The Better to See

You may (or not) be wondering what this Jeep front end photo has to do with seeing. 

Yes, there is a correlation and here it is. Those front lights on my 2007 Jeep Liberty were very "pitted" and the top of the headlights looked very cloudy. After checking and finding out that the cost to replace each headlight assembly was a few hundred dollars each. Yikes!  I went to a Jeep dealer and, contrary to what you (and I) was be thinking about cost. There was a good chance the frosted headlights could be cleared there at far less cost, under $200 total. Headlights and parking lights were done and look great (don't you think so too, but of course you didn't see the before).

Back to the "seeing" post title. Now that my car headlights are "seeing" better; later this month so will I. 

That's because, I'm having cataract surgery. (Yes, it happens to many at a "certain" age.) No detailed info here as online sites provide all that and more including visuals. Briefly, the lens that's become cloudy inside the eye is removed and replaced with an artificial lens (intraocular lens or IOL). I've spoken with folks who have undergone this surgery and every one has said the aftermath is nothing short of amazing in terms of their improved vision. And to me, that's like having having my headlights cleared.

The two surgeries will be spaced a couple of weeks apart followed by 2 post-op visits, which is "usual" procedure. By the time this is posted, the left eye surgery will have been completed.

Before being ruled "eligible" for cataract surgery, there's an evaluation and consultation with an ophthalmologist. I was fortunate in getting a recommendation from the optometrist we've been "seeing" here. Some folks cautioned me, in advance, that sometimes you can be told "you're not ready." (Personally, I hoped that wouldn't happen.)

Luckily for Medicare-covered folks here in the U.S., cataract surgery is covered by Medicare Part B, as is any corrective lenses required after surgery. It's not an inexpensive surgery; estimated cost is $2200/eye. In addition to Medicare, we pay for supplemental medical coverage too. 

Afterwards, like my Jeep, I expect to be "seeing" better. Driving has been limited and lately I've been walking to local places. The mill apartment, where we live, is within walking distance of downtown Nashua, the local library, pharmacies, medical offices, post office, eateries, and more. It's not only a good great way to get in more steps daily, but also far less hassle than finding and paying for parking spaces.

As a photographer, I'm excited at the prospect of seeing colors more vividly. As a driver, it'll be great to see roadway and street signs from a further distance than possible now. (Grenville will also feel much safer when I'm driving.)

It's also possible that I can avoid using glasses for distance. Corrective lenses may still be required and perhaps only be for reading. I'm really okay with that possibility.

If fellow bloggers reading this post have had this surgery, please feel free to comment on your reactions as well.

Since composing this post, my left eye surgery has been done. There was no discomfort either before, during or after surgery. The plastic eye shield which remained on afterwards and overnight was removed at the first post-op office visit. It was recommended to be worn for 3 more nights. I found this rigid shield uncomfortable and the small air vents made vision more difficult. 

Its purpose is to prevent a patient from rubbing the eye. I'm good with avoiding that and discussed not wearing it with the ophthalmologist who was OK with that. There's a regimen of 3 different eye drops 4X daily, which I do follow on schedule.

I've scheduled a Friday Funnies post and then will take a short blog break. I'm working on some upcoming blog posts and this will give me time to organize them.

Here's 👀 looking at you until next time — Cheers 🥂