn’t work. Anyway, I have always envied people who could see clearly and could buy cheap sunglasses that didn’t need prescription lenses. Over the years, the cost of my glasses went up as my lenses became more complicated.
So failing the vision test, while not a surprise, was also a major inconvenience. I only drive once a year when I’m in the States. The thought of having to rely on someone else to get me places made me feel prematurely old. How many people do we know in their 80′s who still drive? And yet I couldn’t? So off I went to get a professional’s opinion on my eyes to see if I could still drive.
The kids have been going to a really nice eye doctor in a shop in Honolulu. Hubby stumbled on them by chance and the entire office is great. I’d never seen the doctor since my lenses are so fiddly I prefer to have them made where I live. But I went to him to fix my failed vision test. He examined my eyes and asked me several times if anyone had ever told me I had a problem in my left eye. After dilating my pupils, he confirmed that I have cataracts in both eyes, pretty bad in my left eye. So at the ripe old age of 52, I am having cataract surgery. I also have a bit of retinal damage and asked if that would prevent me from having lasik later. That’s when he told me the amazing news. When they do the cataract surgery, they can just replace my lens with a corrective one so that I don’t need lasik. I won’t even need glasses!!! Now this was the most unbelievable news I’d ever heard. Not only was I going to see much better, but I may not even need glasses to do it.
I am planning on getting it done when I go home but I didn’t even know where to start looking for a doctor. Then I remembered my good friend G was an eye surgeon in a prior life so I asked her. She asked her friend who came up with three names, one of whom had done the surgery for my ingrown eyelashes. What a coincidence. I was happy with the outcome of that surgery so I hope he can do this round too.
Oh and the vision test? After examining me, the doctor in Honolulu certified me fit to drive so my license is successfully renewed. Of course when I come back next summer, fingers crossed I’ll have bionic eyes. Watch this space.
Wow, Hiromi, that is incredible!!! Wonderful news – and makes me think that maybe I should check out solutions when I get back to Canada too. I nearly failed last time. The guy told me that I was right on the line. The only good thing about not seeing well is that we all look much younger though. Might be a bit of a shock when you look at your friends after you get the new lens!
I know, pretty exciting. The doctor was incredulous that no one had noticed it in the last couple of years of eye exams.
Glad you got your license back and some solution to the vision problems! My mom had that procedure — getting new lenses installed when she had cataract surgery. She loves it! After 30+ years of contacts, she doesn’t need them anymore, only using reading glasses now and then. Good luck with the surgery! I think Honolulu without glasses will be so much better — no fogging up or glasses sliding down the nose.
That’s really fantastic news! I got some similar news from my eye doctor in Orland Park. I admit I was a lot more anxious about my failing vision than you sounded about yours, but what a relief! It’s amazing! Thanks for sharing and congrats!