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12 June 2016

EYESIGHT


Twelve months ago I was told that I had the start of AMD (age-related macular degeneration) and was told to do various things to test its progress. Well, you know how it is, you start off with good intentions but those good intentions have a habit of decreasing as each uneventful day goes by.

However, when my yearly appointment loomed I became nervous. I knew I had been a bit remiss in the treatment. Well, I say treatment ... ‘checks’ would be more accurate. I was supposed to check the condition of my sight by practising one particular exercise. Nothing strenuous, merely opening the page of a book to check if the type ‘wandered’. I had twelve months in which to do repeated checks... I did one. That’s why I felt nervous about going to see the optometrist.,, 

I expected the worst as the guy took me through the checking procedures followed by camera work. It all seemed rather calm as I waited to hear the worst, silently resolving to be more sensible, swearing that in future I would heed recommendations and advice. After all they were offered for my own good. Who did I think I was fooling? Not once did I feel guilty but I did feel ashamed.


Whilst waiting for the verdict I was offered a cup of tea. I accepted, but deep down took the gesture as a softener. Isn’t that what they do when bad news looms? I had never been offered tea before so why would they do it now? My knees began to shake and I had to admit being terrified. If only I could turn the clocks back a year.... if only... but it was no use torturing myself. The news would be bad enough.

The guy came back into the room, took my year old specs and began to clean them. He didn’t speak until the job was done. Then he turned to me and said ‘There... that will see you through until you feel like cleaning them yourself.’ He had a smile on his face when he added ‘there is no change in your eyesight. I am very happy with the condition.’

Oh boy, so was I. Seems my AMD is a slow mover and for that I am eternally grateful. Now, where did I put that book.....

17 comments:

  1. I love it. As I am blurry-eyed while reading your story about your appointment, I am encouraged. I had a meal with a friend and his wife over the weekend and he casually tells me of having a lens replaced in each eye. That is too simple compared to your situation. And yet as I read your lines I think that we are all in better hands with the technology today that has changed our eyesight problems. I am glad you had no change. I am hoping that when I go to the doctor that some things can be fixed easier. I almost missed your posting and am so glad that I picked it up. Do take care and thanks for your visits.

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  2. *thunderous applause*

    Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!!!!!!!

    Valerie, I was on pins and needles reading this feeling as nervous and anxious as you, as if "I" were waiting for the results of the test! Oh, what GREAT news!!!!!! And I am so happy for you!

    It reminded me very much of last year when I was in the hospital; not knowing from day to day if I would get better or needed surgery. But like you, it all worked out for the best.

    Again, I am so happy for you, dear lady! Hope you had a super weekend!

    X

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  3. Good morning, Ron, although for a minute there I even wondered what day it was. I saw and allowed your comment to be published and got the email to prove it, however when I came on line to reply I was 'told' the post didn't exist. How strange, when there were three comments waiting. When I investigated I found the post had gone to 'draft'. Honest injun, I never touched it!

    Anyway, thank you for your joining me in celebrating the latest on the old eyes. Yes, I remember last year and wish I and others knew about it sooner. We could have prayed for your recovery, although as it turns out you did it anyway - much to our satisfaction and delight.

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  4. Joeh, thank you. It was good news.

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  5. Larry, it is marvellous what they can do these days. I hope you get on okay with your sight problems and hoping they are just little ones.

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  6. Typical human behavior though, glad you had a good outcome and were able to enjoy that tea :)

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  7. kden, I suppose it was typical behaviour. I must remember that next time I turn into a bag of nerves, smiles.

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  8. So glad to hear that Valerie. Our eyes are so precious. Take care and enjoy your book!

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  9. I'm glad it was good news Val. Expect the best, plan for the worst. It came out good this time!!! :-)

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  10. I'm so glad all worked out fine. Hope the book is good and you do the practice you've been advised to do.

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  11. Hi Paul, long time no see. Thanks for popping in, I'll pop over to yours soon.

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  12. Hi Geraldine. 'Expect the best, plan for the worst' ... I must remember that.

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  13. I am glad it worked out in the best possible way. Your post has reminded me that I am due for an eye test. What a strange thing to have to do, though, to see if the type "wanders." I wonder why. Did they explain?

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  14. Jennie, it is something to with failing vision. The type doesn't actually move it's the way it's seen if the eyesight isn't good. Eventually the centre of anything is blurred by what was described to me as a cloud. The outside of things can be seen but not the centre. It's a bit complicated for me to describe.

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  15. I am so happy that it has worked the best way possible. :-)

    Greetings from London.

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  16. Well, I can understand the nerves completely Valerie but am so glad on the whole it was a good visit. How nice that they offered you a cup of tea.

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  17. Great news, Val. Very glad to hear that. Looks like the magic number is 1 exercise per year. =) Take care.

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