Vision

It seems surprising that I have not as yet commented on the biggest personal change to date.

After forty-one years of being almost totally dependent upon glasses, I no longer need them for most things. In January, I underwent a procedure known as Lasik, which restored my uncorrected vision.

Because of the extent of the correction which I needed, I am still waiting for the full effect of the surgery, but I am content with the improvement I have so far. People with strong prescriptions often have a lot of fluid left in their eye after the procedure, and it needs to work itself out, often taking several months. Until then, the vision, while good, is hazy at times, and needs mild correction in poor light.

This pain-free and quick procedure is nothing short of a miracle of modern science. For people like myself, it will save money in the long run, as my glasses are getting to be a major expense. Well, not any longer.

In some ways, I really don't know what to make of this miracle on a deep level. I have identified myself for most of my life as a glasses wearer. Now, I find myself wearing my reading glasses (yes, I still need those) unnecessarily, as if in some way I find them comforting.

What really amazes me is the reaction of health insurance companies to this miracle. In fact, their attitude about correction in general, whether it be glasses, contact lenses, or surgery is puzzling.

My dental care is completely covered under our plan. Yet, I can work, take care of my family, and navigate around quite adequately without a tooth. In fact, I can drive myself to my dentist if I am in need of care.

Vision care, on the other hand, is sparingly funded. My last pair of glasses cost nearly $600, yet I was only eligible for $100 every two years for a new pair. I was incapable of working, watching children or shopping without my glasses, let alone driving myself to my eye doctor.

Why is this so? It seems very odd, and probably ensures that many people driving around with corrective lenses are not seeing as well as they should, because they can't afford to update their prescription. I find this a scary thought.

For me, this problem is past. I will spend the second half of my life as a person who doesn't need glasses for most things. Now, I can hardly wait until the excess fluid in my eyes has worked its way out, and I can see completely clearly.

Now, that's a big change!